Zen Mind, Beginners Mind fell in to my lap one rainy afternoon. It was the late fall of 2005 and nothing has been the same and nothing has been different since I read and reread it. Make no mistake this is not some quick self help book, though it sure can be helpful. It really is nothing more then a little old Zen Master giving a bunch of lectures that don't solve anything but sure do point to a road that you just might find interesting.It is quite difficult to write about a book that paints a picture that moves away from thinking about things in black and white, yes and no, or good and bad. I just need to remind myself that I'm talking with you about the book and not trying to explain Zen.Taking in mind the last sentence makes it all clear. Zen Mind, Begineers Mind is a simple series of lectures that may help the reader to see reality a bit clearer (it did that for me). Zen Mind, Beginners Mind is a simple series of lectures built around the idea accept nothing till you verify it for yourself.
In 1953 an American business man goes to Japan to find out what Zen is all about. if you think that premise sounds like it might have been ripped from a dime store detective novel your right. Philip Kapleau takes us on a journey into Zen using a descriptive narrative full of color and intrigue. He populates the first part of the book with his own doubts that can seem a bit silly to someone reading this book 50+ years after it was written. But when you settle in, the doubts mirror our own as we search for answers in life. Kapleau is all too human while at the same time possessing a gigantic internal courage. Kapleau uses numerous meetings (called dokusan ) between the Zen teacher and the pupil to showcase the struggles and the successes each of us may go through on a journey of meditation (Zazen). The stories are unusal in that writings like these are rare in Zen and usually not showcased for public consumption.Kapleau repeats lectures by one of his teachers Haku'un Yasutani and he introduces the reader to may historical figures from Zen. The book is an easy read but not for those who have a passing interest in Zen. If you are deeply curious about Zen then I highy recomend this book as an entry to the world and teachings of Zen.
This essential knowledge that humankind needs to know, is offered to you in a three-day course/retreat by renowned Thai Buddhist author, Supawan Green. Supawan will guide you with her informal and visual talks, Tai Chi exercises and precise meditation techniques. It will be a truly enlightening experience!
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