365 Zen: Daily Readings [Paperback]

Jean Smith (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 7, 1999

“Watermelons and Zen students
grow pretty muchthe same way.
Long periods of sitting ‘till they ripen and grow
all juicy inside, but
when you knock them on the head
to see if they’re ready –
sounds like nothing&

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

The story of the 80-year-old Catholic priest who sheds tears his first time meditating; the parable of potatoes that are best cleaned by being rubbed against each other; the koan about the sound of one hand--in 365 Zen, Jean Smith mines the now vast body of English language Zen literature, plucking out gems for appreciative handling. Laid out for daily contemplation, each passage is less than a page in length, and although short enough to be read in just a few moments, they have enough gleaming facets to keep you turning them over all day. Seasoned students and avid readers of Zen will find much of the material familiar--Thich Nhat Hanh, Shunryu Suzuki, Charlotte Joko Beck--but having it sorted and refined into daily doses makes for convenient practice. And whether you are a novice or an expert, you will be sure to find enough treasures to keep your mind unbusy every day of the year. --Brian Bruya

About the Author

Jean Smith is the editor of Everyday Mind, Breath Sweeps Mind, and Radiant Mind, all of which were created under the auspices of Tricycle, North America's premier Buddhist magazine.

Product Details

• Paperback: 408 pages
• Publisher: HarperOne; 1 edition (April 7, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0062516027
• ISBN-13: 978-0062516022
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 5.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #707,643 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Contemporary Work, July 16, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: 365 Zen: Daily Readings (Paperback)

This book is a very good book in understanding the wisdom of zen philosophy. A great coffee table book which is meant to be read once a day throughout the year (typically). It is a good book for those who want to brush up on their zen knowledge and awakening. Solid book!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good book, September 29, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: 365 Zen: Daily Readings (Paperback)

This collection is a good way to gain access to zen writing and writers. I have found it both inspirational and practical. The readings beg you to think and then to apply them to situations each of us encounter every day. I also highly recommend "Open Your Mind, Open Your Life: A Little Book of Eastern Wisdom" by Taro Gold. Excellent!

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gentle Reminders on how we ought to live our lives, November 12, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: 365 Zen: Daily Readings (Paperback)

Very thoughtful collection of quotes and stories. Kept on my desk, the book is opened when a reflective break is needed from the stress of daily life. These short reminders are effective guideposts on a subject that is evasive and impossible to learn through book learning. I highly recommend it.