Living By Zen: A Synthesis of the Historical and Practical Aspects of Zen Buddhism [Paperback]

D.T. Suzuki (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0877281947 | ISBN-13: 978-0877281948 | Publication Date: January 1, 2008

One of the most important works on Zen Buddhism. the author explains this unique approach to enlightenment to Western readers. It is a direct, profound, and immensely practical way of life, which has helped mold the philosophy and culture of China and Japan for over 1200 years.

Product Details

• Paperback: 188 pages
• Publisher: RedWheel / Weiser (January 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0877281947
• ISBN-13: 978-0877281948
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,462,369 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A delectable introduction, July 8, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Living By Zen: A Synthesis of the Historical and Practical Aspects of Zen Buddhism (Paperback)

This book is an excellent introductory overview of Zen precepts and practice over the ages. It gives a feel of what it is to live with satori (enlightenment) - very 'normal' they would say - of what is the core 'being' of Zen and what it takes to get 'there'. One of the main draws of this book is the extensive use of quotes and anecdotes from the lives of Zen masters in the discussion of concepts. These provide concrete examples of the workings of Zen, historical insights into the lives of Zen masters and serve to enliven the whole discourse.

The introductory chapters are followed by a discussion on satori - the essence of Zen, followed by a chapter on the various approaches to it within the Zen tradition itself. The last chapter is devoted to a discussion of the Koan, one of the chief methods used by Zen masters in training their disciples. In the concluding sections, Dr. Suzuki also gives insights into what is demanded of the Zen student in his pursuit of satori.

His writing is fluid, the language clear and simple, but never simplistic in the treatment of the subject matter. However, for a more elaborate and systematic treatment of the subject of this book, his other titles (eg. "Zen Buddhism : Selected Writings of D.T.Suzuki", "Essays in Zen Buddhism", etc.) may be referred to.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Buddhist Scholar's Very Accesible Introduction to Zen, March 15, 2004

By 

Andrew Beaulac (Whidbey Island, WA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Living By Zen: A Synthesis of the Historical and Practical Aspects of Zen Buddhism (Paperback)

I have read this book cover to cover twice when new to Zen, and now, years later, am reading it again. It is subtitled " A Synthesis of the Historical and Practical Aspects of Zen Buddhism," but don't let the academic sound throw you. It is written by a scholar of Buddhism, but with such brilliance of insight and profundity that the reader feels he or she is in the Zendo, not the classroom.
Right from the beginning you are asked the essential question: "What is meant by living by Zen? Are we not all living by Zen, in Zen, and with Zen? Can we ever escape it?" By the end of the book you are living with the answers to those questions.
Suzuki deals extensively in this work with the nature of "satori" and "koan" practice, and provides a very good, if brief, general history of the main characters and insights of Zen Buddhism. I read this book as an introduction when new to Zen. I can read it years later and still refresh my understanding. Highly recommended.