Customer Reviews

The Pocket Zen Reader (Shambhala Pocket Classics)

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is real Zen, not the nonsense that goes on now, and went on then, in the name of Zen; real non-dual, don't-believe, don't-meditate, don't-seek wisdom from some, a long long time ago, who knew what they were talking about. This is one of the best editor-translators of Zen we have, Cleary. This is a Shambhala pocket edition without being listed as such, the best kind of inexpensive, portable books made (why have they not been imitated more?) What else do you want? For it to come with fries and a drink? Go ahead and get it!

great book to read about zen and the size is right. You can carry them around in your pocket and read a page or two when you feel like. It may be a little difficult for beginners. I also recommend Zen Flesh Zen Bones which is much easier and a good starter for zen novice.

Words cannot express how wonderful this little book is. It has 217 or so pages and no Big type either, no big, fancy letters saying "MIND IS BUDDHA". These are actual translations of the works of Chinese and Japanese Zen masters and each one of them is a gem! I also recommend Zen Essence by the same translator. Buy it!

I have many books in my collection. I consider only about 20 of them worthy of multiple reads. This book is the most worn of them all. Because it is full of great material, it is very convenient to carry (although the previous edition was thinner and more convenient for the pocket), and each small item stands alone. I would recommend this book to anyone looking to clear their thoughts.

This is a book I have often went back to for inspiration. Reading the words from these eighteen Zen masters provides nourishment for the soul. Though the size of the book is small, the 162 pages gives readers a peek at the Zen mind. The theme of this volume is how true Zen is not complex but is simple and free. This text also emphasizes that Zen is not a religion (I agree) or philosophy(this is where I disagree because Zen is indeed a philosophy).
Thomas Cleary claims that Zen is a "practical science of freedom." Whether this statement is true or not can be debated; nevertheless, this is a book for anyone interested in the Zen approach to life.

Rating: 5 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Haiku Moments: How to read, write and enjoy Haiku).

Do you want to be free? I mean really free beyond anything you can imagine? It's the truth. I'm not joking.