The notion of spending days at a time in silence and meditation in the serenity of a Zen Buddhist monastery is an appealing idea to many--but how do you actually do it, and what can you really expect the experience to be like? Jack Maguire takes you within monastery walls to provide an insider’s view of the elements of daily life:
Sitting and walking meditation
Zen-style meals
Work as a key part of spiritual practice
Ceremonies and chanting
Encounters with teachers
He also provides profiles of full-time residents to show the surprising range of people who end up living in Zen monasteries, as well their perspectives on their unique lifestyle. A detailed guide to Zen Buddhist places throughout North America and a glossary of terms make Waking Up not only a handbook for the curious seeker, but also an excellent resource for anyone who wants to know more about the way of Zen.
