Customer Reviews

Waking Up to What You Do: A Zen Practice for Meeting Every Situation with Intelligence and Compassion

5 star:		(7)
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3 star:		(1)
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What I like most about Diane Rizzetto's book is not just that the words are clear, which they certainly are, but that they are immediate and alive. There is none of the moral judgment that usually accompanies writing on the Buddhist precepts; rather, the precepts actually come to life, as guideposts on how to live in the midst of the moral confusion that marks our everyday living. Diane uses many real life examples, both from her own life and the lives of others: some help clarify the meaning of the precept; some illustrate how the precept can be lived in real lfe situations; and some are deeply inspirational - pointing us in the direction that we all wish to go. I recommend this book to anyone, Buddhist or not, meditator or not, who would like to live in a more genuine and open hearted way.

This is a wonderful and insightful book. It really brought the precepts alive for me in a thoughtful and practical way. I have read through it twice and am amazed at how much more I picked up from second reading. It has been absolutely helpful, a real gem, and a very good read to boot!

A wonderful book. Full of very down-to-earth wisdom on living compassionately, honestly, and courageously. Many real-life stories from Rizzetto's work as a Zen teacher as well as practical advice and exercises for applying the book's teaching to your own life. Highly recommended.

I picked this book up at the library and I had no idea why I chose it, the title was interesting and I was intrigued. I had no idea what the Buddhist precepts were. Yet reading the book I was fascianted by the insight. I found it went along with Stephen Covey's 7 Habits and the 8th Habit, as a way to change your life by working between the stimulus and the response. I liked the book so much I will buy it so I can re-read it when I need to. When the student is ready a teacher will be found applied here. I did not know I was looking for this insight but I am glad I was lead to find this book.

This book is a gem. It is easily readable and easily applied to life. I finally bought it for myself as I feel it is one of those books that you just keep reading and re-reading to remind yourself and train yourself.

I have never been a Zen practitioner, per se. But years ago I was inspired by Joko Beck's straightforward approach to life as practice. I started rereading her recently, and somehow came upon Diane Eshin Rizetto. Actually, I came upon a reference to this book before I knew exactly who she was. In any case, I somehow felt compelled to check the book out, and the leap was such a profoundly good one.

Every word felt like rain on parched earth. I was in a space where I so needed to be touched by unadorned, but kindly, Truth. That's just what I got. If I lived in the Bay area, I would go and put my head in this woman's lap (at her feet might be more traditional, but the urge is to be held by the warmth and clarity of her understanding).

These teachings are pure and tender and no-nonsense. If you can't see yourself in this book on the precepts as foundation for living, I have to believe you're not looking that carefully.

I was very pleased with my purchase from this seller. The book arrived in appropriate time frame, and in perfect condition, just as promised. I would order form this seller in the future.

The book is o.k., but the precepts are not the actual Buddhist ones, just the author's own versions of them.

The other problem is that I think this book is written primarily for women. The author always uses "she" or "her" when giving examples of anything. (Or maybe it is just women's lib gone awry!)

Anyway, it's an o.k. book.