Customer Reviews

White Collar Zen: Using Zen Principles to Overcome Obstacles and Achieve Your Career Goals

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Go to any weekend Buddhist retreat, and during open discussions on the application of the Dharma, the conversation will inevitably turn to the workplace - on how to respond to difficult occupational situations and adversarial fellow employees. White Collar Zen is a book concerned with this all too common form of suffering. It is an insightful, and very practical guide for applying the transcendent wisdom of Zen to the everyday challenges of making a living. Heine's advise is based on the skillful application of Zen's "Great Doubt," so that we can transform the ordinary working world into a realm of opportunity for enlightened action. This is accomplished by understanding our relationships in the workplace as encounters, rather than conflicts, akin to the encounters recorded in Zen Koans, and charged with all the possibilities of awakening. The steps for taking this approach are presented in very clear and accessible language, and there are a number of useful examples given to illustrate how the method can be applied in real situations. A valuable book for these times, White Collar Zen teaches us how Great Doubt can be effectively used at work, so that the sword that kills may also give life and workplace foxes may, in the end, be revealed as Buddhas.

Among the many topics touched in this fascinating book there is one that everyone who is in the business world will immediately noticed: The Structure and The Anti-Structure. Steven Heine explains in detail how to become part of the structure of a company and even more importantly he details how to "break-through" the structure and make it work for one's benefits.

In my personal case I must thank Dr. Heine for the words of wisdom that allowed me to get through the toughest interview that I've ever had. Following the guidelines of the book I put all my attention in the way the interview was structuring itself and once I was able to grasp the essence of what my future manager was looking for, I decide to break-through the structure and I gave a short but sincere and strong answer following the principles explained in this book and as of right now I'm the right hand of one of the Assistant Vice-Presidents of the company for which I work

For those of us who face challenges and obstacles in the workplace on a daily basis, this is one of the most thoughtful and insightful guidelines on how to better prepare and turn difficulties into opportunities for growth and development. The author has obviously poured into the pages of the book years of experience and inspiration. "White Collar Zen" is a pleasure to read from cover to cover, as it is filled with many illuminating anecdotes as well as quotes and references to contemporary sports, music, movies, books, in addition to Zen and Eastern Classics.

Steve Heine has succeeded in writing a book that is accessible, enjoyable, practical, and funny. If you struggle to integrate your spiritual teachings into your daily work experiences, then this book is for you. Heine masterfully weaves Zen teachings, references to contemporary culture, personal anecdotes, and humor to create a delightful read.

I can't wait for "White Collar Zen II"!

Building on Buddhist parables and using sources as diverse as St. Augustine and Alice in Wonderland, author Steven Heine offers a little book with big ideas, such as applying the Zen values of detachment and resilience to workplace dynamics. He tells stories to illustrate intricate, thoughtful ways to assess and react to various business scenarios and disputes. Then, with a relatively low dose of philosophical double-speak and, perhaps, a few too many oblique Eastern-sounding aphorisms, he encourages you to take the high ground. We recommend this illuminating guide to those of a philosophical or spiritual bent. Heine's knowledgeable explanation of the practical application of Zen ideas in business will help you remain philosophical in the face of workplace triumphs, puzzles or setbacks. While it is hard to see the Buddha inside a bull-headed rival, it may help to try.

Steven Heine's "White Collar Zen" is a must read for all those interested in weaving a successful path through today's difficult and puzzling world. Written by one of the world's foremost Dogen scholars, this little gem is a subtle but amusing blend of intellectual brilliance and common sense methodology that is informed by Heine's long-time study of the Zen tradition.Heine succeeds where other scholars simply do not. He's written a book that transcends the usual gap between academe and accessibility. Sports, movies, music, and Heine's anecdotes spice up this great little volume.I haven't had such a pure good time since Rodger Kamenetz's "The Jew in the Lotus."