Discover Zen: A Practical Guide to Personal Serenity (Paperback)

~ (Author) "We live in a supermarket of ideas, faiths, practices, theories, ideologies, and much else besides..." (more)
Key Phrases: Pure Land Buddhism, Soto Zen, Chinese Zen (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Introductory books on Buddhism are a dime a dozen these days, with bookstore shelves scarcely able to accommodate the many primers available. One that stands out in the throng is Discover Zen: A Practical Guide to Personal Serenity, distinguished by its specific application of just one Buddhist tradition, as well as its colorful, vibrant illustrations. (Chronicle, $14.95 paper 160p ISBN 0-8118-3196-5; June)

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

The latest title in our highly successful mind, body and spirit series, Discover Zen is a beautifully illustrated and inspiring guide to this ancient Asian philosophy. The straightforward text and over 30 step-by-step exercises guide the reader thorough classic Zen practices, such as meditation and understanding koans (puzzling parables) as well as sensuous rituals like creating a Zen rock garden, writing haiku poetry, or performing a tea ceremony. Delicate illustrations and quotations from the great Zen masters encourage contemplation. Although it is a movement of Buddhism, Zen principles are complementary to any system of belief. Zen techniques offer a respite from the stress of daily life, provide a healthy outlet for emotions, and promote spiritual growth and understanding. By teaching us to live in the moment, Zen infuses serenity into every aspect of life.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books (March 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811831965
• ISBN-13: 978-0811831963
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,030,477 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

• This item is part of The Learn to... Series.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful intro to the miracle of Zen., May 29, 2001

By A Customer

I loved this book! As a serious practitioner of Zen for several years, it's a joy to find such a novel and succinct book on Buddhism. The exercises alone are well worth the read.

There are two points that I would like to make: 1) The author seems to believe that the Boddidharma *literally* stared at a wall for nine years (in fact this is generally agreed upon by academics as a syllogistic story). This is an unfortunate and sure sign that the author has read only the immediate surface background of Zen....

2) The author speaks of "making progress" in their practice of Zen and of benchmarking themselves against the Ox-herding pictures as a gauge of satisfactory in Buddhism. Zen has nothing to do with progress or "getting somewhere."...

These are fairly minor points in juxtaposition to the readability of this book. This is truly a don't-miss read!

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An interesting (and illustrated) approach, May 30, 2001

By	Jesse A Whyte (Loveland, CO United States) - See all my reviews

The illustrations in this volume add a significant amount of content to the message that Fontana is making. I really enjoyed his exercise-based approach to Zen. He holds your hand for the first couple of steps and then really lets the reader understand and explore various zen koan throughout the book. This was only my second book on Zen Buddhism that I have read (the first being Suzuki's Introduction to Zen Buddhism), but I find myself with a much better understanding than when I started.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A WONDERFUL book to read, ponder...and BEHOLD, November 21, 2001

By	Joel L. Gandelman (San Diego, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Trying to learn Zen from books can be ABSOLUTELY maddening. Some are clearly for people who already know something or know a lot and, to the beginner, these books often don't make sense. Then there are the "cutesy" books that talk down to the readers as if they have been lobotomized. I have to admit that I have been absolutely confused (or frustrated) about most of the many I have read....until now:

David Fontana has written a book that is not only a JOY to read and think about -- but a sublime pleasure to look at.

The only way to explain this book to you is this way: it is not a long, pondereous book. Yet, it is crammed with info, inspiration and wonderful art.

Chapters are generally short (a few pages). At the end of each highly readable and enjoyable chapter there is an exercise which (if you try it) is not only fun but greatly increases your understanding of what Zen is all about.

And there's more: I have SELDOM had a book that is so tastefully and beautifully illustrated. It's like holding a little treasure -- a tiny art gallery in your hand. The illustrations are so simple, yet so inspiring (one exercise even has you interpret one).

How much do I love this book? I am going to re-read it. I may eventually gift this to someone who is interested in Zen. And I am going to hunt for Fontana's other books.

This is a book I want to re-read, carry with me on trips and take off the book shelf often -- to gaze on the little art gallery within its covers. GREAT TO OWN OR GIFT!!!!!