Stumbling Toward Enlightenment (Paperback)

by Geri Larkin (Author), Geraldine A. Larkin (Author) "In China there was a Zen master who spent his time traveling throughout the countryside, visiting different temples, always accompanied by a handful of disciples..." (more)
Key Phrases: sympathetic joy, dharma talks, eye twitch, Ann Arbor, New York, Samu Sunim (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
A series of failed relationships and nervous exhaustion led Larkin, a former management consultant, to seek solace in Zen Buddhist meditation. This account of her spiritual quest is hilarious and serious, breezy, and earnestly truthful all at once. It is filled with reflections on Zen precepts and meditative practice, distilled in pragmatic observations that will resonate with American seekers wanting out of the fast lane. An enjoyable, thoughtful book for popular reading collections.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description
A humorous and honest collection of Buddhist wisdom from a Western beginner'­s perspective.

Instead of promising a straight and clear path to enlightenment, author and teacher Geri Larkin shows us that even stumbling along that path can lead to self-discovery and awakening, especially if we prize the journey and not the destination. With candor, affection, and earthy wisdom, Larkin shares her experiences as a beginning and continuing Buddhist. This spirituality classic shows any seeker that it's possible to stumble, smile, and stay Zen through it all.

 

 

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Product Details

• Paperback: 244 pages
• Publisher: Celestial Arts (September 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0890878498
• ISBN-13: 978-0890878491
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #602,579 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Accessible Zen, August 3, 1997

By A Customer

I knew Larkin in her pre-Zen days and during the early "what-am-I-doing-in-a-Zen-temple" days too. I worked with her and edited a good deal of her business writing. The thing that always struck me then and struck me again as I reviewed the advance copy of "Stumbling. . ." is that she always finds a way to make the deepest, most profound points in a down-to-earth, accessible way. Even if you are not "Zen" yourself. . . if you are a seeker, or are new to spirituality, this is the book on Zen that you want to read. Larkin is above all honest. She gives you herself, the genuine article, with no window dressing. And what she is - what she gives you - are wit and openness and forthright, hard-won answers. She weaves personal stories and humor into the message and eventually you come out at the back cover realizing that while Zen may be profound, it need not be stuffy or unapproachable

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Zen presented from the heart of wisdom, October 1, 1998

By	Rev. Alex Holt ([e-mail]) (Portland, Oregon) - See all my reviews

I am a practicing Buddhist and Unitarian Universalist minister and when I first read Geri Larkin's book I was immediately moved to read it again from cover to cover. Imagine someone writing about Zen practice with a sense of humour and gentle wit? Imagine seeing ourselves all with 'bad hair days' and still able to laugh and see it as part of the healing that brings so many of us to spiritual practice. I have recommended this book to many friends and colleagues and I know many of them have bought it. People in their 20's have been especially moved by Geri's down-to-earth style because they seek honesty, integrity and gentleness - this book has all three and so much more.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars VERY HUMAN BOOK, October 29, 1999

By A Customer

It is great to read about a Westerner who is indeed "stumbling toward enlightenment" like we all are.....this book is warm, funny, and compassionate....plus goes places that others seem not to go (like "If All You Can Think About is Sex."). It is very supportive and uplifting, and makes you feel that she is in the trenches alongside you.