Rating: 
Summary: Inspirational, motivational, invitational
Review: I found this book in a discounted/final sale area of a local bookstore a couple of years ago. It was a difficult time for me, and I really wasn't looking for anything in particular as my mind and soul were scattered. I saw this little book standing on a shelf all by itself, and picked it up. I could find nothing wrong with it to warrant the "discarded" title, and as I was intrigued by its cover design and burgundy inside front cover, I bought it if for no other reason than it was a good deal.
One day, I picked it up and started reading it. At that time, I could only get through a half a page before my mind wandered (those weeds!) and I lost interest. But somehow I kept going back to the book. It is such a humble book that I was intrigued. You would expect that a book titled as this one is would be much more onerous.
I eventually was able to read a section at a time. I also was able to "sit" for short periods, but the most important achievement that was inspired by the book was to live each moment as it happens.
Since then, the book inspires me to continue with my writing, as well as guiding me through my daily challenges. I am slowly unearthing the person I know I used to be as a child.
Someone wrote in a review prior to mine that this book "is Zen". They are right. The practice of reading the book is Zen. Such is the magic of this little book.
Rating: 
Summary: Note to Atheists
Review: I've been studying Buddhism for a few years now. I'd heard a lot of people talk about Zen and how it's in part an atheistic philosophy amoung other things and being an atheist I'd been meaning to look into it for some time now. This book was my first real close look at Zen. On page 65 there's a chapter titled 'God Giving' which talks about 'God' in the way that I've heard Christains, Jews, and Muslims talk about 'God' as really existing, as the 'creator of everything', etc., etc.,. Up till that point I was really into the book but after I finished reading that chapter I decided to discard the book. I'm one of those atheists who is searching for the truth, whatever that might be. I'm certain that there is no proof or evidence to warrant belief in the supernatural, but I'm not opposed to the idea, I just refuse to believe in something that could very likely not exist.I've read that 'god(s)' don't play any real role in Buddhism, so why bring them up. If you took out the supernatural talk, then this book might be more appealing to theist and nontheist alike. If you're an atheist looking to Zen because of it's reputation for being atheistic then this book will probably disappoint you. It did me. If you're able to overlook the parts you don't agree with, I'm sure you could find valuable wisdom here. The 'God' talk ruined it for me though.
Rating:
Summary: Good Book!
Review: I truly enjoyed this book. The simple and straightforward message is great. No dancing around the topic at hand, and just as profound. An excellent book, split up nicely in 3 main chapters, and many topics within those chapters. I highly recommend this book!
Rating: 
Summary: Introducing Zen to the western world
Review: I found this book accurate, interesting and enlightening (no pun intended). I have been studying Zen meditation with a Zen Buddhist monk for a short time and found this book to accurately echo the basic teachings I have been learning. The lessons in the book are clearly explained, and as the title depicts, even a beginner's mind will get the messages without any trouble. Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind is excellent for the Zen novice, but I'm sure even practiced Zen students will learn something from the simple, beautifully written text.
Rating:
Summary: THE BOOK THAT STARTED IT ALL!
Review: For me, at least. It was the gift of this book that set me on the course of living rightly. Even though I am not a Zen student, the lessons of Zen apply to all Buddhist seekers, and I am eternally grateful that I encountered this unpretentious, wonderful little book.
Rating: 
Summary: Nothing Special...
Review: Does not really touch a whole lot on Buddhism teachings and believes, it does have few good concepts but in all very theoretical, boring to read and a very BEGINNER'S MIND approach. I was looking forward to more knowledge, something that would really think and reflect on new horizons. If you are really interested in Zen teaching, and want some very light no challenge whatsoever, give it a shot. It could be a start...
Rating:
Summary: a THOUSAND stars...
Review: So many people have spoken so well here of the experience of this book, I'm barely chagrined to have nothing new but honest praise for it. I've lived with, and tried to live, this book for years. Its pages are the clearest light, & the cleanest water. It remains unspoiled, evergreen, & always ready to hand you everything whole each time you encounter it. I remember Shunyru Suzuki in SF, even before Tassajara, years before I knew anything at all! I'm embarassed by the few buddhists writing reviews of 'heresy, heresy'... roshi is laughing at their passionate defence, even admiring it! Better, he'd say, simply look and see. That way you know that heresy never shines a light, then your attention can bear fruit. Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind may be the single most inevitable spiritual document of the last century. Its pages become lighter and more clean to the bone with each passing day. Read this book and find the REAL way to end war. Find out the REAL peace. It brings you right up to yourself. Once read, everything changes. It's like getting REAL eyes. Recommended with real heart!
Rating:
Summary: Has nothing to do with Buddhism between covers.
Review: This book is POP Zen, not Buddhism. The late authors intention to write a touchy-feely book for ignorant westerners was his goal. Spefically #1 there is nothing between the covers relavent to Buddhism. #2 the "practice" of Buddhism is Sati and Samadhi, not "zazen". If your looking for Buddhism, consult the Sutras or an expert commentator such as AK Coomaraswamy. This book is the crux of new ager limbo; it has no connection with Buddhism propper, ie Buddhasasana [Buddhism].--Pali translator and author of books on Buddhism.
Rating: 
Summary: Yes, if you are a practicioner...
Review: I read this book with curiosity and awe! I am confident that Suzuki is a person of great depth however reading the book isn't much of a substitute to hearing his teachings first-hand. It is made clear that the talks he gave (which are summarised in this book) would follow Zen meditation by his group and the talks themselves don't mean anything without the support of the sitting exercise: zazen.
Rating:
Summary: Simple reading about Zen
Review: This book is simple reading for those who know nothing about Zen. Though, the less you know the better, according to this book. You can read one paragraph at a time and set the book down for a month (though you most likely won't) and continue having lost nothing. Also suggest you read "Open Your Mind, Open Your Life: A Book of Eastern Wisdom" by Taro Gold, which makes a great companion book on the path to learning about Buddhism.
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