The Complete Idiot's Guide To Zen Living (Complete Idiot's Guide to)

Rating:
Summary: Excellent starter guide!
Review: If you ever wanted to learn more about Zen Buddhism, this is one of the good beginner books to get.

The belief is that you really can't learn Zen from a book and really need a teacher. But if you're unsure if you want to practice Zen or want to learn more about it, start here.

Not only is the book fun to read it's filled with real life examples, historical facts and more. You can easily incorporate Zen into your life with this book alone. The only suggestion I'd make would be to also buy the book "The complete idiot's guide to meditation" since meditation isn't talked in great detail.

Get this book and start your quest to find out what the heck one hand clapping really sounds like!

Rating:
Summary: An excellent practical guide to Zen
Review: Many books on Zen fall into one of two categories: the "jump on the cool buzzword bandwagon" books that really have nothing to do with Zen, and the very dry and overly rigid books that are filled with many words and yet very little that a person would find helpful in everyday life. I am pleased to say this book falls into neither of those categories, and instead fits into a more enjoyable one: the kind of book that helps you learn to live better.

This is not a book about Zen history, or extensive rules for how to "properly" meditate. As the title states, this is a book about Zen *living*. It is like a flash light, which you can shine into the darkest corners of your mind and use as a guide to simplifying the psychological and emotional clutter therein. The authors have filled this book with many practical examples of how a Zen perspective can ease your mental burden and allow you to get more out of each moment.

If you're looking for lots of dry, philosophical blather, this is not the book for you. But if you are genuinely interested in gaining a new perspective on life, and learning how simple it can be to live in a more satisfying way, you've definitely come to the right place. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to clean out the dusty attic of the mind.

Rating:
Summary: Much Better Than Anticipated
Review: Yes, I'm aware of the irony here of preconceived notions and Zen, although I've been pleasantly surprised with a good result.

The Complete Idiot's Guide To Zen Living is a great introduction to Zen. It's easy to read, entertaining and engaging. It also presents itself as a great follow through or next step as to living Zen.

Depending on what you're looking for regarding Zen. This book gives you an overview of Buddhism with a quick 5 cent tour and with wit, humor and a sense of familiarity introduces you to Zen, Zen terms, Zen thought and a Zen perspective regarding life, home, work and family.

Another reviewer had mentioned that so many other books on Zen don't really "explain" Zen in the Western sense of the word. I've notice that too - it's like you're not in on the inside joke - or something like that. This book explains Zen and explains it well without the sense of you not being in on the joke. It's not just a collection of koans or an illustration of Zen through stories. Don't misunderstand me; I'm not saying that those stories or illustrations through tales are bad. For me I find them difficult as an introduction and after reading this book I actually want to continue my Zen path through those very tales and stories.

I got a lot out of this book and enjoyed reading it. It's a great introduction to Zen and more.