Trying to Be Human: Zen Talks from Cheri Huber

Rating:
Summary: Clappers!
Review: I have read most of Cheri Huber's books, and I would rate each of these from "good" to "important".

"Trying to Be Human", however, is a "keeper" for commited practicers. I selected it to read just before going to a long retreat, as I did not want to tax my head with something complicated. The occasion was perfect. Every few pages of this easy reading, something inside you gets smacked, like the morning clappers that awaken you at retreat in the VERY early morning. An idea or point that tingles your innards and allows no elaboration on your part. No baggage, just your attention, standing turgidly erect.

This one sets your head up, mighty fine.

Rating:
Summary: Clappers!
Review: I have read most of Cheri Huber's books, and I would rate each of these from "good" to "important".

"Trying to Be Human", however, is a "keeper" for commited practicers. I selected it to read just before going to a long retreat, as I did not want to tax my head with something complicated. The occasion was perfect. Every few pages of this easy reading, something inside you gets smacked, like the morning clappers that awaken you at retreat in the VERY early morning. An idea or point that tingles your innards and allows no elaboration on your part. No baggage, just your attention, standing turgidly erect.

This one sets your head up, mighty fine.

Rating:
Summary: Straight talk about practice for the non-specialist
Review: It might seem easy, putting together a collection of short pieces (many from extemporaneous talks) on dharma practice in terms applicable to modern non-Buddhists who don't know "satori" from Toyota.

But it isn't easy at all. Cheri Huber has a talent for concise, clear demonstrations of practicing in ordinary life and how to make room for daily meditation practice. Instead of ancient Buddhist teachings, she is more likely to reach to common sense and a warm, keen feeling for psychology. Her style as a Zen teacher is refreshingly ordinary, modest, and worldly. She is loath to offer prescriptions, and has a sharp eye for how spiritual practice may be co-opted by egotistical concerns.

Editor Sara Jenkins has bravely allowed these talks to stand without explanation or qualification, respecting the power of a short paragraph over a lengthy discourse. The book is organized into categories that almost seem irrelevant as one is tempted to simply dip into the book!, opening at random and letting one talk at a time be enough for the day.