Zen Wrapped in Karma Dipped in Chocolate: A Trip Through Death, Sex, Divorce, and Spiritual Celebrity in Search of the True Dharma

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Zen Wrapped in Karma Dipped in Chocolate: A Trip Through Death, Sex, Divorce, and Spiritual Celebrity in Search of the True Dharma

3.71 of 5 stars 3.71 · rating details · 628 ratings · 78 reviews

How does a real-life Zen master —not the preternaturally calm, cartoonish Zen masters depicted by mainstream culture — help others through hard times when he’s dealing with pain of his own? How does he meditate when the world is crumbling around him? Is meditation a valid response or just another form of escapism? These are the questions Brad Warner ponders in Zen Wrapped...more

Paperback, 240 pages

Published February 10th 2009 by New World Library (first published February 1st 2009)

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Mar 21, 2009 Frank Jude rated it 2 of 5 stars Recommends it for: no one.

Shelves: buddhism, memoirs, philosophy-spirituality

I found Warner's first book, Harcore Zen a refreshingly voiced read, and shared it with many students and fellow practitioners. Having been in a few punk/alt bands myself, and writing a lot about it back in the late 70s/early 80s, I resonated with his perspective.

By his second book, Sit Down and Shut Up I began to wonder if he'd become a victim of his persona. I found his tone at times a bit warying. AND, there were some real blunders in his understanding of some aspects of Buddhadharma. However...more I found Warner's first book, Harcore Zen a refreshingly voiced read, and shared it with many students and fellow practitioners. Having been in a few punk/alt bands myself, and writing a lot about it back in the late 70s/early 80s, I resonated with his perspective.

By his second book, Sit Down and Shut Up I began to wonder if he'd become a victim of his persona. I found his tone at times a bit warying. AND, there were some real blunders in his understanding of some aspects of Buddhadharma. However, the second half of that book was genius, and his take on Dogen -- again -- refreshing! I gave it four stars.

With this new one, I wonder if he's blown his wad. It is certainly his weakest effort yet. I'm sorry to have to say this, because I actually share much with him in both his perspectives (especially on 'enlightenment,' spiritual 'idealism' and the whole 'Zen Master' thing -- which in a take on Frank Zappa's form of self-promotion through self-abnegation, he still milks for all its worth. "The Zen Master mystique is a bunch of shit, and hey, I'm a Zen Master!") AND his life experiences.

I am sure that Warner must have felt he had to get this stuff out of his system. But there isn't really all that much that is terribly interesting. It could have been a really good, tight essay.

Also, he continues to spread the inaccuracies that Buddhism was originally all about meditation and that gods and ritual came in later. Even a cursory read of the Pali Canon will show you that the Buddha and the early sangha believed in all that shit. This is also one aspect of his notion that he speaks for "Buddhism." Of course, his training is in the Japanese (Soto) tradition, and there are many times when what he says for "Buddhism" is just plain inaccurate -- even if I agree with his perspective, it's a good idea to mention that it's his perspective and not the Buddhist tradition's take on things.

SO, I won't be recommending this one to anyone. But his other two are still valuable reads, and I am hoping this one is just a temporary aberration.

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Apr 14, 2009 Leslie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: memoirs, spirituality

I really enjoyed this book, the tone, the humor, the content, the frankness. Finally learned the difference between zen and other types of Buddhism. Reading this book has made me want to know more--he got my curiosity going! I love hearing from the real life person inside the saffron robes--the ones he wears as little as possible because they make him sweat and have two layers of underwear. He changed some names, of course, two men to Zeppo and Gummo, never refering to the fact that they are the...more

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Feb 12, 2009 Will rated it 5 of 5 stars

I freaking love Brad Warner. Not because he's a totally serene Zen Master, but because he isn't. The whole point of this book is that despite teaching Zen, being involved with Zen for close to twenty years, Brad Warner's just a guy.

And, as a guy, he screws up, occasionally sits around doing nothing, makes bad decisions, and gets nervous talking to people. He's clear about this. He hides nothing. He's writing his own expose about his life.

And yet; Brad is sane. He's clear about how he feels. He d...more

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Feb 09, 2009 Michael rated it 4 of 5 stars

Brad Warner continues his self-expository look at Zen practice in his third book. His first book, Hardcore Zen, told how he came to Zen after being a hardcore punk and served as an introduction to zazen and Zen ideas. His second was an exploration of the Shōbōgenzō, a work written by the Zen teacher Dogen in the 13th Century.

In Zen Wrapped in Karma Dipped in Chocolate, Warner relates the stories of the difficulties in his life in 2007, a time when his mother died after a long fight with Huntingt...more

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Jun 28, 2011 Marla rated it 1 of 5 stars

I read Warner's first two books and gave them each 5 stars. I stand by that. I have every intention of rereading both. I liked the way he said to question everything...find your own path...reality is now. This is not a book about Zen. This is an autobiography about a really bad year Warner had. I empathize. But this book isn't about how he worked through it. It's an angry, mean-spirited diatribe. It's a rant against his ex-wife whom he describes as cold and emasculating. It's a rant against fell...more

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Jul 21, 2010 Ruzz rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010, philosophy, ebook

I haven't read hardcore zen, the book that made it possible for this abomination to be written and now having read this, i may not.

there are gems of insight, but like the title suggests they are wrapped in ego and dipped in shit. sorry, karma and chocolate.

this book was not about his trip through death, sex, nor divorce. this book was a rebuttal to the world that he feels is parked watching his every move and thought. of course, no one actually is, but thats the virtue of narcissism; blissfull...more I haven't read hardcore zen, the book that made it possible for this abomination to be written and now having read this, i may not.

there are gems of insight, but like the title suggests they are wrapped in ego and dipped in shit. sorry, karma and chocolate.

this book was not about his trip through death, sex, nor divorce. this book was a rebuttal to the world that he feels is parked watching his every move and thought. of course, no one actually is, but thats the virtue of narcissism; blissfully centering the universe, everything is about "you".

i gave it one star, when felt it ought have none because the book does achieve it's stated goal which is to show that even being a zen master does not free one from the foibles and struggles of being a modern human (unless you retreat the world). Indeed, he deftly illustrates through his own emotional immaturity, childish philosophy and reactive activity that he surely is a conflicted about himself and life as most people are.

i've chosen on the whole to ignore the zen master part because it makes the context of reading this book unbearable. i'm not well versed enough in zen buddhism to speak clearly on exactly what's wrong there, but i can speak personally and say going to him for advice on finding clarity would be like going to lindsay lohan for movie career advice. he may have the title (though it seemed the equivalent of becoming an internet ordained preist to me) and he may have some wisdom trapped in all that teenaged rabble, but neither of these qualifies this guy to give advice on anything but how not to write your third book.

interestingly, if this book was a blog, and slightly less skewed towards the "look at me look at me" impetus of someone who found notoriety by momentarily filling a book niche and wanting those halcyon days back it would be a good read.

moreover, if he offered up any sincerity as a human, about his aspirations to advance the state of his humanity, and contrasted them with his obvious struggles against himself it could be a great blog/book. unfortunately, it reads much more like a rebuttal, or justification for his current state than any striving to achieve another.
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Dec 25, 2009 Martin Roell rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: zen, soto, buddhism, usa, biography

Read this through in just two sittings in less than 24 hours.

I enjoyed following Warner's story, but read it through very quickly, as it wasn't very dense. Frank Jude Boccio writes in his review (2 stars): "It could have been a really good, tight essay." That's what I felt throughout most of the book: It could have been much shorter and tighter. But maybe it wouldn't have been a book then.

Sometimes it read like free-writing without editing afterwards. Many parts could have been shortened or cut...more

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Apr 26, 2009 Jen Madsen rated it 4 of 5 stars

I am happy to say this book disappointed me. Let me explain. I've been interested in ordinary Zen since reading Charlotte Joko Beck's Nothing Special about eight years ago. Being raised in a tradition that insists true authority lies outside one's self and perpetuates the myth that human beings can transcend their humanness and achieve some kind of holiness that entitles them to tell other people what's good for them, I find myself still in the unfortunate habit of hoping someone out there has a...more I am happy to say this book disappointed me. Let me explain. I've been interested in ordinary Zen since reading Charlotte Joko Beck's Nothing Special about eight years ago. Being raised in a tradition that insists true authority lies outside one's self and perpetuates the myth that human beings can transcend their humanness and achieve some kind of holiness that entitles them to tell other people what's good for them, I find myself still in the unfortunate habit of hoping someone out there has all the answers. Warner insists in his first two books that there ain't no one out there, even Zen masters, who have it all. There is value in finding a good teacher, but the best ones don't take on responsibility for your life even when you give it to them willingly. He takes it a leap farther in this book by revealing himself as a human being, warts, farts and all. Readers can take this book in a number of ways. They could, for example, read about this Zen priest's own thoughts of boredom and resistance to practicing zazen, be put off by vulgar language and references, judge his straying from Buddhist precepts and conclude that this is not a "true" teacher. OR, a reader could see what Warner is actually doing here: blowing the lid off the illusion that anyone can be that idealized, pure master many of us would like to believe exists. This is ordinary, everyday Zen. Can Brad Warner teach you something about this practice? Yes. I find my disappointment in his failures to live up to the ideal hardly different than my disappointment in my own self. Is this what I am, all I turned out to be? Well, OK then. Nothing to do but get on with living.

A few good quotes:

"As for enlightenment, that's just for people who can't face reality."

"We don't need to be conscious of absolute reality. The only thing we need to do is give up the notion that our images of reality are real."

"You won't understand life and death until you're ready to set aside any hope of understanding life and death and just live your life until you die."

"Life is contradiction. Deal with it."

Aw, just read the book already! (less)

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Aug 26, 2010 Chris rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: adult, life, nonfiction, not-graphic

Not a great memoir; not a great Zen primer; but good enough at each that they complement each other and make a better whole. I'm very much a pragmatist and always want to know, How will this work? and, more importantly, Will this work? I wasn't entirely unfamiliar with Zen before reading this, but it was my first time reading an entire book by an actual Zen Master. I chose it because I wanted to see the theory in practice as it applies to actual, messy life. Warner does a good job of presenting...more

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May 16, 2012 Alex rated it 3 of 5 stars

I read Warner's first two books and thoroughly enjoyed them. He is the anti-Zen master. He writes with disarming normalcy about practice and the life of a teacher. He is so disarming, in fact, that you often wonder whether this guys is truly enlightened. But that is Warner's point. He is trying to correct the misconception that spiritual teachers are supremely wise and imperturbable creatures with feathers unruffled. In his 3rd book, Warner shows, through the tumult he faces in his own life, tha...more

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Mar 10, 2010 Blain rated it 3 of 5 stars

After reading his first book I skipped the second one and moved on to this, because the local library didn't have the second book. Although I enjoyed the first book better than this one I really think my review for that fits here as well; (3rd book addition)

"An interesting book for any 20-38yr old reader wanting to learn about Buddhism (specifically Zen), although I would recommend reading other books on the topic first to get a grounding but this book should be on your list somewhere. Warner so...more

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Mar 14, 2010 Jerry rated it 5 of 5 stars

In the time since I read Brad's first book Hardcore Zen in 2003, both Brad and I have gone through some serious life changes. I've developed my own daily meditation practice, evolved tremendously in my relationships and career, made new friends, and lost friends and family. Brad also has gone through big shifts in his personal and work life, and in this book he exposes the raw reality of what he had to deal with and how he handled it, letting us into the spiritual and intellectual process of som...more

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Dec 06, 2009 Abbey rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: belief-systems-and-philosophy, biography, favorites

Bizarre in the best sort of way! Brad Warner (no relation to me) is irreverent about all the detritus that accumulates around religious practice while affirming the worth of the core wisdom. He's convinced me that there's a way to call myself a secular Buddhist without being embarrassed about being trendy or being obliged to be all airy-wispy and breathless with impending enlightenment.

Brad understands that the hardest Buddhist concepts for Americans to truly 'get' are (1) Buddha is not a god an...more

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Aug 16, 2012 Hayley Pallister rated it 4 of 5 stars

Ok, Brad. I feel bad now that I was trying to save a tree by buying a used copy of "Zen" and you gave me grief about it on Facebook. Well, I don't feel too bad because I did save a tree, but, I do feel I owe you the royalties you deserve (and so openly lobbied for throughout the book, good job!)!

"Zen" really is a story dipped in chocolate, or so it seemed as I was quickly addicted and had to keep sneaking back for another nibble whenever I got the chance. When the final page was turned and the...more

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Jun 25, 2009 Matt rated it 4 of 5 stars

Having read and loved both of Brad Warner's other books, I knew I wouldn't be a hard sell for this. Warner's voice, matter-of-fact, intimate, and (most importantly) full of humor derived from refreshing self-awareness always keeps me engaged. The story itself, of a Zen practitioner and teacher finding himself tested in a very difficult year, provides opportunities for this voice to dissect both his own views of Zen practice and stereotypes.

That said, I honestly don't know if anyone not intereste...more

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Apr 19, 2009 David rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: non-fiction, autobiography

I loved Sit Down and Shut Up. I enjoyed Hardcore Zen.

The thing that I don't like about this book is that it doesn't play to Brad's strengths. It's indulgent and was no doubt cathartic to write, but he seems to be fighting a battle that only exists within a small minority: I know that 'zen masters' and monks aren't superhumans. I don't need a detailed account of his life to realise that's the case. I didn't have any preconceptions that needed blowing apart.

Maybe others do. But I hope Brad's next...more

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Apr 24, 2013 Deborah rated it 1 of 5 stars

Rough language and little content -- more accurately an autobiography.

"Perhaps human civilization only began to advance once sex and nudity became hidden. In the animal world, exposure of the genitals to another member of the same species has only 2 meanings. One is an invitation to sex, and the other is as a way of inciting combat. Our own species, with its upright posture, as its genitals constantly exposed and must have been continuously sending out fight and/or fuck signals. Maybe it wasn't...more

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Jun 26, 2009 Stuart Young rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: spirituality

The novelty of Warner's books was starting to wear off by the time I got round to his third effort. Add to that the fact that this one is more autobiographical than his previous books and less Zen-oriented. Then factor in that some of the big emotional upheavals that are used to hype up the book didn't really bother him that much when you actually read the book and even the things that did bother him seem to get resolved more through blind luck than anything he got from his Zen practice. Overall...more

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Jun 05, 2009 Mike Rutschky rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is Brad Warner's masterpiece. This book is like the third season in a crazy sitcom about Brad's life, and it's the best one so far. The author lays it all out there to prove that even being a "Zen master" doesn't make you exempt from pain and suffering, and that you just have to take that crap head-on and own up to the part you played in all of it. I came away from this book feeling very inspired and ready to deal with my own troubles in a much more proactive way, not to mention more commit...more

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May 03, 2012 Dushyant Mukkamala rated it 2 of 5 stars

The book is ok. It started off promising a lot but ended up being laid back to the point of being counter-productive. I mean the title of the book was picked off from a Yoplait commercial.

There were some nuggets of wisdom thrown in there and the general impression I got is that the dude would be an awesome guy to sit back and have a few beers with (Oh wait, but he doesn't drink). The book felt extremely honest though and that was refreshing.

Verdict: It wasn't a complete waste of my time reading...more

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Jul 23, 2010 Christine rated it 3 of 5 stars

I grabbed this at the library -- it looked interesting.

I liked the honesty and openness about some of the painful things that Warner went through. I also agree with a lot that he says re money, death and the fact that noone really has all the answers.

I didn't like the whole white guy/Asian fetish thing. Being of Asian descent and having lived in Japan, it was annoying to hear him go on about getting some hot Asian "tail" and screwing his hot student (not sure if she was Asian, but I'm guessing...more

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Oct 25, 2010 Tara Thai rated it 3 of 5 stars

Reviewing this book is hard on many different levels.
First of all, I think Brad knows that this book is, compared to his first one, so-so…and it makes a point to state that he knows many people who don’t know him will judge him and his words harshly. He knows how to write, and he really manages to make you feel like an idiot for thinking anything negative about him or his words after reading this book.
Truth this…I was expecting something more like the first book, where his life experienced were...more

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Apr 09, 2009 Gina rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: non-fiction

warner is back to more of his hardcore zen roots in this book. not as amazing, that's for sure, but there are definite gems in this book that makes it worth the read. and it's an easy read too. i pretty much read it in two short plane trips between DC and the midwest.

again, i had some issues with the book same as with Sit Down and Shut Up and my main issue is the "why buddhism is not atheism" argument he makes. yo brad, you don't worship god, i don't worship god. neither of us believe that some...more

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Apr 16, 2009 Devon rated it 4 of 5 stars

really good and entertaining memoir of a "real zen master"...also a punk rock musician, japanese monster movie maker, and blogger at suicide girls.

he discusses a year in his life as he deals with several deaths in the family, troubles with work and love...

it was really fun to read (stole it from my mom and finished it in two days), and his understanding of zen is pretty close to how i like to look at it...

check it out

i like zen masters who say fuck and shit a lot...

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Apr 05, 2010 Belle rated it 3 of 5 stars

The author spends a lot of time complaining about other people whining, even though he whines a lot too. I like how down to earth Warner is about using Buddhism in everyday life. But he doesn't seem to have much compassion for others, which is important in Buddhism I think. He seems pretty defensive for much of the book. Overall though, I like how he sheds light on some of the hypocrisy of people who claim to be spiritual. And this book makes me feel less guilty myself and allows me to stop tryi...more

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Nov 30, 2009 Alison rated it 4 of 5 stars

I totally loved this book and felt like it was a good primer into understanding basic concepts of Buddhism and even some more complicated aspects of it. Plus the author has an interesting life and has to deal with real world problems just like the rest of us (death, divorce, drug use, whee!) I was constantly reading passages out loud and thinking about things I'd read throughout the day. This book made me want to do zazen again as well as read his other books.

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May 07, 2009 Nicolas rated it 3 of 5 stars

There is not a lot here for people not familiar with Brad Warner's previous works. And compared to his previous works, this book is a little thin on Zen practice and a lot heavier on autobiography. While I enjoy reading about Brad's life (he's an interesting person who thinks interesting and entertaining things), Brad's life is ultimately not as interesting to me as his interpretation of Dogen's Shobogenzo in Sit Down and Shut Up.

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Apr 07, 2010 Stefanie rated it 4 of 5 stars

What's the difference between you and Zen master? As Brad Warner clearly explains here - not too much. Maybe more zazen. Also, Brad plays bass.

Warner writes an outstanding tome - easy to read, funny, unflinchingly honest, and chock full of good Buddhism - that Buddhism doesn't "fix" us or make us better. It allows us to see life as it is and hopefully respond in a compassionate and rational manner.

Enjoy the book, have some laughs, and then sit your ass down on the cushion and get to work.

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Mar 02, 2009 Kathleen rated it 4 of 5 stars

I posted a review of this on my blog: http://inspirationlocation.wordpress.com
But I really liked this, as much, if not more than the other book I read by Brad Warner a while ago called "Hardcore Zen." This is no bullshit zen: clean, irreverent, no zen-stink, funny. He writes in an admirably clear, to the point style. Read the book in an afternoon. Couldn't put it down.

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Aug 29, 2011 Unigami rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: memoir, non-fiction, philosophy-religion

Brad Warner's third book. An honest account, interesting and pretty well written, but I began to realize while reading this book that I really don't like Brad very much. I would still, however recommend his first book "Hardcore Zen" for anyone studying Zen, especially beginners.

After reading this, I wasn't really interested in reading anything more from Brad.

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About Brad Warner

Brad Warner is an ordained Zen Master (though he hates that term) in the Soto lineage founded in Japan by Master Dogen Zenji in the 13th century. He's the bass player for the hardcore punk rock group 0DFx (aka Zero Defex) and the ex-vice president of the Los Angeles office of the company founded by the man who created Godzilla.

Brad was born in Hamilton, Ohio in 1964. In 1972, his family relocated...more

More about Brad Warner...

Books by Brad Warner

Hardcore Zen: Punk Rock, Monster Movies and the Truth About Reality

Sit Down and Shut Up: Punk Rock Commentaries on Buddha, God, Truth, Sex, Death, and Dogen's Treasury of the Right Dharma Eye

Sex, Sin, and Zen: A Buddhist Exploration of Sex from Celibacy to Polyamory and Everything In Between

The Fundamental Wisdom of the Middle Way: Nāgārjuna's Mūlamadhyamakakārikā

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“You can always improve your situation. But you do so by facing it, not by running away.” — 102 people liked it

“You won’t understand life and death until you’re ready to set aside any hope of understanding life and death and just live your life until you die.” — 12 people liked it

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