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Sit Down and Shut Up
by
Brad Warner
In 2003, Brad Warner blew the top off the Buddhist book world with his irreverent autobiography/manifesto, Hardcore Zen: Punk Rock, Monster Movies, and the Truth about Reality. Now in his second book, Sit Down and Shut Up, Brad tackles one of the great works of Zen literature, the Shobogenzo, by thirteenth-century Zen master Dogen.
Illuminating Dogen's enigmatic teachings...more
Illuminating Dogen's enigmatic teachings...more
ebook, 0 pages
Published
December 7th 2009
by New World Library
(first published April 10th 2007)
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Jan 20, 2009
Dawn
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
enlightenment junkies
Awesome! Brad Warner uses the writings of his favorite zen author, Dogen, as a springboard to discuss a little of everything, and a lot of nothing—thereby striking the perfect balance for a kick-ass zen book.
The only thing that kept me from giving this five stars is Warner's tendency to pick on other schools of Buddhism for getting it wrong. Although even this punky attitude is presented in a totally zen manner, since he simultaneously has it all figured out while admitting to being just as dumb...more
The only thing that kept me from giving this five stars is Warner's tendency to pick on other schools of Buddhism for getting it wrong. Although even this punky attitude is presented in a totally zen manner, since he simultaneously has it all figured out while admitting to being just as dumb...more
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I have always enjoyed and held the greatest respect for Zen Buddhism. The problem with Zen is that frequently, what you are reading is poorly translated materials from 14th century Japan or was written in the late sixties and is therefore steeped in hippy-dippy vibes. Lately, however, a new generation of young Buddhists have become mature enough to write about the experience and Brad Warner is my favorite. From former punk rock bassist to ordained zen monk to working in the Japanese Monster Movi...more
This is the most practical and unpretentious look at buddhist philosophy I have ever had the pleasure of encountering. This is partly due to the fact that it deals specifically with zen buddhism, which has a tradition of doing away with the ceremonial noise of other sects, and partly due to the straightforward, colloquial style of the author (a punk rock bass player), who has no interest in anything that isn't immediate, real, practical and meaningful.
This is the also the first book I have ever...more
This is the also the first book I have ever...more
Overview of some of Zen legend Dogen's teachings as Warner interepretes them. Not aimed quite so much at the casual reader as HARDCORE ZEN but still not really a full-on Zen textbook.
Didn't enjoy this as much as HARDCORE ZEN but I think that's partly 'cos I kept slogging through it when was I too tired to give it my full attention and partly 'cos Warner kept quoting Dogen using Japanese characters, then again in English, then gave his own extremely paraphrased version where he finally explains D...more
Didn't enjoy this as much as HARDCORE ZEN but I think that's partly 'cos I kept slogging through it when was I too tired to give it my full attention and partly 'cos Warner kept quoting Dogen using Japanese characters, then again in English, then gave his own extremely paraphrased version where he finally explains D...more
In the sequel to the vastly popular Hardcore Zen, Warner has a go at modesty by presenting an analysis of Dogen’s Shobogenzo (a small work at four volumes). Admittedly when one considers lineage, Warner is a suitable heir to the task because the Shobogenzo was co-translated into English by his master, Nishijima Roshi. Interestingly, given not only the ancient text’s length but complexity, Warner does a consummate job of highlighting and explaining many of its key points while only getting bogged...more
Sep 19, 2009
Cait
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
people interested in religion or funny/serious scholarship thereof
I really enjoyed reading this -- it was quite literally laugh-out-loud funny at times, and very thought-provoking -- but it was more Buddhism and less punk rock than I expected, and it hung rather tenuously on the punk rock framework it did have. It is, basically, a religious book by a monk about his faith; what I probably should have read was his first book, which I understand is more of a memoir along the lines that I was expecting for this book. Now that I know how well he writes, I'll defini...more
By far the best book on Zen or Buddhism that I have encountered. This book will have a prominent place on my book shelves since I will no doubt pick it up again and again.
A lot more complex than HARDCORE ZEN, but still a great read.
Apr 20, 2012
Bert Edens
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
zen-taoism-buddhism
A punk bassist Zen monk who makes B-grade movies? My kind of eclectic mix :-)
Warner follows up "Hardcore Zen" by mixing a return visit to Akron, Ohio, for a punk reunion of sorts with the teachings of Dogen.
Being a fan of Warner's Hardcore Zen blog for some time, this book was just what I expected: funny, irreverent, down-to-earth, and yet very informative. He compares his beliefs with other lineages or sects, which is even more informative. But it all comes down to zazen, or sitting meditation...more
Warner follows up "Hardcore Zen" by mixing a return visit to Akron, Ohio, for a punk reunion of sorts with the teachings of Dogen.
Being a fan of Warner's Hardcore Zen blog for some time, this book was just what I expected: funny, irreverent, down-to-earth, and yet very informative. He compares his beliefs with other lineages or sects, which is even more informative. But it all comes down to zazen, or sitting meditation...more
It was hard to decide between 3 stars or 4. I loved the irreverence. Some of his explanations of Dogen's work and other points of Buddhism were eye-opening. I've been practicing meditation just long enough to glimpse some of the truths he stresses. I was distracted by the fact that I was reading 3 books on Buddhism at the same time (not a good idea). Some chapters were much too mired in minutia for me, and the story of the reunion of punk rockers didn't rock me so much. I'd like to read his firs...more
Very enjoyable, entertaining even.
I really like the way that Brad Warner isn't trying to sell you anything (except maybe the practice of zazen), his emphasis of and clarification on the idea that there really isn't any "enlightenment" to be had.
On the other hand, I have to confess that some of the chapters (12, 13, 19?) left me with a bit confused, with a sort of a dazed feeling, a general "huh, what?". I suspect that this is just a book I'll have to work a little harder on sometime later, take...more
I really like the way that Brad Warner isn't trying to sell you anything (except maybe the practice of zazen), his emphasis of and clarification on the idea that there really isn't any "enlightenment" to be had.
On the other hand, I have to confess that some of the chapters (12, 13, 19?) left me with a bit confused, with a sort of a dazed feeling, a general "huh, what?". I suspect that this is just a book I'll have to work a little harder on sometime later, take...more
Dec 31, 2007
Daniel Olbris
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Persons interested in buddhism.
Sit Down and Shut up is a pretty decent set of reflection on various topics, sex, death, greed, informed by the writings of the early japanese Zen teacher Dogen, author of the Shobogenzo, "Treausry of the Right Dharma Eye".
Brad warner does a good job of presenting how buddhist ideas apply to the lives of ordinary people, in a down to earth manner. Sometimes he tries a bit too hard to be funny, adding footnotes where he makes little digs at himself, but that's no big deal.
I did learn various thin...more
Brad warner does a good job of presenting how buddhist ideas apply to the lives of ordinary people, in a down to earth manner. Sometimes he tries a bit too hard to be funny, adding footnotes where he makes little digs at himself, but that's no big deal.
I did learn various thin...more
Feb 02, 2010
Angel
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
religion-studies,
spiritual-or-inspirational
This was my first Brad Warner book. I will admit that the title caught my eye when it comes to the reason why I picked it up. I am glad I picked it up. Warner does two things in this book. One, it is a travelogue for a punk bands reunion in Cleveland; Warner was a member of the band Zero Defects. Two, he is writing a commentary on an ancient Buddhist text by a man named Dogen. In between those two things, he provides insights, comments, and lessons on Zen Buddhism practice and beliefs. Warner wr...more
As I have mentioned in my Anthony Bourdain reviews: I am not the biggest fan of memoirs. But this isn't your average memoir. It was an intriguing venture into the world of a punk rocker gone Buddhist monk, and the travels that journey takes him through. Similar snark and foul-mouthed writing, to that of Anthony Bourdain.
Definitely recommended, but you may wanted to begin with Hardcore Zen, if my memory serves me that is chronologically the first.
Definitely recommended, but you may wanted to begin with Hardcore Zen, if my memory serves me that is chronologically the first.
Sep 14, 2009
Carolyn
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
antiques-one-way-or-another,
nonfiction
I will never forget the following: If a tree falls in the forest, and it falls on a mime, does the mime make a sound? This is what happens when a Punk Rocker goes Zen. Outstanding- and not just for the shock value. I also liked his comparison of Adolf Hitler and Paris Hilton. No really, you must read this!It's also possibly the most clearheaded, non-spacy interpretation of Buddhist spiritualism I've read to date. Loved it lots.
You should read this because I said so.
No really. It's a good book on buddhism with some really interesting stuff about the founder of Soto Zen buddhism that I didn't know. At least I believe he is the founder I'm not quite sure. Basically the book is about the fact that enlightenment isn't what you think it is, although that's really what Warner's books are all about. But it really can't be said too much.
No really. It's a good book on buddhism with some really interesting stuff about the founder of Soto Zen buddhism that I didn't know. At least I believe he is the founder I'm not quite sure. Basically the book is about the fact that enlightenment isn't what you think it is, although that's really what Warner's books are all about. But it really can't be said too much.
I didn't think I could like this book as much as Hardcore Zen. Wrong. I might even like it more. Some complain about the author's "schtick", but I like it. It's very real, very straightforward. His gifted rap explains that, "you are the universe, and the universe is you," without it sounding like a bunch of existential crap. It's deeper and less fluff than Hardcore Zen. There's more meat to it. His obsession with Lucy Lui was a little off-putting at first. But hey, I guess we've all had crushes,...more
Brad's book "Hardcore Zen" is one of the first books I read about Buddhism that made me realize I too could practice and learn what the Buddha taught. This book, "Sit Down and Shut Up" is a more in depth look at traditional Buddhist commentary in the context of 21st century life. Brad's no bullshit approach to his Zen practice is alternately inspiring and hilarious and I loved this book as much as Hardcore Zen.
Great book, very interesting perspective, and way more entertaining than I expected! I wish I had bookmarked my favorite passages, but there were quite a few anyway. Highly recommend to read! It reads like fiction, rather than usual non-fiction. (I tend to read those slower.) So if you're at all open minded about religions and love to learn about different perspectives of it, or just like Buddhism, this is the book to read.
honestly, this was a disappointment after Hardcore Zen. but then again i was at a very different point in my life when i read this book. to be fair to warner, he was trying to accomplish something more "technical" in terms of explaining dogen's work. and i actually appreciated that part of this book. but where i ultimately threw up my hands and said "fuck this" was when warner defended the idea that "god" exists. i thought his reasoning was weak and, like he always promised, someone i had exalte...more
Sep 25, 2009
Jerm
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
fans of hardcore zen
This book is not as good as Hardcore Zen, but it's still worth reading. The author goes WAY too in depth on some pretty obscure topics (like all the stuff this Dogen guy wrote years and years ago), but it makes a nice supplement to Hardcore Zen. If you liked that book and want to study Zen from a non-traditional angle, I recommend this.
Yeah, as much as I loved the concept, I found the guy to be cocky for no reason, I doubt I'll finish the read. To me the connection between Buddhism and the modern society, the punk culture is something to dig into, write about. But the vision of this author seems too narrow and absolute for me to appreciate it more.
A little more abstruse than Warner's first book. This one is a bit rougher going conceptually but just as entertaining as Hardcore Zen.
Warner is a Zen master (priest) ordained by his Japanese sensei when he was working in Japan in the monster (Godzilla and friends) movie industry. He teaches a form of Soto Zen that involves Zen at its most basic: Sitting meditation and not much else. No Koans, no chanting, no complex theology, no waiting for thousands of rebirths before enlightenment. Maybe not...more
Warner is a Zen master (priest) ordained by his Japanese sensei when he was working in Japan in the monster (Godzilla and friends) movie industry. He teaches a form of Soto Zen that involves Zen at its most basic: Sitting meditation and not much else. No Koans, no chanting, no complex theology, no waiting for thousands of rebirths before enlightenment. Maybe not...more
Nov 12, 2012
Jeremy
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
non-fiction,
self-help
Not as good as his first book. While I appreciate the effort he put into helping to understand the Shobogenzo, it felt like he was just repeating himself through the whole book while filling in a little of a story about a trip he took. I still enjoy his writing style and am glad I read it, but you definitely will need to start with his first book to understand where he's coming from in this one.
Read this a little while after I finished his first book, and I was not at all disappointed. Deeply insightful literature, with a spin on it that makes it fun and exciting to read. Well done Brad.
Read it or DIE.
Read it or DIE.
Straight to several points, unpretentious. A crisp and engaging look at Dogen for those who might never find the time to follow the inclination to look at the works themselves. Brad Warner makes Dogen accessible.
A fascinating book. While certain chapters gloss over several key points, specifically about karma and aspects of the Shobogenzo that I did not fully grasp, it is otherwise a fine, if slightly cheesy (the author's writing style is rather unpoetic) work on Zen for a western audience.
Funny, audience-friendly treatment of a notoriously esoteric Buddhist text and its implications for present-day readers.
http://www.genjipress.com/2011/12/sit...
http://www.genjipress.com/2011/12/sit...
This book started plenty of conversations on airplanes during my resent travels... I'm sure it's the cover. It delves pretty deep into Dogen's philosophy, so you might need more than just a passing interest in Zen to really get much out of it.
i really ejoyed this. it's a good one to nibble on. interesting stories describing a more irreverent approach to the whole zen thing. i still go back to this from time to time to reread parts.
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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...
Brad was born in Hamilton, Ohio in 1964. In 1972, his family relocated...more
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“If a tree falls in the forest and it hits a mime, would he make a noise?”
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“Faith keeps you going, but doubt keeps you from going off the deep end.”
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