Zen in Ten Simple Lessons

by Anthony Man-Tu Lee, David Weiss

From its origins in sixth-century China and subsequent flourishing in Japan, the branch of Buddhism called Zen has spread around the world. But it is more than a religion. Zen teachings touch on all aspects of practical life, with emphasis on mental focus and heightened awareness of reality. This book is divided into ten chapters, each intended to be read as one in a series of hour-long Zen lessons. They explain how to apply the qualities of simplicity and harmony inherent in Zen to everyday things for a more joyous, meaningful, and intensely experienced life. The ten lessons cover the following subjects: A brief history of Zen, Zen teachings and precepts, Meditation and self-mastery, Zen and relationships, Zen and health, Zen and food, Zen and the workplace, Zen and the home, Zen and the garden, Zen and the arts. The author discusses several aspects of Zen, including forms of meditation, the paradoxical Zen phrases known as koans, and the Zen way of cultivating goodness. The text is enhanced throughout with full-color photos and illustrations.

Genres: Zen, Nonfiction, Buddhism, Meditation

Paperback

First published February 15, 2002

Reviews

[Favio Villaseñor · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was the first book that introduced me to zen when i was about 15 year old, my dad bought me it, it is short but made me interested on this topic

[Richard Šimon · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy recommendation for people first getting introduced to Zen. It is a beautiful read, with charming illustrations, zen quotes scattered about, and information layed out in an engaging way.

[Natasha Hurley-Walker · Rating 2 out of 5]

Yikes, that was pretty tedious. I just wanted to know a bit more about Zen, since a friend said she found it interesting, but I can fairly confidently say it is not for me at this point in my life. Although I'm sure anyone with a small child sometimes feels like chucking it all in and going to sit in a monastery for a few months!

[Erick · Rating 3 out of 5]

For anyone interested about meditation and buddhism, this is a great summery of what to expect.

[Matt Styles · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent high-level overview of the various aspects of Zen.

[BLACK CAT · Rating 5 out of 5]

A VERY GOOD AND VISUAL INTRODUCTION TO ZEN AND MEDITATION.