What do you think?
Rate this book
Zen for Beginners: A Beginners Guide to Mindfulness and Meditation
A beginners guide to the amazing World of Zen! In saying, "Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without," Buddha is 100 percent right. Even if you possess all the luxuries wealth can buy, you cannot be happy and excited about your life if you are not peaceful from the inside. How can you learn to cultivate inner peace and a sense of fulfillment while the world we live in is as a fast-paced and stressful one where because we have so many responsibilities to attend and so much work to do, it often becomes nearly impossible to be peaceful and happy? While it is true that we live in a hectic and stressing world, this does not mean you can never attain inner peace and fulfillment. You can certainly be peaceful and fulfilled even as you fulfill your responsibilities and enjoy your life. How can you do that? Well, the answer is simple: Zen Zen is a branch of Buddhism that focuses mainly on meditation and teaches you ways to infuse peace and calm into your routine life. If you desire to learn all about Zen and follow Zen practices, this book is for you. Created as a complete Zen guide for beginners, this book illuminates Zen and its benefits along with easy-to-follow steps guaranteed to help you bring the essence of Zen into your everyday life and thus make your life more meaningful, peaceful, and harmonious. Here Is A Preview Of What You'll Learn...
A Closer Look At Zen
Step 1: Simplify Your Life And Focus Only On The Essentials
Step 2: Improve Your Actions By Re-Assessing Your Goals And Aspirations
Step 3: Meditate To Be More Aware Of Yourself
And much, much more!
Download your copy today! Tags: Zen buddhism, zen book, happiness, meditation, mindfulness, stress, anxiety, zen habits, peacefulness, mindset, philosophy, ying yang, self help, chi, reiki, auras, traditional Chinese medicine, taoist, yoga
A Closer Look At Zen
Step 1: Simplify Your Life And Focus Only On The Essentials
Step 2: Improve Your Actions By Re-Assessing Your Goals And Aspirations
Step 3: Meditate To Be More Aware Of Yourself
And much, much more!
Download your copy today! Tags: Zen buddhism, zen book, happiness, meditation, mindfulness, stress, anxiety, zen habits, peacefulness, mindset, philosophy, ying yang, self help, chi, reiki, auras, traditional Chinese medicine, taoist, yoga
30 pages, Paperback
Published January 23, 2017
657 people are currently reading
421 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
September 17, 2021
This is not a review as much as this is not a book. Let alone about zen.
There were some quirky quotes though...
"Know exactly what brings you happiness: (...) Do you feel more peaceful when watching porn (...)? Explore these and similar questions and write down these answers in a journal."
'if you have a knack for writing and earlier used to write on erotica, you could now use your skill to write self-development books that help people live a better life.'"
There were some quirky quotes though...
"Know exactly what brings you happiness: (...) Do you feel more peaceful when watching porn (...)? Explore these and similar questions and write down these answers in a journal."
'if you have a knack for writing and earlier used to write on erotica, you could now use your skill to write self-development books that help people live a better life.'"
October 12, 2019
Holier than thou bullshit
October 10, 2020
Self help
This felt more like a self help book more than anything. I very simplified interpretation of some nuanced concepts, where simplifying is a disservice.
This felt more like a self help book more than anything. I very simplified interpretation of some nuanced concepts, where simplifying is a disservice.
January 15, 2025
A great easy read
A great book, very insightful and was a pleasure to read, short but worth the time to read, gives great examples.
A great book, very insightful and was a pleasure to read, short but worth the time to read, gives great examples.
May 1, 2020
A fair quick guide. Worth the read.
March 6, 2020
D’Appolonio, D. (2017) Zen for beginners: a beginners guide to mindfulness and meditation.
(Amazon Kindle, 30 pages, Free)
A short read for the complete Zen beginner. 15 minutes well spent.
Main point:
The deliberate practice of compassionate, positive, and moral behaviors may reduce the inevitable physical, mental and emotional suffering of life.
Key Quote:
“When you know yourself completely and live in the moment, you start to distance yourself from everything that does not matter to you; you instead focus solely on improving your life by doing meaningful things.”
My Notes:
Zen centers on the ‘four noble truths’:
1) Suffering exists: physical; mental; and emotional.
2) Suffering results from a failure to fulfill one’s desire.
3) Suffering stops when one stops desiring more. This is because meaning, happiness, and value are detached from things.
4) Suffering may be reduced by following 8 rules that manifest positivity and compassion:
1. Right View: Observe and draw objective conclusions.
2. Right Intention: Prepare to be positive and compassionate.
3. Right Speech: Speak in a positive and compassionate manner.
4. Right Action: Act in a positive and compassionate manner.
5. Right Livelihood: Desist activities that harm the physical, mental or emotional well-being of yourself and others.
6. Right Effort: Apply effort to the first five rules.
7. Right Mindfulness: Focus on the moment, rather than desires for an imaginary future, or an immutable past.
8. Right Concentration: Refocus on positivity and compassion when focus is temporarily lost.
(Amazon Kindle, 30 pages, Free)
A short read for the complete Zen beginner. 15 minutes well spent.
Main point:
The deliberate practice of compassionate, positive, and moral behaviors may reduce the inevitable physical, mental and emotional suffering of life.
Key Quote:
“When you know yourself completely and live in the moment, you start to distance yourself from everything that does not matter to you; you instead focus solely on improving your life by doing meaningful things.”
My Notes:
Zen centers on the ‘four noble truths’:
1) Suffering exists: physical; mental; and emotional.
2) Suffering results from a failure to fulfill one’s desire.
3) Suffering stops when one stops desiring more. This is because meaning, happiness, and value are detached from things.
4) Suffering may be reduced by following 8 rules that manifest positivity and compassion:
1. Right View: Observe and draw objective conclusions.
2. Right Intention: Prepare to be positive and compassionate.
3. Right Speech: Speak in a positive and compassionate manner.
4. Right Action: Act in a positive and compassionate manner.
5. Right Livelihood: Desist activities that harm the physical, mental or emotional well-being of yourself and others.
6. Right Effort: Apply effort to the first five rules.
7. Right Mindfulness: Focus on the moment, rather than desires for an imaginary future, or an immutable past.
8. Right Concentration: Refocus on positivity and compassion when focus is temporarily lost.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2022
Not my cup of tea
I got this book to explore Zen Buddhism. What I found were lots of judgemental statements, many of which portray sex as completely negative and unacceptable. I was very surprised at some of those statements as they seemed cult like. If this is Buddhism, you can count me out.
Aside from this, there are many sentences that are poorly worded. There are also lots of run on sentences. This book is very poorly written and, in my opinion, not at all compelling.
I got this book to explore Zen Buddhism. What I found were lots of judgemental statements, many of which portray sex as completely negative and unacceptable. I was very surprised at some of those statements as they seemed cult like. If this is Buddhism, you can count me out.
Aside from this, there are many sentences that are poorly worded. There are also lots of run on sentences. This book is very poorly written and, in my opinion, not at all compelling.
November 13, 2023
I just want to get my alphabet challenge done and this was weirdly tied to sexuality being inherently bad lol
June 30, 2021
A nice find of an introductory book to Zen Buddhism philosophy and practice.
It is a brief text on the Zen thought, clearly presented, logically built up with the key elements of the philosophical framework of Zen philosophy.
The content though is challenging to read in what regards the confrontation with Western thinking and lifestyles, with meditative objectives set like ‘be peaceful from inside’ or ‘declutter your life’, or even ‘give up materialistic thinking’.
While the text is small, easy to read and to follow in terms of ideas and concepts presented, it is no less challenging to Western culture trained and formatted minds accommodating to these (alternative) mindsets.
So how can we be peaceful, settled, ultimately happy, fulfilled and satisfied?
Zen Buddhism provides its own (interesting) answers. Implementing by taking action to gradually change one’s life in accordance to the Zen designed lifestyle is the whole work in front of an adept of this philosophical school of thought.
The booklet presented by Daniel d’Apollonio is small but powerful. When it is true that mediation needs daily practice, this book needs re-reading and reflection on a continuous regular basis as well.
The title of the booklet is holding the subtitle element - ‘for beginners’. Indeed, it is set up to open the door to this Zen philosophical thought, which achieves to reflect on the deeply human exploration of the mind with the revelation of eternal rules of thinking, understood to be inherent to the whole humankind. In practical terms Zen is coming up with the Four Noble Truths, thus presenting axioms which are rated to be the basis for living together in peace and harmony, ultimately the true essentials for a life in peace and personal accomplishment.
To read the book is going along with a wake-up call for all those who aspire to find meaning, fulfilment, mindfulness and accomplishment in life.
Food for thought, nothing less.
It is a brief text on the Zen thought, clearly presented, logically built up with the key elements of the philosophical framework of Zen philosophy.
The content though is challenging to read in what regards the confrontation with Western thinking and lifestyles, with meditative objectives set like ‘be peaceful from inside’ or ‘declutter your life’, or even ‘give up materialistic thinking’.
While the text is small, easy to read and to follow in terms of ideas and concepts presented, it is no less challenging to Western culture trained and formatted minds accommodating to these (alternative) mindsets.
So how can we be peaceful, settled, ultimately happy, fulfilled and satisfied?
Zen Buddhism provides its own (interesting) answers. Implementing by taking action to gradually change one’s life in accordance to the Zen designed lifestyle is the whole work in front of an adept of this philosophical school of thought.
The booklet presented by Daniel d’Apollonio is small but powerful. When it is true that mediation needs daily practice, this book needs re-reading and reflection on a continuous regular basis as well.
The title of the booklet is holding the subtitle element - ‘for beginners’. Indeed, it is set up to open the door to this Zen philosophical thought, which achieves to reflect on the deeply human exploration of the mind with the revelation of eternal rules of thinking, understood to be inherent to the whole humankind. In practical terms Zen is coming up with the Four Noble Truths, thus presenting axioms which are rated to be the basis for living together in peace and harmony, ultimately the true essentials for a life in peace and personal accomplishment.
To read the book is going along with a wake-up call for all those who aspire to find meaning, fulfilment, mindfulness and accomplishment in life.
Food for thought, nothing less.
January 22, 2022
Have been in the midst of writing a manuscript on Buddhism for a bit, that may be turning into more than one, and thus reading up both on more in depth works for research and more straightforward lay guides for comparison. The author here brings some nice ideas from positive thinking and declutter movements, but is kind of misleading in associating them with zen, and moreover, makes a lot of claims about zen (in this very short book) that aren't really connected /to/ zen, and that at times misattribute the point/of/ zen, in ways that could mislead a beginner from the actual path. This sucks, because he has some good lead ins and knows enough to cite the path and noble truths, even with their translations, and is well organized. He also stresses compassion and non harm, though he mixes this with implied views of flaws reminiscent a bit of Christian shame at some points, with no explanation of why things are hindrances so much as just 'wrong.'
Very quick read that I may reference just to give an example of the twisting of zen into a quick fix panacea for life's problems or a gateway to a stated intended end of knowing and then fixing oneself, rather than primarily about presence and deeper meaning. I'd spare the review but hoping this will lead someone just newly seeking out to more works that give contextual views of the practice!
Very quick read that I may reference just to give an example of the twisting of zen into a quick fix panacea for life's problems or a gateway to a stated intended end of knowing and then fixing oneself, rather than primarily about presence and deeper meaning. I'd spare the review but hoping this will lead someone just newly seeking out to more works that give contextual views of the practice!
April 21, 2025
A calm and accessible intro—great for curious beginners.
*Zen For Beginners: A Beginner’s Guide to Mindful Meditation* is exactly what the title suggests: a simple, approachable starting point for those new to meditation and Zen philosophy. The tone is warm and non-intimidating, which I really appreciated. It’s the kind of book that invites you to slow down, take a breath, and start thinking more mindfully—without any pressure to be perfect.
The concepts are explained clearly, and it touches on important foundational ideas like presence, breathwork, and letting go of attachment. It’s a great little guide if you’re looking for inspiration to begin a mindfulness practice or want to understand the basics of Zen in everyday life.
That said, I found myself wanting just a bit more. The book scratches the surface but doesn’t dive too deeply into any one topic. A few more real-world examples or step-by-step practices could have added more value for someone hoping to integrate these teachings more fully.
Overall, it's a peaceful read and a helpful intro—especially for someone just starting their mindfulness journey. It may not be life-changing on its own, but it’s a thoughtful and calming place to begin.
*Zen For Beginners: A Beginner’s Guide to Mindful Meditation* is exactly what the title suggests: a simple, approachable starting point for those new to meditation and Zen philosophy. The tone is warm and non-intimidating, which I really appreciated. It’s the kind of book that invites you to slow down, take a breath, and start thinking more mindfully—without any pressure to be perfect.
The concepts are explained clearly, and it touches on important foundational ideas like presence, breathwork, and letting go of attachment. It’s a great little guide if you’re looking for inspiration to begin a mindfulness practice or want to understand the basics of Zen in everyday life.
That said, I found myself wanting just a bit more. The book scratches the surface but doesn’t dive too deeply into any one topic. A few more real-world examples or step-by-step practices could have added more value for someone hoping to integrate these teachings more fully.
Overall, it's a peaceful read and a helpful intro—especially for someone just starting their mindfulness journey. It may not be life-changing on its own, but it’s a thoughtful and calming place to begin.
May 14, 2019
Great Mindfulness Book For Beginners!
I really loved this book! For the past few months or so, I have been trying to be more mindful with everything that I do and to look for ways to live an overall happier life. I got interested in Taoism and discovered Lao Tzu along the way which lead me to find this book. It talks about living more simple and letting go of attachments such as physical things that aren't important and negative thoughts. Meditation is also something I have been dabbling in and this book has helped me understand it a bit more. So I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking to learn more about mindfulness and Zen Meditation. :)
I really loved this book! For the past few months or so, I have been trying to be more mindful with everything that I do and to look for ways to live an overall happier life. I got interested in Taoism and discovered Lao Tzu along the way which lead me to find this book. It talks about living more simple and letting go of attachments such as physical things that aren't important and negative thoughts. Meditation is also something I have been dabbling in and this book has helped me understand it a bit more. So I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking to learn more about mindfulness and Zen Meditation. :)
December 27, 2020
I really enjoyed this book, yes it is a bit self helpy, but on the whole it was an easy to read and contained the four noble truths and moved on to the eightfold path with relative ease.
This is the perfect book for the beginner who wants to try the concepts of zen into their own life, without being patronised, spoken down too or even given over to floral metaphors on the feelings of Zen.
Whilst my only criticism of this book is the sex negativity of the author, I can look past that for the ease of reading. If I had a friend/colleague who was interested in learning more about Zen, I would definitely recommend this book.
This is the perfect book for the beginner who wants to try the concepts of zen into their own life, without being patronised, spoken down too or even given over to floral metaphors on the feelings of Zen.
Whilst my only criticism of this book is the sex negativity of the author, I can look past that for the ease of reading. If I had a friend/colleague who was interested in learning more about Zen, I would definitely recommend this book.
April 30, 2020
Beginner's guide for the beginner
I really enjoyed reading this book. It had a lot of insights and made me consider many of the teachings that are incredibly relatable to my life.
I initially downloaded this book as a starting point for path to a peaceful life. I wanted to know more about Buddhism.
I think it was a great beginner which discussed how to create inner peace and went through the 4 noble truths and the eightfold path simply.
I now have a starting point in which I can further deepen my knowledge and understanding.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It had a lot of insights and made me consider many of the teachings that are incredibly relatable to my life.
I initially downloaded this book as a starting point for path to a peaceful life. I wanted to know more about Buddhism.
I think it was a great beginner which discussed how to create inner peace and went through the 4 noble truths and the eightfold path simply.
I now have a starting point in which I can further deepen my knowledge and understanding.
February 20, 2018
I really liked this book, it's a great introduction. I would have given it 5 stars except I think the author seems to be hung up on sexuality, shall I say...judgmental. Which is not a Zen habit! LOL. While I do think porn CAN be problematic not ALL porn is and there is definitely nothing wrong with erotica. Sexuality is a natural and beautiful part of life. Just don't be overly attached or "freak out" to use D'apollonio's own words. Ha ha :)
September 27, 2020
DNF. You lost me at Samma Ajiva.
Besides that, there are so many rules, and it reads to me as culty. Pass.
I consider myself to be a pretty opened minded individual, and I do use meditation every day, and was looking to see if I could find any tips or different ways of meditating. But I'm not looking for a whole new religion.
If it works for you, no hate. Live and let live. But it's not for me.
If I could rate it 0 stars, I would.
Besides that, there are so many rules, and it reads to me as culty. Pass.
I consider myself to be a pretty opened minded individual, and I do use meditation every day, and was looking to see if I could find any tips or different ways of meditating. But I'm not looking for a whole new religion.
If it works for you, no hate. Live and let live. But it's not for me.
If I could rate it 0 stars, I would.
December 26, 2021
I think this is a great short book. I learned a lot about how certain things can affect you mentally. You have to surround yourself with positivity and positive people and then, you will be positive. I learned that being around things that can help you contribute to the person that you want to be are what is important. You have to prioritize things that can help you become the person that you want to become.
January 15, 2018
Really good book for starting
I was looking for books related to self help where I came across word Zen and wanted to explore other content i went through online was valuable but it was kind of all around the place when i decided to look for book i came across this oh boy what boom its been basic and real self help content if put to practice will change any person
I was looking for books related to self help where I came across word Zen and wanted to explore other content i went through online was valuable but it was kind of all around the place when i decided to look for book i came across this oh boy what boom its been basic and real self help content if put to practice will change any person
January 11, 2020
The book offers an ultra short introduction to the practise of Zen. It's accessible language, simple examples can inspire rank beginners to explore Zen further. I don't appreciate the sex negativism of the author though. He portrays the enjoyment of sex and sexual activity as a vice through his examples. Such a moralistic take on sex is not only impractical but also against human nature.
April 20, 2020
Thanks for crisp push towards better life
It's a beautiful book that acts as a beacon of light for ones who are just wondering where they are going... As it's said every journey begins with a single step, this book well may be the first step for most readers.. Thanks again Daniel for the short and sweet insight into Zen lifestyle 😊
It's a beautiful book that acts as a beacon of light for ones who are just wondering where they are going... As it's said every journey begins with a single step, this book well may be the first step for most readers.. Thanks again Daniel for the short and sweet insight into Zen lifestyle 😊
May 15, 2020
Short and sweet!
This was my first ever Zen book. Don't know what made me download it but I found it very informative and really interesting!
Shorter than I realised, but I found that was actually a good thing as it wasn't overwhelming and didn't feel bombarded with loads of information. Will definitely be reading this again and recommending it to some friends.
This was my first ever Zen book. Don't know what made me download it but I found it very informative and really interesting!
Shorter than I realised, but I found that was actually a good thing as it wasn't overwhelming and didn't feel bombarded with loads of information. Will definitely be reading this again and recommending it to some friends.
July 13, 2020
Good book to dip your toe into Zen
This book is a good quick summary of Zen. I would recommend it to someone who wants to learn a bit about Zen or get a feel of it but is not interested in spending a lot of time on it or getting too detailed. My one complaint is that there are some awkwardly worded sentences near the end of the book when describing meditation.
This book is a good quick summary of Zen. I would recommend it to someone who wants to learn a bit about Zen or get a feel of it but is not interested in spending a lot of time on it or getting too detailed. My one complaint is that there are some awkwardly worded sentences near the end of the book when describing meditation.
August 5, 2020
Great!
As the title say, it is a beginner’s guide. In very few words the author has tried to put the required information in this book, which is a very fine attempt. I like and highly recommend this book for people beginning their journey towards mindfulness, discipline, and positive life.
As the title say, it is a beginner’s guide. In very few words the author has tried to put the required information in this book, which is a very fine attempt. I like and highly recommend this book for people beginning their journey towards mindfulness, discipline, and positive life.
November 11, 2020
Simple approach to Zen
I have been considering learning more about Zen before adopting it as a “lifestyle”. This book contains the clearest advice I have come across. It dispels my fears of Zen as a soulless practice and, instead, replaced it with an understanding of the steps to consider adopting as a positive way of living along with a meditation guide. Highly recommended.
I have been considering learning more about Zen before adopting it as a “lifestyle”. This book contains the clearest advice I have come across. It dispels my fears of Zen as a soulless practice and, instead, replaced it with an understanding of the steps to consider adopting as a positive way of living along with a meditation guide. Highly recommended.
November 27, 2020
A decent basic introduction to Zen
A nice quick basic introduction to Zen, giving the basic principles and path to follow.
Each part gives enough knowledge to be able to try and enough information to know what to look into further if you want to.
A nice little book to peak a person's interest in going deeper...
A nice quick basic introduction to Zen, giving the basic principles and path to follow.
Each part gives enough knowledge to be able to try and enough information to know what to look into further if you want to.
A nice little book to peak a person's interest in going deeper...
April 16, 2021
Very nice, concise introduction to Zen
I’ve been a Zen Buddhist since shortly after I started college. Our current circumstances and political environment are a continual challenge / reminder of the difficulty in maintaining my practice. Sometimes a short little book like this helps ground me. Recommended.
I’ve been a Zen Buddhist since shortly after I started college. Our current circumstances and political environment are a continual challenge / reminder of the difficulty in maintaining my practice. Sometimes a short little book like this helps ground me. Recommended.
October 17, 2024
To Zen or not to Zen
A great starters book to the world of Zen. This book frames without cluttering a way to begin the first step into a simpler, more balanced life and the goal is to liberate yourself from all negative thoughts and experiences. Nothing wrong with that. Recommended.
A great starters book to the world of Zen. This book frames without cluttering a way to begin the first step into a simpler, more balanced life and the goal is to liberate yourself from all negative thoughts and experiences. Nothing wrong with that. Recommended.
December 29, 2019
Good basic guidebook
This is an easy to read guidebook. It covers ways to absorb and practice the basic teachings of Zen. The meditation portion has concise instructions for poses, breathing and concentration.
This is an easy to read guidebook. It covers ways to absorb and practice the basic teachings of Zen. The meditation portion has concise instructions for poses, breathing and concentration.
February 6, 2020
A decent, concise, and slightly judgemental book intro to Zen Buddhism for the uninitiated. Some advice regarding could/should be disregarded depending on your personal values (e.g. around how easily you should cut out people or anything pertaining to sexuality).
March 1, 2020
Awesome
I thought it was very good. a little short but very informational and I felt better after reading it. I will definitely read again and I'm very glad I downloaded it for free on amazon
I thought it was very good. a little short but very informational and I felt better after reading it. I will definitely read again and I'm very glad I downloaded it for free on amazon
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews