The Training of the Zen Buddhist Monk

by D.T. Suzuki

Daisetz Teitaro Suzuki's "The Training of the Zen Buddhist Monk" invites you to step inside the mysterious world of the Zendo, where monks live their lives in simplicity. Suzuki, best known as the man who brought Zen classics to the West, sheds light on all phases of a monk's experience, from being refused admittance at the door to finally understanding the meaning of one's "koan". Suzuki explains the initiation ceremony, the act of begging, and the life of prayers, meditation, and service.

Genres: Buddhism, Zen, Philosophy, Japan, Nonfiction, Religion

Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 1934

About the author

Daisetsu Teitaro Suzuki (鈴木 大拙 貞太郎 Suzuki Daisetsu Teitarō; rendered "Daisetz" after 1893) was Professor of Buddhist philosophies at Ōtani University. As a translator and writer on Buddhism and Eastern philosophy, he greatly helped to popularize Japanese Zen in the West.

Reviews

[Lori Shinkō Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was assigned reading for my training as a Zen Buddhist priest. There are wonderful passages by Suzuki Roshi that are timeless and insightful for guiding others on the path. For this reason anyone interested in the care of spiritual direction in Zen would be interested. A great deal of the book deals with monastic life rules and this is great for historical context or reference. There is also a glossary of Zen titles and bells which could be helpful including many illustrations of monastery life.

[Tamsin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A descriptive account of Zen Buddhist life is provided in this book. The dialogues included are quite confusing (maybe lost in translation?) and I found it difficult to follow in places. There is very little of the author's personal take on it, it's just pure description.

[Eitán · Rating 5 out of 5]

Muy lindo. Simple y didáctico.

[Catherine Buchanan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great, classic book on Zen. This particular edition was beautifully designed. A welcome addiction to my bookshelf.

[Francisca Villahermosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear and concise

I found this book clarifying on many aspects of the Zen Buddhist monks way of life inside the monasteries in Japan, recommended.

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Used as a reference only.

[Adam Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, great introduction to the life of a Zen monk. This book covers the journey to start training at the Zendo and the life the monks lead in the monasteries. It covers the practices to create a life of labor, service, prayer, gratitude, meditation, and humility. If you are interested in Buddhism D.T. Suzuki has been a favorite of mine for a while. The version I read is old, an illustrated version that added to the overall quality in my opinion as they are great and directly relate to what Suzuki talks about. Highly recommended.

[Nikki Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some of this went over my head and I loved that because it forces me to re-read and reexamine the book. I think this is one of those books you can read at different times in your life and garner new information about the zen life & the zen buddhist monk's life when at the Zendo.

[Bob Peru · Rating 4 out of 5]

good account of the daily life of zen monks. lots of zen comments from the texts.

[Netanel Miles-Yepez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent look at Zen monastic life and its practices in the late 19th and early 20th-centuries.

[Sga]

I have the first American edition, 1956, facsimile of the first Kyoto edition, 1934.