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Elevate: The Essence of Zen - Get Back to Basics
Some of us remain stuck in the past, ruminating on events or choices we cannot change. Others find themselves racing towards the future with fear and trepidation, providing a dramatic narrative for things that haven’t happened. ‘The Essence of Zen: Get Back to Basics’ provides insight on ways to stay in the here and now, without distraction.
By studying the history of Zen with its roots in Japan, the role of Zen in art, and its place in modern psychology, readers will find a way to harness the essence of Zen in their everyday life, simply and effectively.
By studying the history of Zen with its roots in Japan, the role of Zen in art, and its place in modern psychology, readers will find a way to harness the essence of Zen in their everyday life, simply and effectively.
96 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
June 22, 2021
Byrne has produced a succinct and informative introduction to Zen in this short and copiously illustrated book. I cannot vouch for the authenticity of the material presented herein, as I have no foreknowledge or pre-existing understanding of what Zen is. However if one is to assume that the author is representing the history, tenets and applications of Zen as a form of spirituality and a means of living as truthfully as he can, then he has produced a valuable resource.
As I read the book I was struck time and time again by the elements of Zen that replicate or echo other forms of belief systems. Byrne gives a cogent description of the early history of Buddhism and its key proponents and practitioners, and as this section was explored I recalled how aestheticism and self-reflection have been key to Christianity, Judaism and Islam. The efforts at trying to comprehend that which is incomprehensible or outside human knowledge (e.g. the meaning of life, death etc) are described by Byrne as elemental to Zen, and by association this is the same for other spiritual philosophies. The relative newcomer to Zen will find some familiar ground from perhaps their own religious experiences in the author's text.
Byrne makes a well argued and articulate statement in this book about the value of Zen, both in its ephemeral, spiritual context, as well as the more practical aspects of its application. One might not be willing to take on board everything written herein and attempt to become a Zen master. However Byrne does provoke curiosity and contemplation; I'll admit that having read about how to practice Zen meditation I thought about giving it a go. That's no mean feat considering my rather sceptical and practical attitude towards such new age ideas.
I would be happy to recommend this book to anyone who wants to know a bit more about Zen, but perhaps 'Elevate: The Essence of Zen' is most beneficial to reader and non-reader alike by just existing.
As I read the book I was struck time and time again by the elements of Zen that replicate or echo other forms of belief systems. Byrne gives a cogent description of the early history of Buddhism and its key proponents and practitioners, and as this section was explored I recalled how aestheticism and self-reflection have been key to Christianity, Judaism and Islam. The efforts at trying to comprehend that which is incomprehensible or outside human knowledge (e.g. the meaning of life, death etc) are described by Byrne as elemental to Zen, and by association this is the same for other spiritual philosophies. The relative newcomer to Zen will find some familiar ground from perhaps their own religious experiences in the author's text.
Byrne makes a well argued and articulate statement in this book about the value of Zen, both in its ephemeral, spiritual context, as well as the more practical aspects of its application. One might not be willing to take on board everything written herein and attempt to become a Zen master. However Byrne does provoke curiosity and contemplation; I'll admit that having read about how to practice Zen meditation I thought about giving it a go. That's no mean feat considering my rather sceptical and practical attitude towards such new age ideas.
I would be happy to recommend this book to anyone who wants to know a bit more about Zen, but perhaps 'Elevate: The Essence of Zen' is most beneficial to reader and non-reader alike by just existing.
August 7, 2025
Boring. Hard to understand. Does highlight some background info, I guess.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews