Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind: Informal Talks on Zen Meditation and Practice
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Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind: Informal Talks on Zen Meditation and Practice Audible Audiobook – Abridged

Shunryu Suzuki (Author), Peter Coyote (Narrator), Phoenix Books (Publisher)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 3,089 ratings
See all formats and editions

In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert's there are few. So begins this most beloved of all American Zen works. Seldom has such a small handful of words provided a teaching as rich as this famous opening line of Shunryu Suzuki's classic. In a single stroke, the simple sentence cuts through the pervasive tendency students have of getting so close to Zen as to completely miss what it's all about. An instant teaching in the first minutes. And that's just the beginning.

In the 30 years since its original publication, Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind has become one of the great modern Zen classics. Suzuki Roshi presents the basics in a way that is remarkably clear and resonates with the joy of insight. Listeners will refer to this audio time and time again as an inspiration to practice.

Previous page
  1. Listening Length
    2 hours and 58 minutes
  2. Author
    Shunryu Suzuki
  3. Narrator
    Peter Coyote
  4. Audible release date
    March 1, 2016
  5. Language
    English
  6. Publisher
    Phoenix Books
  7. ASIN
    B01CD5I0CY
  8. Version
    Abridged
  9. Program Type
    Audiobook
  10. See all details
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Product details

Listening Length 2 hours and 58 minutes
Author Shunryu Suzuki
Narrator Peter Coyote
Audible.com Release Date March 01, 2016
Publisher Phoenix Books
Program Type Audiobook
Version Abridged
Language English
ASIN B01CD5I0CY
Best Sellers Rank #6,484 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals)
#5 in Zen Buddhism (Audible Books & Originals)
#14 in Buddhist Rituals & Practice (Books)
#15 in Zen Spirituality

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
3,089 global ratings
A Phenomenal Foray Into The Mindfulness & Simplicity
5 Stars
A Phenomenal Foray Into The Mindfulness & Simplicity
Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind by Shunryu Suzuki is a rather intricate but deep view into the mindscape of what the 'Zen Mind' entails.Given that this book isn't exactly for those in the nascent stages of Zen Buddhism, it can be quite enigmatic in some spots. Still, this does not detract from the wealth of information the reader will be able to garner if they maintain an open mind.Overall the book shows many insights individuals may follow to strengthen their core repertoire.Some of the concepts the book discusses included mindfulness, the importance of calmness and focus in your life, proper practice, simplicity and much more.For someone that's new in traversing the Zen realm, this book is quite appreciated. It synthesizes many complex topics in a simple to follow manner, and does so in a way that is rich in scope as well.Reading this book will definitely help the reader become more cognizant of the mind in countless ways.After having this book a while, and referenced it quite a bit, have a feeling that how much this book helps an individual is proportional to how much one focuses on each of the concepts. It really is an excellent book.
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Top reviews from the United States

Robert Hammond
5.0 out of 5 stars So much wisdom...
Reviewed in the United States on November 14, 2023
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This book, the reading and re-reading of it over the past 30 years, has influenced me and my life in many, many positive ways. I have studied and practiced Zen beginning in the early 90's after reading Three Pillars of Zen, a compelling book. My practice has included several sesshin with Joko Beck in San Diego, as well as meditation at the SF Zen Center, the LA Zen Center and other zendos, but that was only the beginning for me. Suzuki's language here is an amazing transmutation of traditional Zen language from the sutras and traditional dharma talks, into plain modern American English. The first few lines - "Beginner's mind ..." contain his very special wisdom, and his very non-traditional approach to Zen practice. I urge readers to read carefully and consider it. The rest of the book continues to amaze me, after 30 years, with its timeless wisdom, particularly for us Americans who do not grow up in a Zen culture but rather grow up and live in modern American (and world) society.
11 people found this helpful
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DavidJ
5.0 out of 5 stars Good foundation
Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2024
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This is a good book to get a good foundational understanding of Zen. This book helps the reader have an understanding of Zen and Buddhism. Although the book was written over 50 years ago, is still relevant.
2 people found this helpful
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Nick
5.0 out of 5 stars I've been searching for years for the answers found in this book
Reviewed in the United States on December 25, 2009
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This is clearly one of the best books I have ever read. I found page after page full of deep thoughts and ideas that I have often wondered about throughout my life. This was my first book on Zen and I chose it because of the numerous excellent reviews and I must say that I concur. I will also admit that I did not understand all of the teachings. On one page I would find deep answers to the questions I have long asked in my life and then on the next page I would have no idea what the author was talking about. Most of the confusion comes on the subject of non-dualism, which for a Westerner is probably the hardest concept to comprehend in Zen.

The book is formed from a series of talks given by Shunyru Suzuki over many years, each comprising a short chapter of the book usually 4-6 pages long. The layout of the book is very straightforward and I found it beneficial to read one or two chapters a day. Although it does touch briefly on meditation (zazen), this book focuses primarily on the philosophy of Zen. Because of this, anyone can read and appreciate the book. You don't have to be a Buddhist or meditate on a regular basis to enjoy the knowledge found within "Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind". Fundamental concepts such as "the only thing we can change is ourselves", "we have suffering in our lives because of our attachments" and "let everything go as it goes" apply to our everyday lives in a very powerful way.

It is important to realize that according to the teachings of Zen, enlightenment is found through the practice of zazen. A Sensei at the Zen Center told me, "If we could reach enlightenment through intellectual understanding, there would be no need for meditation". To fully understand the difficult teachings found in this book, such as non-dualism, we must realize them over a long period of time through meditation. This is why I don't think anyone can fully grasp everything within this book, the first time they are exposed to the concepts of Zen.

Regardless of your religious beliefs and whether or not you ever intend to meditate or further study Zen, this book offers a wealth of knowledge in a very practical, every day setting.

Good Luck and enjoy the journey.
31 people found this helpful
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Sal Paradise
5.0 out of 5 stars Classic - but not the best place to start
Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2024
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This book is a classixc work, but if you are just starting zen practice, or are considering starting, this probably should not be the first book that you purchase. This is a collection of talks on zen that have been written down, and covers a wide range of topics. However, even though it has "beginner" in the title, it is really not a "how-to" book, and will not give you the specifics to start meditating and practicing. Get this one after you have already started your journey, but consider Robert Aitken if you are just starting out.
4 people found this helpful
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Mike
4.0 out of 5 stars good book, but ironically it may not be for beginners.
Reviewed in the United States on December 26, 2014
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This book may be somewhat difficult to understand for someone just starting to read about eastern thought in general. Listening to many hours of Alan Watts and reviewing other info about Buddhism in general really helped me appreciate this book more. Honestly I don't understand somewhere between 50% to 30% of what I read. However, one day I plan on practicing Zen at a Zen center and then will review certain parts of this book. I'm glad I bought this book (instead of borrowing it from the library) because I and many other readers probably will not be able to appreciate it the first time around. Some chapters are as clear as day - especially when he alludes to the waterfall and individual droplets being each of us.

Not recommended if you have no background in eastern thought - you should start elsewhere, but if you are still interested in Buddhism after dabbling around in general Buddhism literature, this is one of the classics that you should really look into if you are thinking about practicing Zen.

Someone said this is too esoteric and I can see what they mean - but because it is so, it seems to be more genuine and complete. When I read for example, Thich Nhat Hanh's The Art of Power, it seems so very dumbed down that I feel insulted and even bored at times even though I know he understands Buddhism. He uses very applied/practical examples within our daily lives and is very concrete. Thich overuses the word love. My gut kind of objects love as an emphasis of Buddhism. In a way, yes, you can say that some aspects of Buddhism may imply love, but that is not the main point of Buddhism. This book (Zen Mind, Beginners Mind) is less touchy-feely in that sense. However, it offers a lot of insight.

When I ordered my book from amazon, I got a nice book mark with it with some calligraphy on it. the back cover of the book is quite interesting and if you read the content towards the end of the book it will point out something interesting about the face of the author. This is a permanent member of my small collection of books.
9 people found this helpful
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SmokinBobLenart
5.0 out of 5 stars Very interesting.
Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2023
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I have read this book more than I thought I would. Very good quality and easy reading. Received it on time and the price is right. I highly recommend this book for anyone.
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Top reviews from other countries

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Fagner Garcia
5.0 out of 5 stars Síntese do Zen budismo
Reviewed in Brazil on December 31, 2023
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A síntese de tudo o que é necessário para entender o Zen budismo (da escola soto), obra indispensável.
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Ty Schultz
5.0 out of 5 stars Classic
Reviewed in Canada on December 20, 2021
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The absolute best place to start, to practice,to begin to understand and to unfold your heart and mind and embrace Zen.A truly timeless classic for all times, generations and locations.
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Narayansparkar
5.0 out of 5 stars It's about philosophy
Reviewed in India on February 1, 2024
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A very good book
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Korps
5.0 out of 5 stars Zen Buddhism
Reviewed in Germany on January 12, 2024
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Every now and Zen
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Alex M. S.
5.0 out of 5 stars Conciso, resaltando los conceptos esenciales del budismo Zen
Reviewed in Spain on May 20, 2023
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Buen libro, voy por la mitad, son transcripciones de charlas que dió el autor a su comunidad zen en San Francisco. Explica los conceptos esenciales del budismo zen, que al final son los del budismo, de manera fácilmente entendible.

Lo escuché recomendado en una entrevista en un podcast a un veterano maestro de meditación budista. Él mismo comentaba que lo releía cada pocos años y siempre aprendía cosas nuevas.
One person found this helpful
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