Download The Complete Idiot Guide to Zen Living 2nd Edition Gary R McClain Eve Adamson Books
Download As PDF : The Complete Idiot Guide to Zen Living 2nd Edition Gary R McClain Eve Adamson Books
An updated and revised guide to enlightening up!
Presenting innovative ideas on incorporating Zen thinking and action into even the most Western lifestyle, this book focuses on living Zen in a post-9/11 world. It also offers updated information on
meditation and its many benefits and new exercises for families to
promote Zen living at home, as well as new exercises to help readers combat their dissatisfaction with life and unfulfilled desires.
•Revised to focus on living Zen in an increasingly complex and panicked world
•New anecdotes that translate Zen philosophy into the “here and now”
Download The Complete Idiot Guide to Zen Living 2nd Edition Gary R McClain Eve Adamson Books
"If you are a Westerner and you are seriously interested in starting the practice of Zen, or you just want to know what Zen is but feel somewhat put off by the Japanese jargon and the cryptic simplicity of Zen, this is your book. I have been interested in Zen for a long time, and read more substantial books than this one, but I certainly recommend this book to any beginner as it is a stepping stone on which to build up your journey.
The authors use a language that is approachable, entertaining, full of examples, and unpretentious. The book is a bit wordy at times, but really nothing to bother anybody who is into Zen. And mind you, this is supposed to be a guide for idiots, so there is a need for all what it is in it. If you are genius, why did you pick up this book?
Although the authors are two, there is a harmony and consistency in the writing, and the reader cannot tell if they divided the work, or who wrote what, or if they both sat and did it together unless one of the authors mentions the other. I think part of the merit is due to the editor!
The book is really well structured in parts and lessons that go from the Zen Philosophy basics, meditation techniques (how to sit and breath), to the practice of Zen in your daily life, in the good and bad moments in your life, from eating to relating and everything mundane. Each chapter has an introductory list of topics to be discussed, and ends with a summary with the most important things learned in the chapter, which comes handy if you want to re-read the book. Along the book, there are some informative text boxes: Zen-Speak, devoted to explaining the meaning of the most common Zen words (Chinese or Japanese); One Hand Clapping, with pearls of Zen wisdom; Nirvana Notes, offering tips and techniques helpful to live your life the Zen way; and my fav ones, the Monkey Mind boxes, which are warnings about ways of thinking or being that should be avoided and do not help you to Zen.
The book as a list of recommended readings and websites that needs updating as the book was written in 2001, but they are still useful. There is also a glossary with all the nitty-gritti words just in case you forget them (they are also introduced and explained in the text boxes). The book ends with an alphabetical word index with links to references in the body of the book, like old printed books! If this wasn't enough there is a list of linkable contents at the beginning and the end of the book, which is very thoughtful and helpful.
Most recommended and most enjoyable."
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Tags : The Complete Idiot's Guide to Zen Living, 2nd Edition (8601421925952) Gary R. McClain, Eve Adamson Books,Gary R. McClain, Eve Adamson,The Complete Idiot's Guide to Zen Living, 2nd Edition,Alpha Books,159257243X,Personal Practical Guides,Religious life;Zen Buddhism.,Spiritual life;Zen Buddhism.,Zen Buddhism.,Body, Mind Spirit / Spirituality / General,Buddhism - Zen,How-to/Do-it-yourself,Inspirational/Devotional,Non-Fiction,Philosophy,REFERENCE,REFERENCE / Personal Practical Guides,RELIGION / Buddhism / Zen (see also PHILOSOPHY / Zen),Religion / Eastern,Religious life,United States,Zen,Zen Buddhism
The Complete Idiot Guide to Zen Living 2nd Edition Gary R McClain Eve Adamson Books Reviews :
The Complete Idiot Guide to Zen Living 2nd Edition Gary R McClain Eve Adamson Books Reviews
- If you are a Westerner and you are seriously interested in starting the practice of Zen, or you just want to know what Zen is but feel somewhat put off by the Japanese jargon and the cryptic simplicity of Zen, this is your book. I have been interested in Zen for a long time, and read more substantial books than this one, but I certainly recommend this book to any beginner as it is a stepping stone on which to build up your journey.
The authors use a language that is approachable, entertaining, full of examples, and unpretentious. The book is a bit wordy at times, but really nothing to bother anybody who is into Zen. And mind you, this is supposed to be a guide for idiots, so there is a need for all what it is in it. If you are genius, why did you pick up this book?
Although the authors are two, there is a harmony and consistency in the writing, and the reader cannot tell if they divided the work, or who wrote what, or if they both sat and did it together unless one of the authors mentions the other. I think part of the merit is due to the editor!
The book is really well structured in parts and lessons that go from the Zen Philosophy basics, meditation techniques (how to sit and breath), to the practice of Zen in your daily life, in the good and bad moments in your life, from eating to relating and everything mundane. Each chapter has an introductory list of topics to be discussed, and ends with a summary with the most important things learned in the chapter, which comes handy if you want to re-read the book. Along the book, there are some informative text boxes Zen-Speak, devoted to explaining the meaning of the most common Zen words (Chinese or Japanese); One Hand Clapping, with pearls of Zen wisdom; Nirvana Notes, offering tips and techniques helpful to live your life the Zen way; and my fav ones, the Monkey Mind boxes, which are warnings about ways of thinking or being that should be avoided and do not help you to Zen.
The book as a list of recommended readings and websites that needs updating as the book was written in 2001, but they are still useful. There is also a glossary with all the nitty-gritti words just in case you forget them (they are also introduced and explained in the text boxes). The book ends with an alphabetical word index with links to references in the body of the book, like old printed books! If this wasn't enough there is a list of linkable contents at the beginning and the end of the book, which is very thoughtful and helpful.
Most recommended and most enjoyable. - I have been a lifetime student of numerous Asian martial arts such as Judo, Jujitsu, Karate-Do, Kendo, Kenjutsu, and Tanto-jutsu both as a student and instructor. As anyone knows who has studied any martial art in depth, one must also follow to some degree the philosophy of Zen to appreciate the fully any martial art.
I am also a great fan of Japanese Haiku, which has been called "Zen Poetry." Even though the title of the book may turn you off; (The Complete Idiot's Guide to Zen Living by Gary R. McClain, Ph.D. and Eve Adamson) nevertheless, this book covers the topic in great detail and is an enjoyable read. "The Complete Idiot's Guide" series follow a specific formula which makes reading and understanding the book very easy.
This book is organized into six parts. Part 1 Dharma 101, covers what Zen is, gives a brief history of Zen Buddhism and Zen in America. Part 2 The future is the past is now being Zen, explains the Zen approach to truth and attitude. Part 3 1-2-3 Zazen Zen techniques for Zen living. This section deals with learning to meditate, breathing correctly and explains what a Koan is as it relates to the practice of Zen. Part 4 Personal Zen, covers family and personal relationships as it applies to following Zen. Part 5 Zen in the workplace, explains how the philosophy of Zen can be used on your job and seeking a career path. The final section, Home is where the Zen is shows how you can create your own special Zen meditation place in your home and how to use Zen in many creative ways. Each of these sections explore in great detail each topic. You should also check out the reference and glossary section in this fine book. They show many sources to continue your study of Zen.
In conclusion, if you are seeking to learn something about Zen and how to apply it to your life, you should check out this excellent book. It is an easy and fun read.
Rating 5 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author The Samurai Soul An old warrior's poetic tribute) - This book is exactly what I need in my life.
This is a practical, down-to-earth approach to Zen. Not being interested in converting to any kind of religious Buddhism, I appreciate the approach the book takes - teach me what Zen has to offer in my daily life. And it has much to offer, apparently. Being a "complete idiot" when it comes to Zen, I don't know how much of this is pure Zen and how much is the author's ideas. From appearances, it's mostly pure Zen.
I can honestly say this is one of the most valuable books I have read in my life. I expect I will now work on these ideas the rest of my life.
It's easy reading but I can only read so many pages per day - there is so much to digest here.
Americans really need to learn the things in this book, to steer us off the increasingly insane path we seem to be on. Our lives become ever more hectic and materialistic, yet remain unfulfilled, it seems to me.
I recommend you get the newer, second edition of this book published in 2004. It includes a wonderful new chapter 23, "Loving Kindness What the World Needs Now." The "Look Inside" feature here shows the first edition published in 2001.
Since reading this book, I have looked for others that take a similar approach. I learned on Wikipedia that there is an American school of Zen with a similar approach. It's called the Ordinary Mind school, founded by Zen master Charlotte Joko Beck. Her books such as Everyday Zen Love and Work (Plus) look good, although I haven't read them yet.
I also highly recommend Train Your Brain....Engage Your Heart....Transform Your Life A Course in Attention & Interpretation Therapy (AIT).
