Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind

published

2011-12-27

rating

3

I think this book is one of the better introductions to Zen. It doesn't spend much time talking about the mystical aspects of Buddhism, instead focusing on conveying a sense of what Zen means to a Zen practitioner. He doesn't hype it up, he almost makes it seem boring and de-emphasizes the significance of philosophical interpretations, while still making the practice of Zen seem very important and appealing. He suggests that sitting meditation should be your focus and that you shouldn't be expecting anything special like enlightenment. I really liked the part where he talks about attachment to results because it was quite similar to my own views.