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An introduction to Zen Buddhism
First published 1934 · 1528 pages
A lively and accessible gateway into the philosophy of Zen, offering a straightforward framework for self-understanding.
What it feels like
Reading this classic work feels like sitting down with a deeply knowledgeable yet approachable teacher. The pace is steady and deliberate, allowing complex intersections of philosophy, psychology, and ethics to unfold in a lively, straightforward manner. Rather than getting bogged down in dense academic jargon, the prose remains accessible and illuminating, creating a contemplative and grounded mood. The emotional journey is one of expanding awareness, guiding the reader toward self-understanding and a more balanced existence. It is a deeply fulfilling experience for both the serious student of religion and the curious layperson seeking a practical framework for enlightenment and inner peace.
- Mood
- contemplative
- balanced
- enlightening
- grounded
- Tone
- accessible
- straightforward
- lively
- illuminating
- authoritative
- Pace
- steady
- Themes
- self-understanding · enlightenment · balanced existence · philosophical inquiry · ethical living
- The writing
- Lively, accessible, and straightforward, designed to illuminate complex philosophical and psychological systems for both laypeople and serious students.
- The arc
- Moves from initial curiosity about Eastern philosophy toward a grounded sense of self-understanding and balanced living.
- Who it's for
- Readers seeking a clear, foundational understanding of Zen philosophy and those looking for a framework for a more fulfilled existence.
About the book
One of the world’s leading authorities on Zen Buddhism, D. T. Suzuki was the author of more than a hundred works on the subject in both Japanese and English, and was most instrumental in bringing the teachings of Zen Buddhism to the attention of the Western world. Written in a lively, accessible, and straightforward manner, An Introduction to Zen Buddhism is illuminating for the serious student and layperson alike. Suzuki provides a complete vision of Zen, which emphasizes self-understanding and enlightenment through many systems of philosophy, psychology, and ethics. With a foreword by the renowned psychiatrist Dr. Carl Jung, this volume has been generally acknowledged a classic introduction to the subject for many years. It provides, along with Suzuki’s Essays and Manual of Zen Buddhism, a framework for living a balanced and fulfilled existence through Zen.
Description from Open Library.
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