Zen Buddhism: Selected Writings of D. T. Suzuki

Daisetz provides apt, qualified, intellectual commentary & presentation of core aspects of Zen Buddhism.In short, if you are a student of Zen (or any another tradition of Buddhism) or if you are a seeker of the Way in general, you will find DT’s illuminating commentaries beneficial for your inner vision.This is indeed an organized compilation of his writings, so I hopped around to different sections according to the appeal of the chapter title, with the goal of generating spiritual insight.I skipped the introductory chapters (though they are likely useful as well) and mostly focused on pages 80-220, sections with titles such as:“Satori, or Enlightenment”; “Practical Methods of Zen Instruction”; “The Reason of Unreason: the Ko’an Exercise”; & “The Zen Doctrine of No-Mind”. Though, I plan on reading every section eventually.His approach is very scholarly & astute, and you can expect to see various excerpts from Zen/Buddhist literature, in combination with Suzuki’s apt commentary thereupon.-Paul C.[Read in 2016; rereading now in 2018.]

I think this book would be an easy five stars if it weren't for the middle chapter that takes up over a third of the book. After studying Zen and being quite familiar with it, it becomes evident that the section on "No-mind" is essentially a thought trap to trigger Satori for the reader, or at least that's the only way it really made sense to me, because if not he just wrote a third of the book talking in circles on accident and I can't imagine a Zen master would have done that on accident. Great book for beginners and those familiar with Zen that want to learn more about the history.

From Wm. Barrett's introductory essay and Suzuki's "The Zen Doctrine of No-Mind," I learned that Zen is not for me. Suzuki has a great command of the English language, and everything is very clear - though sometimes intricate and hairsplitting. It's a very excellent and clear exposition of the philosophy of Zen.I could pick a fight with Zen's denial of anything empirical in favor of intuitionism. Okay, just a few words. Say I'm walking my puppy down the street after a few cups of tea thinking, "This is great. I've dropped body and mind and am seeing with my Third Eye. Cool." That is a delusion of my own mind. Ask any neighbor who sees me walking my blue heeler mix. I still have a body she can see, and hopefully a mind.My point is, subjectivism is head-in-the-sand BS. Being the ostrich doesn't make reality go away.But if you want the straight dope on Zen Buddhism, and to grasp its kernel, this is the book for you. Then you can judge for yourself how truthful the practice is.

I will receive flak for writing this review, but as a warning to those seeking practical instruction on meditation, breathing and a concise teaching of the core principles, you will not find it here. This is not a bad book, if you are looking for an in depth analytical look into Zen's history, but be warned you must come into it with already some knowledge of names and terms. Suzuki never explains these and it is assumed you should already know them. As one of the first to bring these teachings to the West, this is to be expected and as such will seem quite dated. For those looking for a way to apply the teachings of Buddhism and Zen to their lives, I recommend instead Zen Beginner's Mind by Shunryu Suzuki, as well as books by Alan Watts (The Way of Zen) and Thich Naht Hanh (The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching). I am a Westerner and quite frankly I do not care about the dogma and terms spoken in another tongue, this does not apply to me in my life in any practical manner. It is not the word or term that matters, or rote memorization of koans.

One of my doctor's suggested that I look into understanding the practice of ZEN Meditation in healing from Cancer. And because I knew very little on this subject, my boyfriend suggested that I order this book, it was just the one that I need to give me an overview on the subject. I truly have a better understanding on the subject because of this book. I would encouage anyone who is interested in getting a better understanding and greater benefit from their yoga, tai chi, meditation practice to read this book. A must have for you library.

For anyone interested in spiritual practice in general and specifically zen; why it is considered by its practitioners as being the only path to liberation while tolerating all other traditions, this book is the best I have yet read. Its discussion maintains the life of zen; by that, I mean it does not deaden the practice as most other books do. It is very clearly written and its contents are profound. Rereadings will bring unexpected rewards.

Can't go wrong with either Suzuki

Very hard to read & comprehend from a western background.

Excellent book

This book is a well edited collection of D.T.Suzuki's writings on zen buddhism in one volume.The treatment is thorough and insightful.One would want to go through it at least one more time after first reading.Apart from history,topics like satori,koan practice,theory of no-mind etc.are well covered.The last chapter is on painting,swordsmanship and tea-ceremony.

One of the best book about Zen Buddhism. D. T. Sujuki is a great writer of all times. He who wants to know about Buddhism must study the book.

Great content but unfortunately the quality is unbelievably bad. This is only the second time I’m holding the book and already the pages are falling off.

Excellent product, arrived on time and in perfect condition, price and paper quality is good. Everyone interested in Zen , beginner and expert practitioner alike will benefit great from the writings of d.t. Suzuki.