Spirituality & Practice “Best Books of 2021” Award Winner
In this new collection of quotes from Shunryu Suzuki Roshi and stories from his students, the presence, wisdom, and humor of a great Zen teacher come alive once more.The teachings of Shunryu Suzuki have served for innumerable people as the gateway to Zen practice and meditation. In
Zen Is Right Now, devoted student and biographer David Chadwick sheds new light on Suzuki’s presence and teachings through selected quotes from his lectures and a variety of stories told by his students.
Complementary to another collection about Suzuki,
Zen Is Right Here, this book offers a joyful bounty of anecdotes and insights, revealing a playful and deeply wise teacher who delighted in paradox and laughed often. Each of the stories and quotes presented here is an example of the versatile and timeless quality evident in Suzuki’s teaching, showing that the potential for attaining enlightenment exists right now, in this very moment.
In this new collection of quotes from Shunryu Suzuki Roshi and stories from his students, the presence, wisdom, and humor of a great Zen teacher come alive once more.
The teachings of Shunryu Suzuki have acted for many as the gateway to Zen practice and meditation. In particular, Suzuki Roshi's popular book Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind demonstrated to countless readers his gift for presenting traditional Zen teachings using ordinary language. In Zen Is Right Now, David Chadwick, a devoted former student and the compiler of the extensive Suzuki Roshi digital archive, sheds new light on Suzuki Roshi's demeanor and teachings, with selected quotes from his lectures and a variety of stories told by his students. These encounters with Zen are alive with poignancy and humor, and they are grounded in their honest portrayal of a hugely influential and inspirational teacher.
Following closely in the mold of Zen Is Right Here, an earlier collection of quotes and stories, this book is an accessible and varied selection of teachings and third-party accounts, revealing an occasionally playful and deeply wise teacher, one who delighted in paradox and laughed often. This lightheartedness, rooted in humility and openness, is evident in quotes such as, "What I say is not true teaching. I just give you the hint." May the quotes and stories in this collection provide a similar hint or spark, revealing the Dharma through the words and actions of a beloved teacher.
“Suzuki challenged [students] to open their minds and face the reality of death—while also making space for laughter and playfulness. He urged students to see the meaning present in everyday life, but to avoid getting attached to one’s thoughts, preferences, and even one’s practice. For Suzuki, the point of Buddhism was not so much about enlightenment, but about sharing in ‘the joy of practice’ and in learning how to ‘die well.’ Buddhist readers both new to or already familiar with Suzuki’s teaching will find disarming simplicity and great wisdom here.”—
Publishers Weekly“A fresh and exciting collection of vignettes.”—Buddhistdoor Global
“Extraordinary, thought-provoking, and highly recommended . . . Essential reading for all students and practitioners of Zen Buddhism.”—Midwest Book Review
