Taking the Path of Zen

Buy this book get this book also by being upright by reb Anderson you’ll be glad you did five stars, hands-down

While this takes a deeply Western approach as opposed to something along the lines of "Zen Mind Beginner Mind." Approach this book aware that it is a very Western, pragmatic approach to the Zen practise. Looking to approach Zen for the first time this provides you with the first steps prior to seeking a center and teacher. A great place to start, from one of the most well trusted Zen teachers of America.

I have been interested in the philosophy of Zen for most of my life. Even though I have read and wrote reviews for numerous Zen books, I had never read this one (Taking the Path of Zen by Robert Aitken) until recently. This is not a new book. It was published in 1982, but most of the advice is timeless.This book is organized into nine chapters. There is also a foreword written by Gary Snyder. Chapter one covers the fundamentals in the practice of Zen. Chapter two explains the method of Zen. Chapter three deals with appropriate means and covers more breathe counting information, the Zen center organization, ritual and other subjects. Chapter four goes into the delusions and pitfalls of Zen practice. Attitudes in religious practice are the focus in chapter five. The three Zen treasures are covered in chapter six. Chapter seven is essential reading because it deals with the ten grave precepts of Zen. Chapter eight gives tips on establishing the practice of Zen. The final chapter covers the koan Mu.There a several different approaches to the study of Zen and this book provides one of the ways a person who is interested in this philosophy can begin their practice. I do not agree with everything in this book; however, for those who desire to learn some basic information on Zen, this book is a good read.Rating: 4 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: The Samurai Soul: An old warrior’s poetic tribute).

Great introduction book for those interested in Zen. I learned a lot from this book, and it sparked my interest to read more.With that being said, I found the author expressed some of his own thoughts/opinions a little excessively - it is not only information about Zen, but, information about Zen with the author’s input. Good or bad is up to you to decide.I am glad I read the book as it led me to read “The Three Pillars of Zen” - Philip Kapleau (a 5-star book in my opinion - filled with information and less opinionated).In accordance with what I’ve written above, I give this book 4 stars. While it isn’t my number-one recommendation of a Zen book, I do believe many could benefit from “Taking the Path of Zen.”

This was a lovely and quick read on the basics of Zen practice. Although likely meant to be read over the course of ten weeks (one chapter a week), it can also still function as a good review of the practice of Zen. The advice comes from a Sanbo Kyodan approach, but practitioners from the Soto and Rinzai school can also gain wonderful insights from this text. Aitken Roshi’s approachable and conversational style makes this a classic.

Robert Aitken was one of the most influential early students of Zen Buddhism in the United States when it was first getting established. He is highly esteemed and well respected in the Soto Zen Tradition, and this foundational book, is one of the best for explaining how to sit zazen and begin practicing. It is well written, easy to understand, and gives very specific instructions.What is particularly helpful, is that he introduces how to begin, and then gives you instructions on what steps to take next continue to advance with your practice. It is summed up best on the back cover of the book: “In Taking The Path of Zen, Robert Aitken presents the practice, lifestyle, rationale, and ideology of Zen Buddhism with remarkable clarity.

A good and gentle introduction for the new student to Zen or for the Buddhist who is newer to Zen. The author's style is very readable and the book is not too dense. The copy that I received from Amazon looks more like a trade copy that should be selling for half the price. As a book lover and a keeper of books, I was disappointed. I looked back on the website page and saw that there is also a cheaper copy available and apparently Amazon just picked and sent the wrong item. I did call Amazon who corrected the problem.

Very good book

Really useful for all Zen students. I have now owned this book for a number of years and find myself referring back to it constantly. I find it really useful to have a book on how to practice Zen that is written by a Westerner, in a style that is easy to follow.David Ferrers, author of SWAP, The Best Way to Make Your Dreams Come True

Lovely little book that is a nice read, simple, concise, yet full of information. I've never read anything about 'Zen' before, this was a great way to start.

I just received this book yesterday and I am already very in mpressed by Aitken's wise advice.Robert Aitken demystifies Zen practice by using language that contemporary people can understand. For example, Dogen Zenji said "Let drop body and mind". But what does that phrase really mean? To paraphrase Aitken: You forget yourself. When you stand up, that is all there is. The entire universe is otherwise silent.Zen only seems magical because almost everyone is lost in thought. Zen is about coming back to what is happening now, not our internal commentary about it.Robert Aitken and his co-writers of "Taking the Path of Zen" have done an admirable job of bring Zen practice to the western world in the 21st century.This book is a great addition to my Zen library.

This is a really good book to read for the beginners. I suggest doing at least one sesshin before reading this book. This book thoroughly explains the practice of Zen and so will refine your experience of sesshin but if you read it without having any prior experience in sesshin then you might feel it boring and laden with terms which you have no experience of. This is an ideal read during Zen meditation retreat. However, there is no discussion of Zen philosophy or anything.

Good gift.Easy read, and also slim enough to take around with you.This is a good read for people interested in learning how to be 'zen'