Zen Is Right Here

Teaching Stories and Anecdotes of Shunryu Suzuki, Author of Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind

By: Shunryu Suzuki, David Chadwick - editor

Narrated by: Brian Nishii

Shunryu Suzuki’s extraordinary gift for presenting traditional Zen teachings using ordinary language is well known to the countless readers of Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind. In Zen Is Right Here, his teachings are brought to life through stories told by his students. These living encounters with Zen are poignant, direct, humorous, paradoxical, and enlightening - and their setting in real-life contexts makes them wonderfully accessible.

Like the Buddha himself, Shunryu Suzuki gave profound teachings that were skillfully expressed for each moment, person, and situation he encountered. He emphasized that while the essence of Buddhism is constant, the expression of that essence is always changing. Each of the stories presented here is an example of this versatile and timeless quality, showing that the potential for attaining enlightenment exists right here, at this very place.

©2001 David Chadwick (P)2021 Shambhala Publications

Critic reviews

“These brief personal stories, which are contributed anonymously, offer a strong sense of Suzuki Roshi, his teachings, and his enduring sense of humor.” (Publishers Weekly)

“Like a temple bell that strikes through the air to the heart of sound, these anecdotes and quotes offer humor, wisdom, enlightenment, brio, and a perfect example of a Zen life lived every day - that of Soto Zen priest Shunryu Suzuki who helped introduce thousands of Americans to Zen.... Flip through the book at random and you will find a gem on any given page. This book is an instruction manual for living your Zen outside the meditation hall.” (Japan Times)

“A delightful, thought-provoking, and eminently wise collection of teachings.” (Spirituality and Health)

Accessible Zen

Clear mind. True reality. No concepts, just flowing with life itself.
Narration was excellent. l will listen again and again.

Light hearted, short and potent

Sometimes all you need is a great line to make you realize a big idea and then put a smile on your face. This book will give you at least a few

PURE

I felt the pure essence of zen emanating from this book. My heart is at peace.

Why spend an entire audible credit for a book that’s only 1 hr long?

Because sometimes, a concise audiobook can hold more wisdom than a hundred extensive self-improvement audiobooks.

Beautifully described Zen teaching in a such a short period of time.

This beautiful book really stimulates me to study Zen Buddhism more. Thank you so much.

Best for a curious beginner

This is a series of statements or short anecdotes about Roshi all seperated by an uninvited and annoying gong or "mystical" flute. The extra sound effects made it insufferable so I did not make it for more than 10 minutes.

Skimpy

The overall intent of the book seems to be to mimic a casual encounter with a sage.

A few of the anecdotes did seem to offer insight into the practice of Zen. Most, however, were bland and uninspiring.

Much better as a source of guidance are the two books that record the talks of Suzuki which he gave after a period of Zen meditation.

Not a fan

I didn't know coming into this is was going to be short stories and filled with fillabuster music and sounds. The sounds are not necessary and takes away from the story like a distraction.