An Introduction to Zen Buddhism

By: D. T. Suzuki

Narrated by: David Rintoul

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.

©Public Domain - Translated by D.T. Suzuki, 1934 (P)1934 W. F. Howes Ltd

Zen is observed and examined from the outside in this book.

One thing this book does well is define terms and concepts like Satori (realization), Zazen (Meditation) and it even goes in-depth about what a monks daily life is like. This book is incredibly scholarly and dry and the book itself is an intellectuals examination of Zen. I have always been of the opinion that the best source for understanding anything is to go to it's greatest worshipper. One that is so engrossed and excited that they can do nothing but speak of that which they are obsessed with. A great deal of this book is taken up with defining Zen which cannot easily be defined thus the author takes the time to talk about where it came from and how illogically logical Zen is. He describes Koans that are a paradox and a great deal of this book borders on being paradoxical. Almost as if the whole purpose of Zen is to break the logical mind and awaken a new way of seeing things. To make things both yes and no. I can't say I enjoyed the book because a great deal of it was hard to comprehend and speaking out of both sides of its mouth. Perhaps this is what Zen is? That was my experience after reading this Zen book, that it shakes up your perspective and forces you to see things differently. Without Zazen and contemplation perhaps it's all meaningless?

Zen is everything yet nothing

If you have no concept of Zen or have not trained in the Martial Arts, this explanation may be boring and nonsensical. However, if you’ve been exposed to the concept of Zen already, you will find good information and quite a lot of comedy.

great introduction to zen

a classic for zen enthusiasts. D.T. Suzuki was an authority on the matter. check it out!

Brilliant narration of a perfect text

Rarely have I ever listened to a narration so perfectly attuned to the text. Rintoul brings out the stunning presentation of Zen in D.T. Suzuki’s introduction. I have more than seven hundred titles in my library and this is one of the best. The content here really brings Zen alive. Suzuki’s presentation shines a brilliant light on the fundamentals of this school of Buddhism.

love it

I love hearing the zen tales! Incredible narration too, especially on such a ... let's say elusive subject haha.