Zen Is Right Now

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

By: Shunryu Suzuki, David Chadwick - editor

Narrated by: Brian Nishii

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.

©2021 David Chadwick (P)2021 Shambhala Publications

Critic reviews

“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 continuation of a great story

it was like the first book, but even deeper. I'm glad I'm taking the Buddhist journey for it yields many rewards...

Wisdom

This book like the others, crooked cucumber and zen is right here, are perfect in their simplicity. They bring words of wisdom for everyday life. I could not recommend more fully.

some nice little snippets of wisdom to contemplate

not much else to say. the reader does his job well, and I felt quite calm as I listened and pondered.

A perfect continuation of 'Zen Is Right Here'.

Luminous with the beauty of zen. I feel like I know the heart of Suzuki.