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kelcarter's review against another edition
3.0
There were a few sections of this that really resonated with me, but by and large, Joko Beck seemed to talk past me a lot. I wonder if I'll feel differently if I return to this book in a few years.
elliot_morgan's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
peggyluwho's review against another edition
4.0
My father loaned this book to me many years ago, and said that he thought I should read it. I started it and stopped it many times. I just finally finished it. I'm not exactly sure what my dad thought I needed to read this book for, but I've taken a lot out of it. A lot of times, it got under my skin and really irritated me. I think that was part of the point.
cebolla's review against another edition
2.0
I went to a Buddhist (inspired) college and consider myself like a quarter Buddhist. That said, Zen Buddhist has always seemed to me the like most privileged of the sects and this book did nothing to dispel that belief.
mistypane's review against another edition
5.0
Really beautiful simple clear practical writing about zen. I was not expecting this to be so useful to my current studies in politics, but something clicked while I was reading this and I'm really excited about applying thoughts on freedom and commitment to my work.
obscuredbyclouds's review against another edition
2.0
I wanted to read more on Zen because the practical application of it seems like an extension of ACT therapy, just in a more spiritual and all-encompassing way. There were some parts that resonated with me, and I appreciate how easy to understand this book was while not dumbing down the concepts of Zen buddhism. It is not very well-structured but I didn't mind it much, as the strange flow fits the theme. However, it is not very practical and also not really for total beginners. If this was all the criticism I had, this book would get 4 stars.
But: I understand that buddhism is a religion and Zen not just a buzzword I can tag onto my therapy skills to help myself. However if someone claims you can gain supernatural powers of hearing through meditation, it's a just a step too far for me. As is claiming that health problems are caused by a lack of meditation and enlightenment.
The parts of the books that did speak to me encouraged me to read more on the practice of Zen buddhism. Maybe the next one wont be second hand and have such a strong smell of incense.
But: I understand that buddhism is a religion and Zen not just a buzzword I can tag onto my therapy skills to help myself. However if someone claims you can gain supernatural powers of hearing through meditation, it's a just a step too far for me. As is claiming that health problems are caused by a lack of meditation and enlightenment.
The parts of the books that did speak to me encouraged me to read more on the practice of Zen buddhism. Maybe the next one wont be second hand and have such a strong smell of incense.
amberunmasked's review against another edition
2.0
Brought up a lot of questions
I'm not familiar with this type of Zen Buddhism so about a third of Joko's explanations brought up a lot of questions for me. There's definitely more "good" than "bad". The book is transcribed from her lectures and classes so there are some chapters that end with Q&A from students. I'm glad learned more about it so that I know this type of practice is not for me. My favorite part is learning that in this type of meditation, you wouldn't close yourself off to the external world. It's about hearing everything around,acknowledging that your body hurts, and waiting for the emotional breakthroughs.
Had to amend this after giving it more thought. Joko blames her friend his own suicide and seems pretty heartless about mental health in general. I took this down to 2 stars and did a lengthy review at my website: http://www.amberunmasked.com/review-everyday-zen/
I'm not familiar with this type of Zen Buddhism so about a third of Joko's explanations brought up a lot of questions for me. There's definitely more "good" than "bad". The book is transcribed from her lectures and classes so there are some chapters that end with Q&A from students. I'm glad learned more about it so that I know this type of practice is not for me. My favorite part is learning that in this type of meditation, you wouldn't close yourself off to the external world. It's about hearing everything around,acknowledging that your body hurts, and waiting for the emotional breakthroughs.
Had to amend this after giving it more thought. Joko blames her friend his own suicide and seems pretty heartless about mental health in general. I took this down to 2 stars and did a lengthy review at my website: http://www.amberunmasked.com/review-everyday-zen/
elusivity's review against another edition
5.0
Astounding in its plainness: life is fine the way it is. Then we come along with our thoughts and desires, creating false limitations where none existed, and we suffer.
An easy philosophy to digest on its face, but so, so difficult to truly understand, and then to do.
Highly recommended.
An easy philosophy to digest on its face, but so, so difficult to truly understand, and then to do.
Highly recommended.