Zen Living: A Simple Explanation of the Meaning of Zen and What It Offers (Idiot's Guides)

If you’re at all interested in Zen and don’t know where to start, this comprehensive overview may be the book for you. I found it very satisfying because there’s so much valuable information and guidance for a new practitioner. The layout and writing style are excellent - l love the simplicity and clarity with which some pretty challenging concepts are presented. l thoroughly enjoyed reading this book cover to cover, but it has so much to offer that l’m continuing to use it as a touchstone for further practice and reflection. In fact, l was so impressed with Burke’s writing style that l went to her website and discovered that she is indeed a very knowledgeable and gifted teacher. She offers a terrific Zen podcast, an impressive and well organized website with lots of resources and a way of presenting Zen teachings in weekly dharma talks (via Zoom or archived online) that l find insightful, compassionate and practical. Fun bonus- she has a good sense of humor.

Zen concepts presented in a very easy to read format. I really enjoyed reading it. Very thought provoking. Would recommend to those new to Bufpddhism and Zen.

I am new to Zen these past few months. Sensei Domyo runs a Zen Center near where I live which I have been attending, and I have enjoyed her clear, friendly and accessible presentation of Dharma both in person and in her new book. I've tried just reading sutras or Dogen but found it very difficult to understand as a beginner, and slow going. I'd recommend Sensei Domyo's book for anyone just starting their Zen path, or for even more experienced Zen practitioners who want a go-to guide that can also be shared with friends curious to learn more about Zen.

This quick overview of Zen Buddhism is aimed at beginners and those curious about what may be involved in the lifestyle. I really appreciated the tone. Now I am so much more prepared to take the next step. Very nice job on this.

Wonderful book. One of the best books on zen Buddhism for beginners. Kind of light on explaining the 4 Noble Truths and the Eght-fold Noble Path. So a advanced reader may not find some of the detail they are looking for. Yet she does a wonderful job explaining the zen perspective. I was born and brought up as Theravada Buddhist and got turned off by the religious ritualistic add on's to the philosophy. Yet this book has me interested again in learning about Buddhism.

Just what I was looking for. Been practicing Buddhism for about 1 1/2 years, and was looking for a simplified book to give me the basics without being too complicated. Needed something I could easily grasp. Very readable and enjoyable. I was not disappointed.

Domyo Sater Burk is a great writer. I have been practicing for over a decade with mindfulness meditation and in depth study of the techings of the Buddha. I am enjoying this book. This has boosted my practice and I am relearning those things I already know. This is a lifelong process. Zen Living is helping me to live in moment with a greater perspective.

Very well written. Simple but not simplistic. Appropriate both for the beginner and those with a lot of seat time. Worth a read.

The author is clearly a fine teacher. Zen is explained in an easy-to-understand manner, although the writer leaves us clear that this is only a pencil sketch of what zen really is. To truly understand zen, you have to actually practise it. I have a number of zen books, but this is one that made an impact right from the outset. Well worth reading for everybody who is interested in adopting a zen practice.

Detailed, practical, informative, this book is one to read carefully and return to many times. The author writes clearly, doesn't avoid issues that are difficult to resolve, and is quite inspiring in her descriptions of what constitutes an 'ordinary' and fulfilled life.