Wake Up: How to Practice Zen Buddhism Paperback – October 22, 2019

How does an accomplished zen teacher offer the teachings in a loving, accessible manner that welcomes us all into this wonderful practice? Myotai Sensei invites us into her home, offers us a comfortable chair(but not too comfortable -this is spiritual practice after all) and invites us to drink from her deep well of wisdom, experience, and talent in sharing her understanding of the dharma.Myotai Sensei's book is an entryway into zen practice that covers the essentials and yet beckons us to get further, deeper and most importantly trust our own heart on our spiritual journey. I have practiced with her and trust her voice, her expression, insight and loving heart. And received dharma teaching from her words, and her being. The clarity of expression in this book is a sweet addition to the many confusing zen tomes and especially helpful for someone looking to understand and explore what it means to practice zen.One small section, in particular, struck me:, 'befriending thought' on how to practice with the thoughts that take us from this moment to a fearful future moment.Her words and expressions take us beyond words and expressions.

Do you have family or friends who ask you why you meditate, what good does it do, and why you leave home for retreats? Give them this book. Not just because of its answers, which are right on-target, but also because of its poetry, the sense it gives you of your life’s infinite possibilities, and its whispers of the intimacy, love and connection this practice provides. Whatever Myotai Treace writes is beautiful. This particular book includes practical, hands-on meditations that help overcome “obstacles,” showing that disappointments can become promises and that great constraints always point to limitlessness. I closed the book wishing it was longer, at the same time knowing it was just the right amount.

I found this to be a profound way of looking at myself. They gave me insight into who I am, and what I’m trying to do in the world. Gives me a starting point every day. It helps me focus on what I want to get done. If that’s what you want in life this is a great start.

This book is by far the best book on the subject of Zen that I've read in the last few years. It left me wanting more. I just restarted my practice and it had all I needed. I loved all the resources at the back of the book. The sections on meditation and the seven Thresholds were excellent. I feel very inspired to continue my studies of Zen, and meditation. I also took notes, I've never done that for any book I've read except textbooks. I highly recommend this book for beginners and seasoned practitioners alike. Everyone can find wisdom and value in this book.

If you want to begin to understand Zen and especially if you are female, please read this book. At times a quiet stream and at others a ringing bell, it invites the reader to wake up to the inner self. Her explanations spoke to me in a profound way. Thank you for writing this book.

I have been a student of Myotai's for many years. She is a teacher of matchless clarity and compassion—and an all-around good egg. This wonderful book is the closest thing to a face-to-face talk with her, which is to say an intimate, illuminating, nourishing experience. Anyone interested in exploring Zen Buddhism and starting a practice--or reinvigorating a practice--will find clear explanations (that still capture the humor, poetry, and mystery of Zen) and warm encouragement, along with specific ways to stop just reading about Zen and experience it directly by making it a part of daily life. A treasure.

I like the book. I’ve read about half of it so far. It explains things well. My only complaint is that some pages are loose and falling out and I bought it new.

The author gives very clear instruction, right in the begging of the book she gets you all the basics and then refreshes and digs deeper through out it really helps with retaining the information I am going to be buying this in actual book form just for reference use as it is that good, I started studying Buddhism months prior and then went in to find the different schools and learn of those she explained what makes zen stand out so well amazing read.

What a treat. I was lucky to purchase this book as a daily deal in one of my ebook emails. She explains zen beautifully, painting a nice picture of the history as well as the practical everyday practice. Loved it. So much wisdom in these pages. Highlighted a ton and will reread it again and again.Unfortunately, I was not able to purchase the “just the right amount” bowl mentioned as she does not sell to Canada. I did some research and found one on Etsy. Looking forward to incorporating that practice into my routine.

Having recently restarted my meditation practice, which is going really well, i thought it about time to give this a read.I would firmly put this book on the shelf for anyone interested in Zen and deepening their practice: lots of little nuggets of info in here, well presented and easily read.Also contains a good list of further resources at the back of the book.

This is a very enlighting introduction into the world of Zen Buddhism. The subject, in chapters, are very discriptive and detailed, even more so at the end of the chapters.

I started zen and zazen meditation, this book really helpedI'm going to continue the way of zen in my everyday life

Great book for an introduction into Buddhism