Living by Zen: A Synthesis of the Historical and Practical Aspects of Zen Buddhism

I have read this book cover to cover twice when new to Zen, and now, years later, am reading it again. It is subtitled " A Synthesis of the Historical and Practical Aspects of Zen Buddhism," but don't let the academic sound throw you. It is written by a scholar of Buddhism, but with such brilliance of insight and profundity that the reader feels he or she is in the Zendo, not the classroom. Right from the beginning you are asked the essential question: "What is meant by living by Zen? Are we not all living by Zen, in Zen, and with Zen? Can we ever escape it?" By the end of the book you are living with the answers to those questions. Suzuki deals extensively in this work with the nature of "satori" and "koan" practice, and provides a very good, if brief, general history of the main characters and insights of Zen Buddhism. I read this book as an introduction when new to Zen. I can read it years later and still refresh my understanding. Highly recommended.

This book is an excellent introductory overview of Zen precepts and practice over the ages. It gives a feel of what it is to live with satori (enlightenment) - very 'normal' they would say - of what is the core 'being' of Zen and what it takes to get 'there'. One of the main draws of this book is the extensive use of quotes and anecdotes from the lives of Zen masters in the discussion of concepts. These provide concrete examples of the workings of Zen, historical insights into the lives of Zen masters and serve to enliven the whole discourse. The introductory chapters are followed by a discussion on satori - the essence of Zen, followed by a chapter on the various approaches to it within the Zen tradition itself. The last chapter is devoted to a discussion of the Koan, one of the chief methods used by Zen masters in training their disciples. In the concluding sections, Dr. Suzuki also gives insights into what is demanded of the Zen student in his pursuit of satori.His writing is fluid, the language clear and simple, but never simplistic in the treatment of the subject matter. However, for a more elaborate and systematic treatment of the subject of this book, his other titles (eg. "Zen Buddhism : Selected Writings of D.T.Suzuki", "Essays in Zen Buddhism", etc.) may be referred to.

When I read this book, the effect was like a bolt of lightening! I was studying Western Philosophy at the time and with all the questions in my mind, this book was like a key that unlocked them! D.T. Suzuki, perhaps the foremost interpreter of Zen Buddhism to the West, has written a book that illuminates Zen in such a clear way, that the effect is like a lamp shining away the darkness of ignorance. I would encourage all people who are looking for a very clearly written, concise introduction to Zen Buddhism to look no further. I would say that "Living by Zen" can even go one step further and "show" what it is like to live by Zen. May all beings be happy and free!