Zen in the American Grain: Discovering the Teachings at Home

Gave inspiration and strength during some very difficult moments

This is perhaps THE book to give to your parents when you're ready to come out of the Zen closet, or to anyone who asks you "What is this Zen stuff you do?" It is also a wonderful, clear, and compassionate introduction for anyone noticing the path beneath his or her feet (so to speak). Kyogen Roshi dispels many of the myths and cultural distinctions surrounding Zen. His writings have a way of making you feel like you're reading a letter from a trusted older brother. He's been to places where Zen was seen as a cult, and he managed to turn that around to some degree simply by being a good neighbor. Apparently he's also had to sever ties to his old school in order to preserve a safe and open community. (He respectfully leaves out details, but his discomfort is palpable.) In other words, he's been through some messy challenges, and he puts it all into sane perspective. Through his own tales, he guides the reader through a pragmatic, mostly secular investigation of real day-to-day strife. Don't mistake the title as meaning "Zen With an American Flavor". It's more like "Zen Applied to American Life." He gives us unflinching insight into our own drives, desires, fallacies, and foibles. I'm tempted to say that his examples are "distinctly American," but that would be inaccurate: He makes it very clear that all people, everywhere, simply WANT. This book, I believe, might help us manage the ultra-selfish tendencies we see around us (and within ourselves) without becoming discouraged. This book--without being at all pretentious, sappy, or new-age--expresses the real joy of life.

I think most Americans think of Zen as being some highly weird and esoteric pagan cult practiced by pretentious people with attitude problems. Actually, when you get right down to it there is probably nothing more practical, and even mundane, then Zen approached as an everyday way-to-live-your-life practice. This excellent book provides a series of short essays on the topic of Zen and real life problems of living in American society. Nothing particularly weird or startling about it - just some thought provoking guidance on incorporating buddhist practice in everyday life. Charlotte Beck's books (Everyday Zen and Nothing Special) are similar - both are excellent and concentrate on Zen as a guide to living a fulfilling and useful everyday life. Highly recommended.

Carlson touches on the origins of our sarcasm and need to be superior to one another. He has explained our innate fears and brings practical solutions to our search for ourselves. An essential book for anyone searching for the ability to live in the moment and experience life as it happens.