Essays in Zen Buddhism

A meditation on the meaning of existence as well as a critical account of Buddhism, Essays in Zen Buddhism was the first book to fully introduce Zen in the West.

---

'Suzuki's works on Zen Buddhism are among the best contributions to the knowledge of living Buddhism' Carl Jung

Reaching enlightenment at the age of 27, Dr D.T. Suzuki spent the next 65 years writing widely about Buddhism and teaching in universities in Europe and the US. Widely regarded as the leading authority on Buddhism of the twentieth century, his Essays in Zen Buddhism was the first book to fully introduce Zen in the West.

In Essays in Zen Buddhism Dr Suzuki outlines the origins of Zen as a unique Chinese interpretation of the Doctrine of Enlightenment with the aim of of attaining Satori ('Sudden Enlightenment'). He describes how Satori can be achieved and the methods that can bring it about, but always stresses that Zen has to be a way of life that can cope with the demands and frustrations of daily life.

Exploring the history of Buddhism, the daily life of a Zen monk and the path to enlightenment, Dr Suzuki's writings offer an understanding of Zen not as a religion but as a way of perceiving, acting and being. These essays are both a classic introduction to Zen and a foundation for living a fulfilled life.