Overview

From the beloved author of Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind comes a new book of teachings on the essence of Zen practice “There could not possibly be a better book for our moment in history. In the midst of national and international turmoil, it is still possible, if not utterly necessary, to learn the simplest things.”—Naomi Shihab Nye “Our way of sitting is for you to become yourself.” In this long-awaited book from one of the most influential spiritual teachers of the last century, Shunryu Suzuki Roshi shares simple, warmhearted teachings on a practice that is fundamentally about becoming yourself. In his inimitable style, filled with humor and insight, Becoming Yourself speaks directly to the newest beginners while also serving as a touchstone and a continual source of inspiration for even the most experienced practitioners and Zen teachers. Becoming Yourself unearths new jewels from the late Suzuki’s lectures and brings to light many of his unpublished teachings. Becoming yourself is not meant to be understood as an idea; it is meant to be tried out as a way of being. It is “Just to sit,” a practice of wholeheartedly being as you are, moment after moment, no matter what is happening. It is a practice of deeply connecting with how it feels to be alive in your surroundings, whether on a meditation cushion or not, and stepping forward from that connection. It is opening to your life, wherever you are, and finding right there a deep well of innate wisdom, compassion and care.

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9780593855249

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Reviews

""Through simple yet profound wisdom, Suzuki Roshi encourages a life of mindfulness, compassion, and non-attachment."" —His Holiness the Dalai Lama ""There could not possibly be a better book for our moment in history. In the midst of national and international turmoil, it is still possible, if not utterly necessary, to learn the simplest things."" —Naomi Shihab Nye ""Becoming Yourself is deep and delicious, tender and perplexing, a beautiful follow up to Zen Mind, Beginners Mind. You can feel the sparkle and magical gifts of Suzuki Roshi. He touches your heart, enlightens you and makes you smile."" —Jack Kornfield, author of A Path With Heart ""In these uncertain times, as we grapple with who we are and who we are becoming, Becoming Yourself is the book we need for guidance and for ballast."" —Ruth Ozeki, author of A Tale for the Time Being ""Suzuki Roshi is a master of sweeping our minds clean of distraction and distortion, a kind, direct and crystalline friend reminding us how to become ourselves. Every page in this book contains enough wisdom to last a lifetime and I found myself copying down one sentence after another. Is it any wonder that Shunryu Suzuki’s books of teachings are the only medicine I send to friends who are suffering in body or mind?"" —Pico Iyer, author of Aflame and The Art of Stillness ""Reading even a few words of this elegant volume feels like a breath of fresh air."" —Rhonda Magee, author of The Inner Work of Racial Justice

Author Information

Shunryu Suzuki Roshi (1904–1971) was a lifelong Soto Zen Buddhist priest and one of the most prominent and beloved spiritual teachers of the twentieth century. His life’s work was to transmit authentic Zen practice from Japan to the United States, preserving the heart of the teaching and traditional forms while allowing them space to adapt and take root in Western soil. He founded the San Francisco Zen Center, among the oldest and largest Buddhist training places in the West. Suzuki Roshi’s teachings were first edited and collected in the influential classic Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind.

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