Scott M. (scottydoo) reviewed Zen Practice - Stripped to the Core on 4/30/2009

Helpful Score: 2

Joko Beck certainly doesn't beat around the bush. People who are looking for a feel good self-help styled book on Buddhism and meditation may not enjoy this one, or her style in general. Joko Beck is known for her clarity and down to earth take on Zen. She doesn't try to wrap in nicely and tie it with a bow. She cuts right to the core and will tell you exactly what Zen is NOT, and exactly what meditation is NOT. At the same time, if you're looking for a true explanation of what you can expect in a real daily practice, then this book will be an excellent companion. I have found it to be an immense help to my zazen practice.

Zen can be hard for many people to wrap their minds around, like one of the previous reviewers. In Zen we say that your life is perfect EXACTLY as it is, because IT IS. How could it not be? In this moment, everything is how it is, and that is perfect. That's the reality. This does not mean that we can't make choices to improve aspects of our life. Of course we can, and even then, at that very moment, and every moment, your life is perfect exactly as it is. Sit with that one for awhile.

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