11 Best Zen Buddhism Books (2022 Updated)

Not too happy. Similar books but not even close to the same. This book is boring and full of cultural history. Its unappealing. I planned to buy a completely different book. This was misleading that it came up as the same book I was looking for.

Guess its my fault. But Im not satisfied with it. Good quality. Shipped slowly. Boring. Boring. Boring.

I bought a new copy of this ‘have-to-have-on-your-bookshelf’ book recently because my old one was falling apart. It’s everything you ever wanted to know about Zen and more by the scintillating Alan Watts.

Written in the late 50’s, it’s just as relevant today. Whether he was writing or talking, Alan Watts spoke with authority and wit. Accessible, yet satisfying to scholars, this is one you’ll return to again, ad again.

This book is way too complicated to understand. I was hoping to learn about Zen lifestyle . This book is maybe for philosophers but for a layman(woman) its just gobbelygoog.

I felt extremely positive after reading this book. Chris Prentis offers logical explanations to why we can be so pessimistic & how positive thinking can lead to better events occuring in our life that bring us happiness.

I had read the Secret about 6 months earlier & was very disappointed with it’s theories & couldn’t buy into ‘the law of attraction’. Although Zen & the art of Happiness does support some aspects of The Secret, Chris Prentis’ philosophy is much more intelligent & helped me understand why I’m so sceptical in the first place.

The book is easy to read & I whave already recommended it to many friends.

Great book! Changes your mindset about how you can create your own happiness. Quick read. Love it!

To me, this book allows the reader to learn how to accept ALL things as being exactly the way they are supposed to be at this time. “Everything that happens to me is the best possible thing that can happen to me”.

As an archer who enjoys shooting the longbow, I have read this book several times over the past 25 years or so. There are gems of wisdom in this little book, such as the teaching of the Japanese instructor who says that archery masters can shoot a lighter draw bow with greater force than an inexperienced archer can shoot a bow of heavy draw weight.

It took me years to realize that, but the truth was in this little book all the time and there are many more lessons here for the reader. I recommend this book for anyone who wants to learn from those who practice archery as a way to improve themselves and not just a sport.

This is a book to keep and read occasionally to refresh the mind in this age of tecnological crutches.

This book by Eugen Herrigel describes a way to become an excellent shot. Shooting is mostly mental. being a very good shot requires a relaxed focused mental attitude. I recommended this book to my teen age grandson as a way to begin.

Read and do first. Then refine one’s technique with other books (like Anderson’s).

Great wisdom in this book. I recommend it for anyone, not just the archery enthusiast.

Short and concise read that has the power to change your life in a positive way if you decide to implement even just one simple practice. I practice many techniques from the book and can say that this book has helped me be more happy with life.

A copy was loaned to me but after a little reading I knew I had to have my own copy. I read it up to about page 10 and then started skipping around. There is something helpful everywhere I open the book.

Another, better, way of looking at things and living. I keep it by my bed. If you have trouble in your life this book shows a way out.

This book is a a real gem. It is very easy to read and gives practical advice on enhancing your everyday meditation practice. I am a big fan of Thich Nhat Hanh’s work and this book does not disappoint.

This is a great book if you are new to meditation and need further inspiration in your practice.

Interior was littered with notes from previous owner(s). So much so, that many pages are difficult to read, even though the exterior of the book was in decent shape. Margin notes are not a problem but page after page of underlining, highlighting and write-overs make this a book that should have been retired long ago.

As someone, who was fortunate enough to live in several Asian countries in my twenties, I appreciate how Alan can explain Eastern philosophy in a manner that can be understood by the indoctrinated western mindset.

Most important of the myriad of truths he has helped me discover is the insight of MY natural connection to ALL that IS. I am forever thankful for his life-long and dedicated effort to enlighten the religion enslaved masses.

Alan’s spirit and teachings are a soothing and introspective salve in a world of instant gratifications, frentic movement, and gross consumption. Know thy self and find real peace.

Confession: I haven’t read the full book yet but already I have been challenged on meditation and its effects and different ways to practice. I am glad it touches on the differing versions of Buddhism.

I love the reality of the book as when I read I can almost experience Buddhism in the way I can understand. This is a very thoughtful account.

Great book for those who would like to explore many lessons from the non-supernatural side of Buddhism, the study of “metacognition” approached convergently from Western Buddhism and Neuroscience. As one who has enjoyed a silent weekend retreat at IMS in Barre, Massachusetts, I enjoyed the many references to that center.

Very little content about “Why Buddhism is true.” A very tedious read. Couldn’t make it through the whole book.

As reading through this charming little book, I was reminded of all of the things I neglect to do on a daily basis when other things in life get in the way. I however, paused to read this charming little book and realised i have the time really ! i have just forgotten how to use it well.

A lot of the things in the book I have actually incorporated into my life at sometime or another, like I say, this little book has just reminded me.

This is a super quick read (a few hours) the ideas are simple but to do it properly is a life long lesson in being mindful and grateful and sustainable. 2 simple ideas: clean in the morning and tidy in the evening are linked to ides about calmness and enlightenment.

Even my teenagers “got” some of it!.

Just reading this little book made me feel calm and inspired to tidy up and be more aware of my surroundings and belongings in a new light. I plan to reread it a few times.

First got this book in my late 20’s. Lent it to someone, never got it back. Glad to have gotten it again for my girlfriend. Will have to buy another for my spiritual book collection.

Number one, everytime I think of the title, ‘Zen Flesh, Zen Bones’, it puts a smile on my face. This is probably the best introduction to Zen I have read. All of the stories and teachings are from the ancient Masters.

It has none of the intellectual pontificating that some writers wish to burden others with, yes we know you Zen Masters are mostly Mensa candidates, so please keep it simple for us MIT rejects. The Gateless Gate, thankfully, has a short commentary at the end of each section, so one will not have to spend ten years figuring out how to clap with one hand.

For the uninitiated the Koans are the most challenging part of Zen. If you purchase only one book on Zen, this is a good choice. It may speak to you or not.

I first encountered this book about 40 years ago, and am happy to find it available still. I like thinking about the conundrum of writing something down, that it vivifies an experience, and yet seems to place one at a distance from it.

This is an important collection.

The book is great! I had an electronic version but I wanted to have the actual book because there are many good ideas. I would open this book often on any page and it would bring me joy and peace. The quality of paper is really good as well as the illustrations.

This little book is filled with gorgeous illustrations and snippets of wisdom. It would make a perfect gift. Designed to be dipped into, it will bring joy for many years. 😍

Lovely coffee table/light read book. Love it Easy to follow and adapt to in your life. Makes you feel refreshed and peaceful.

I found it useful in managing my anxiety. Offers a insightful view into the every day life of the Buddhist monk. A tool for managing the everyday stresses of life. If you are aspiring to a happier, simpler more meaningful lifestyle.

For me definitely a step towards that goal! Wishing you peace and love and happiness.

Why is this beautiful letter turned book timeless? Written earlier and published first in 1975, this work applies as much in 2018 as it did then. Mindfulness can be applied wherever you are, to whatever you are doing, or simply for any situation.

My dad says to stop and smell the roses, Thich Nhat Hanh suggests to pay attention to the little aspects of your day. Be in the moment. I have never washed dishes the same. So read and find out so much more for your journey.

Happy day.

This book is a great read for anyone. I like the different ways in which life is viewed through this book and the different meditation techniques are good for beginners who might not know what to do.

10/10 definitely recommend.

I had wanted this FEAR book for sometime, finally pulled the trigger and bought it. We all, including myself, face the life situation of dealing with anxieties, perhaps anger and FEAR. These impacted my professional, social and private well being.

This author and his book taught me how to handle, cope with emotional problems, instilling within me an inner peace. Anyone who has struggled with emotional situations, should read this book. and good luck to you.

Thich NaHt Hahn is a great teacher. He is no longer able to teach but his books live on full of his glorious wisdom and most delicate style. This is a wonderful book and a must have for any student of Buddhism or life.

A great book for everyone but especially those who worry, have anxiety, fear, addiction, constant busyness, disassociation, or feel without purpose in their life. If everyone read this book the world would be a better place.