Buy new:
$19.28 ($2.41 / oz)
FREE delivery November 24 - December 2 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Ships from: Amazon
Sold by: FABAYK
$19.28 $2.41 per oz
FREE pickup November 24 - December 2 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35

1.27 mi | ASHBURN 20147

How pickup works
Pick up from nearby pickup location
Step 1: Place Your Order
Select the “Pickup” option on the product page or during checkout.
Step 2: Receive Notification
Once your package is ready for pickup, you'll receive an email and app notification.
Step 3: Pick up
Bring your order ID or pickup code (if applicable) to your chosen pickup location to pick up your package.
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
$$19.28 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$19.28
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Sold by
FABAYK
Sold by
FABAYK
Returns
Returnable until Jan 31, 2025
Returnable until Jan 31, 2025
For the 2024 holiday season, eligible items purchased between November 1 and December 31, 2024 can be returned until January 31, 2025.
Read full return policy
Returns
Returnable until Jan 31, 2025
For the 2024 holiday season, eligible items purchased between November 1 and December 31, 2024 can be returned until January 31, 2025.
Read full return policy
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Payment
Secure transaction
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the authors

Shunryu Suzuki
Follow
Trudy Dixon
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind: Informal Talks on Zen Meditation and Practice Paperback – June 28, 2011

by Shunryu Suzuki (Author), Trudy Dixon (Editor), Huston Smith (Preface),
See all formats and editions
{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$19.28","priceAmount":19.28,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"19","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"28","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"HlI5prHVN9Emaf53W6pBEf2BiMmWQE0Bwv3flYBt02KJVRN2QZcqxiklZQ8e8aMKABtcV5%2BNaVuozZZR5OWWb49i9vajLJHwQCZ9JtQmTq5lMpLxkNpH%2FVlG%2BoVwrVuIBHlwgmT%2BU0vomLMWI49UV6%2BUjRYHPbhO9anNtDm75IXyEY9k8jQg5J8x6LOAeojK","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$8.48","priceAmount":8.48,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"8","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"48","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"HlI5prHVN9Emaf53W6pBEf2BiMmWQE0Bjbf8Y%2F%2BaqyaQCXIQZ7OJq3OGmfCW27Z%2F%2B%2FgTH16Ct7BqTM1RTwHxi9jIkKh2fC%2FJ2rvMHRccTDsnIoMKtiw4kFu8%2FyIDp8eP5s9ToqQoK0M9k8wh2JbvfUYLaRbJpwY5cHUT1rDZgoF71RPmEy4ghyNe0vpF4XqR","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}],"desktop_buybox_group_2":[{"displayPrice":"$19.28","priceAmount":19.28,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"19","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"28","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"HlI5prHVN9Emaf53W6pBEf2BiMmWQE0Bwv3flYBt02KJVRN2QZcqxiklZQ8e8aMKABtcV5%2BNaVuozZZR5OWWb49i9vajLJHwQCZ9JtQmTq5lMpLxkNpH%2FVlG%2BoVwrVuIBHlwgmT%2BU0vomLMWI49UV6%2BUjRYHPbhO9anNtDm75IXyEY9k8jQg5J8x6LOAeojK","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"PICKUP","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":2}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

"In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert's there are few."

So begins this most beloved of all American Zen books.  Seldom has such a small handful of words provided a teaching as rich as has this famous opening line.  In a single stroke, the simple sentence cuts through the pervasive tendency students have of getting so close to Zen as to completely miss what it's all about.  An instant teaching on the first page.  And that's just the beginning.

In the forty years since its original publication, Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind has become one of the great modern spiritual classics, much beloved, much reread, and much recommended as the best first book to read on Zen. Suzuki Roshi presents the basics—from the details of posture and breathing in zazen to the perception of nonduality—in a way that is not only remarkably clear, but that also resonates with the joy of insight from the first to the last page.
Previous slide of product details
  1. Print length
    176 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Shambhala
  4. Publication date
    June 28, 2011
  5. Dimensions
    5.27 x 0.47 x 8.24 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    9781590308493
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1590308493
  8. See all details
Next slide of product details
The%20Amazon%20Book%20Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.

Frequently bought together

Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind: Informal Talks on Zen Meditation and Practice
This item: Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind: Informal Talks on Zen Meditation and Practice
$19.28 ($2.41/oz)
Get it as soon as Sunday, Nov 24
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
Sold by FABAYK and ships from Amazon Fulfillment.
+
Why Buddhism is True: The Science and Philosophy of Meditation and Enlightenment
$10.99
Get it as soon as Friday, Nov 29
Usually ships within 1 to 3 weeks
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching: Transforming Suffering into Peace, Joy, and Liberation
$10.59
Get it as soon as Friday, Nov 15
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
Total price: $00
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Details
Added to Cart
Some of these items ship sooner than the others.
Show details Hide details
Choose items to buy together.

Similar items that ship from close to you

Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
Previous set of slides
  1. The Three Pillars of Zen: Teaching, Practice, and Enlightenment
    Philip Kapleau Roshi
     
    Paperback
    -18%$16.33 ($37.86/kg)
    List: $20.00
    Get it as soon as Friday, Nov 15
    FREE Shipping on orders over $35 shipped by Amazon
  2. An Introduction to Zen Buddhism
    D. T. Suzuki
     
    Paperback
    -36%$10.89
    List: $17.00
    Get it as soon as Friday, Nov 15
    FREE Shipping on orders over $35 shipped by Amazon
  4. Zen: The Art of Simple Living
    Shunmyo Masuno
     
    Hardcover
    $20.02
    Get it Nov 15 - 19
    FREE Shipping
    Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
  5. Not Always So: Practicing the True Spirit of Zen
    Shunryu Suzuki
     
    Paperback
    -32%$13.59
    List: $19.99
    Get it as soon as Friday, Nov 15
    FREE Shipping on orders over $35 shipped by Amazon
Next set of slides
Popular Highlights in this book
What are popular highlights?
Previous page
  1. The true purpose is to see things as they are, to observe things as they are, and to let everything go as it goes.
    Highlighted by 2,406 Kindle readers
  2. If your mind is empty, it is always ready for anything; it is open to everything. In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities; in the expert’s mind there are few.
    Highlighted by 1,983 Kindle readers
  3. “In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s there are few.”
    Highlighted by 1,526 Kindle readers
  4. This is also the real secret of the arts: always be a beginner.
    Highlighted by 237 Kindle readers
  5. “In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s there are few.”
    Highlighted by 231 Kindle readers
Next page

Editorial Reviews

Review

“[This] is a different book every time I read it. Behind the simplicity, it is dense with Zen wisdom that flashes like lightning as you read and reread.”—Jon Lebkowskyl, Millennium Whole Earth Catalog

“One of the best and most succinct introductions to Zen practice.”—Library Journal

“One of the top five Buddhist books, ever.”—Elephant

About the Author

Shunryu Suzuki (1904–1971) was one of the most influential spiritual teachers of the twentieth century and is truly a founding father of Zen in America. A Japanese priest of the Soto lineage, he taught in the United States from 1959 until his death. He was the founder of the San Francisco Zen Center and the Tassajara Zen Mountain Center. He is the author of Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind and Branching Streams Flow in the Darkness: Zen Talks on the Sandokai, and he is the subject of the biography Crooked Cucumber by David Chadwick.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ 1590308492
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Shambhala (June 28, 2011)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 176 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9781590308493
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1590308493
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 8 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.27 x 0.47 x 8.24 inches
  • Customer Reviews:

About the authors

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Previous page
  1. Shunryu Suzuki

    Shunryu Suzuki

    Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Shunryu Suzuki (鈴木 俊隆 Suzuki Shunryū, dharma name Shōgaku Shunryū 祥岳俊隆, often called Suzuki Roshi) (born May 18, 1904, Kanagawa Prefecture of Japan; died December 4, 1971 in San Francisco, California, U.S.A.) was a Sōtō Zen monk and teacher who helped popularize Zen Buddhism in the United States, and is renowned for founding the first Buddhist monastery outside Asia (Tassajara Zen Mountain Center). Suzuki founded San Francisco Zen Center, which along with its affiliate temples, comprises one of the most influential Zen organizations in the United States. A book of his teachings, Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind, is one of the most popular books on Zen and Buddhism in the West.

    Bio from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

    See more on the author's page
  2. Trudy Dixon

    Trudy Dixon

    Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read book recommendations and more.

    See more on the author's page
Next page

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
3,238 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the book enlightening, rich in perspective, and inspiring. They say it offers insight and simple but deep concepts that can be used daily. Readers also describe the layout as straightforward and clear.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more
Enlightened contentEase of readHumorChapter length
113 customers mention "Enlightened content"101 positive12 negative

Customers find the content enlightening, rich in perspective, and inspiration. They say it offers insight and introduces simple but deep concepts. Readers also mention the book grabs their attention and brings them right up to themselves.

"...I’ve read more than a few, but this is the first one that explains to me how to meditate, what you are attempting to do, and how to examine things in..." Read more

"...rest of the book continues to amaze me, after 30 years, with its timeless wisdom, particularly for us Americans who do not grow up in a Zen culture..." Read more

"...However, it offers a lot of insight.When I ordered my book from amazon, I got a nice book mark with it with some calligraphy on it...." Read more

"...you ever intend to meditate or further study Zen, this book offers a wealth of knowledge in a very practical, every day setting...." Read more

73 customers mention "Ease of read"59 positive14 negative

Customers find the book easy to read. They mention it's simple, straightforward, and clear. Readers also say it helps them understand Zen and Buddhism.

"...Suzuki's language here is an amazing transmutation of traditional Zen language from the sutras and traditional dharma talks, into plain modern..." Read more

"My first book on Zen. Seemed easy enough to understand, yet in depth enough to feel that I've gain valuable knowledge on the subject." Read more

"...Some chapters are as clear as day - especially when he alludes to the waterfall and individual droplets being each of us...." Read more

"...The layout of the book is very straightforward and I found it beneficial to read one or two chapters a day...." Read more

4 customers mention "Humor"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book humorous and easy to read.

"...Not ‘high brow’, and actually humorous in spots. Removes the loftiness sometimes associated with zazen practice, IMHO." Read more

"...with thoroughness and humour...." Read more

"...It gave some history and theory. He is humorous and easy to read. I will use it as a reference and am glad to have it in my library." Read more

"Clear and concise and funny at times, I had a wonderful time reading it and I feel I truely gained deeper knowledge of the world and a possible way..." Read more

3 customers mention "Chapter length"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the chapters short, easy to read, and flow from one subject to the next.

"...I really enjoy how Suzuki breaks the book down into short chapters - makes it ideal for reading a chapter or two with my morning meditation...." Read more

"...The chapters are short and easy to read, follow and comprehend.I would highly recommend this book to anyone studying the zen path!" Read more

"It's a overall good introduction to zen. The chapters are short, easy to read and flow from one subject to the next...." Read more

A Phenomenal Foray Into The Mindfulness & Simplicity
5 out of 5 stars
A Phenomenal Foray Into The Mindfulness & Simplicity
Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind by Shunryu Suzuki is a rather intricate but deep view into the mindscape of what the 'Zen Mind' entails.Given that this book isn't exactly for those in the nascent stages of Zen Buddhism, it can be quite enigmatic in some spots. Still, this does not detract from the wealth of information the reader will be able to garner if they maintain an open mind.Overall the book shows many insights individuals may follow to strengthen their core repertoire.Some of the concepts the book discusses included mindfulness, the importance of calmness and focus in your life, proper practice, simplicity and much more.For someone that's new in traversing the Zen realm, this book is quite appreciated. It synthesizes many complex topics in a simple to follow manner, and does so in a way that is rich in scope as well.Reading this book will definitely help the reader become more cognizant of the mind in countless ways.After having this book a while, and referenced it quite a bit, have a feeling that how much this book helps an individual is proportional to how much one focuses on each of the concepts. It really is an excellent book.
Hide
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

Rev. Patricia T. Larcher
5.0 out of 5 stars A very good introduction into Zen meditation.
Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2024
Verified Purchase
This is the first review I have ever written on any of the 2,000+ books I have read on Kindle and in print. This changed when the early effects of this book hit me between the eyes. I acknowledge that this is not “the” book on Buddhist practices ... it’s only one of many. But it is (so far) the one that made the most impression on me. (And I have read many informative ones.)

Since the closest Buddhist temple/meditation center to me is a 2 1/2-hour drive one-way using highways (which I don’t drive on), I have been doing my best to study Buddhism on my own. Since about 1968 or so, I have been reading Buddhist history, information on the various Buddhist traditions, books by the various teachers of the many traditions, Sutras, and other texts, books that tell me to empty my mind to meditate while others tell me to examine my thoughts to do so, books and videos on guided meditation ... and so forth. My education has been a hodge-podge, cherry-picking what resonates with me.
And, then, I purchased “Zen Mind Beginner’s Mind: 50th Anniversary Edition,” and things started to click for me. I’m sure that there are many other books by various masters -- I’ve read more than a few, but this is the first one that explains to me how to meditate, what you are attempting to do, and how to examine things in actively in meditation; and then, when you have exhausted the examination, switching to quiet-mind meditation to come to an Ah! Hah! Moment.
I have not finished the book, but I couldn’t wait to share what I found “talked to me.” I have liked the book so much on my Kindle, I have ordered the book in print. I generally read my books on Kindle cover-to-cover. When I want to go back and read specific sections, etc., I want a book in my hands.
16 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Robert Hammond
5.0 out of 5 stars So much wisdom...
Reviewed in the United States on November 14, 2023
Verified Purchase
This book, the reading and re-reading of it over the past 30 years, has influenced me and my life in many, many positive ways. I have studied and practiced Zen beginning in the early 90's after reading Three Pillars of Zen, a compelling book. My practice has included several sesshin with Joko Beck in San Diego, as well as meditation at the SF Zen Center, the LA Zen Center and other zendos, but that was only the beginning for me. Suzuki's language here is an amazing transmutation of traditional Zen language from the sutras and traditional dharma talks, into plain modern American English. The first few lines - "Beginner's mind ..." contain his very special wisdom, and his very non-traditional approach to Zen practice. I urge readers to read carefully and consider it. The rest of the book continues to amaze me, after 30 years, with its timeless wisdom, particularly for us Americans who do not grow up in a Zen culture but rather grow up and live in modern American (and world) society.
20 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
JT
5.0 out of 5 stars Unique and not untrue. Worthwhile.
Reviewed in the United States on September 1, 2024
Verified Purchase
There's an understanding here that is very different. Most publications aim to persuade, instruct, or entertain. This has some of each, but, on the whole, is not any. These almost paradoxical undertones hint at something missing in my understanding and perhaps western understanding in a broader sense. Worthwhile for truth seekers and those who have, or seek to have, an open mind.
Helpful
 Report
Ryanve
5.0 out of 5 stars Added to my will read again rotation
Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2024
Verified Purchase
My first book on Zen. Seemed easy enough to understand, yet in depth enough to feel that I've gain valuable knowledge on the subject.
3 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Mike
4.0 out of 5 stars good book, but ironically it may not be for beginners.
Reviewed in the United States on December 26, 2014
Verified Purchase
This book may be somewhat difficult to understand for someone just starting to read about eastern thought in general. Listening to many hours of Alan Watts and reviewing other info about Buddhism in general really helped me appreciate this book more. Honestly I don't understand somewhere between 50% to 30% of what I read. However, one day I plan on practicing Zen at a Zen center and then will review certain parts of this book. I'm glad I bought this book (instead of borrowing it from the library) because I and many other readers probably will not be able to appreciate it the first time around. Some chapters are as clear as day - especially when he alludes to the waterfall and individual droplets being each of us.

Not recommended if you have no background in eastern thought - you should start elsewhere, but if you are still interested in Buddhism after dabbling around in general Buddhism literature, this is one of the classics that you should really look into if you are thinking about practicing Zen.

Someone said this is too esoteric and I can see what they mean - but because it is so, it seems to be more genuine and complete. When I read for example, Thich Nhat Hanh's The Art of Power, it seems so very dumbed down that I feel insulted and even bored at times even though I know he understands Buddhism. He uses very applied/practical examples within our daily lives and is very concrete. Thich overuses the word love. My gut kind of objects love as an emphasis of Buddhism. In a way, yes, you can say that some aspects of Buddhism may imply love, but that is not the main point of Buddhism. This book (Zen Mind, Beginners Mind) is less touchy-feely in that sense. However, it offers a lot of insight.

When I ordered my book from amazon, I got a nice book mark with it with some calligraphy on it. the back cover of the book is quite interesting and if you read the content towards the end of the book it will point out something interesting about the face of the author. This is a permanent member of my small collection of books.
16 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
Fagner Garcia
5.0 out of 5 stars Síntese do Zen budismo
Reviewed in Brazil on December 31, 2023
Verified Purchase
A síntese de tudo o que é necessário para entender o Zen budismo (da escola soto), obra indispensável.
Report
Narayansparkar
5.0 out of 5 stars It's about philosophy
Reviewed in India on February 1, 2024
Verified Purchase
A very good book
Report
Korps
5.0 out of 5 stars Zen Buddhism
Reviewed in Germany on January 12, 2024
Verified Purchase
Every now and Zen
Report
Alex M. S.
5.0 out of 5 stars Conciso, resaltando los conceptos esenciales del budismo Zen
Reviewed in Spain on May 20, 2023
Verified Purchase
Buen libro, voy por la mitad, son transcripciones de charlas que dió el autor a su comunidad zen en San Francisco. Explica los conceptos esenciales del budismo zen, que al final son los del budismo, de manera fácilmente entendible.

Lo escuché recomendado en una entrevista en un podcast a un veterano maestro de meditación budista. Él mismo comentaba que lo releía cada pocos años y siempre aprendía cosas nuevas.
Report
AmazonBi
5.0 out of 5 stars The book to have!
Reviewed in the Netherlands on September 30, 2022
Verified Purchase
One of the most insightful books on Zazen. Must have, must read, must practice! Over an over again. You can listen to the audio book for free on Spotify. I do both.
Report