Resource From Cedar Rapids Zen Center

These books are good introductions to practice and its meaning for those who are just beginning practice, as well as those who have practiced for a while. They are also good for those who are interested in learning a bit more about Zen by not necessarily in practicing.

Taking the Path of Zen by Robert Aitken discusses correct breathing, posture, routine, teacher-student relations, and koan study, as well as common problems and milestones encountered in the process. Throughout the book the author returns to zazen, offering further advice and more advanced techniques.

Mind of Clover by Robert Aitken discuss the Precepts, which Aitken points out are "not commandments etched in stone but expressions of inspiration written in something more fluid than water." Aitken approaches these Precepts, the core of Zen ethics, from several perspectives, offering many layers of interpretation.

The Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Hahn is a personable, simply written, short introduction to Zen and Zen practice. Gentle stories and exercises show that opportunities for mindfulness are numerous and close at hand.

The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching by Thich Nhat Hahn contains more detailed material about the Buddha's teaching and our practice. A very accessible, in-depth description of Buddhist concepts.

Refining Your Life by Kosho Uchiyama is a commentary on Zen Mater Dogen's instructions to the monastery cook. It's an excellent book for beginning practitioners.

Crooked Cucumber: The Life and Zen Teaching of Shunryu Suzuki by David Chadwich presents Zen teaching in the context of a biography of the first major teacher of Soto Zen to Americans. It's a fine story and a very clear window onto Zen history, belief, and practice.