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Not Always So : Practicing the True Spirit of Zen

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Title: Not Always So : Practicing the True Spirit of Zen
by Shunryu Suzuki, Edward Espe Brown
ISBN: 0-06-095754-9
Publisher: Quill
Pub. Date: 27 May, 2003
Format: Paperback
Volumes: 1
List Price(USD): $11.95
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Average Customer Rating: 4.91 (11 reviews)

Customer Reviews

Rating: 5
Summary: Roshi Will Always Be Present
Comment: When you think of Zen Buddhism, chances are the first name that comes to mind for you may be Roshi Shunryu Suzuki. His bestselling book, "Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind," has remained a monolith in the area of Zen literature for years, and rightly so. The title of this particular book captures the ongoing paradox of Suzuki's teaching style, stemming from his often used phrase, "It may be so, but it is not always so." What this means is that people so oftentimes cling to their own understanding to the point where they cannot flex or learn anymore. We might become experts without even knowing it, even experts on not being an expert. This is possible. Yet everything changes in our world, that includes even truth. In order to help this world as well as ourselves, we must be willing to bend some and let go of our linear thinking.

Life is a process of learning. But learning alone is simply not enough. There isn't a good practice or a bad practice, there is only practice. That means you, "vow to save all beings suffering everywhere." That's not good or bad. That's your job. Roshi Suzuki helps each and everyone of us step into the world that is eternally present and free from all opposites. Where everything we encounter is, "Just like this." Only that. Every action leads to understanding, so please don't separate anything; this is Roshi's most precious gem he has left behind for all of us. Buddhist life is just life. It's going to work, caring for the garden, and taking a walk. I do hope you'll buy this book so you may step into the world of practice as stated by Suzuki here, because it's the key to all of the happiness humanity can ever know. The happiness of no happiness. Hopefully you understand that point. As Korean master Seung Sahn would likewise state, "Only go straight." Enjoy this book.

Rating: 4
Summary: Prequel better than Sequel
Comment: Although I could not fail to enjoy anything collected from the speeches and writings of Suzuki, this book was not as meaningful to me as the first book for which it is the sequel, Zen Mind, Beautiful Mind. It repeats itself more, but there is still much to be learned from it. It seems to contain more of Suzuki's humor than the first book, and has a casual feel as it is taken from his in-person lectures.

Rating: 5
Summary: Direct and concise. His fluid teachings resist definition.
Comment: One of the most insightful books I've ever read. Even so, I didn't understand some of it. His teachings seem multidimensional, fluid, and sometimes difficult to pin down. His emphasis on the present everday life is also unique among the Zen books I've read. Example: "When you observe the precepts without trying to observe the precepts, that is true observation of the precepts." Others devote many pages to what Suzuki expresses so succinctly.

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