The Beginner's Guide to Zen Buddhism

Here is a comprehensive introduction to Zen Buddhism for those who don't know how or where to begin nor what to expect once they have started practicing. It includes the fundamentals of meditation practice (posture technique clothing) descriptions of the basic teachings and major texts the teacher-student relationship and what you will find when you visit a zendo plus a history of Zen from the founding of Buddhism to its major schools in the West. In addition to answering the most frequently asked questions it offers a listing of American Zen centers and resources an annotated bibliography and a glossary. Jean Smith's enormously practical approach ensures that The Beginner's Guide to Zen Buddhism will become the book teachers and students alike will recommend.