About the Author

Steve Hagen has studied Buddhist thought and practice since 1967, including fifteen years with Zen Master Dainin Katagiri Roshi, from whom he received Dharma Transmission (endorsement to teach). He is a Zen priest and the head teacher at the Dharma Field Meditation and Learning Center in Minneapolis. He is author of the bestselling Buddhism Plain & Simple.

Reviews

"This is not just another nice book about Buddhism, one telling us what we like to hear and are used to hearing. No--it is a clear and challenging showing of the fundamental truth of our lives. This is an exceptional book. Make good use of it." -- Charlotte Joko Beck author of Everyday Zen"Hagen (Buddhism Plain and Simple) here presents 43 short chapters dealing with various aspects of Buddhist practice in a way that cuts to the heart of the matter. Hagen reminds us that whenever we're grasping, aspiring, analyzing, judging, or in any way adding to the simple experience of the present moment, we are missing the point. The book will appeal to readers interested in what true Zen practice is supposed to be about beyond all the popular images and colorful stories. For practitioners it is also a book that will reward multiple readings over time." -- Robert M. Pirsig, author of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

"This is not just another nice book about Buddhism, one telling us what we like to hear and are used to hearing. No--it is a clear and challenging showing of the fundamental truth of our lives. This is an exceptional book. Make good use of it." -- Charlotte Joko Beck author of Everyday Zen"Hagen (Buddhism Plain and Simple) here presents 43 short chapters dealing with various aspects of Buddhist practice in a way that cuts to the heart of the matter. Hagen reminds us that whenever we're grasping, aspiring, analyzing, judging, or in any way adding to the simple experience of the present moment, we are missing the point. The book will appeal to readers interested in what true Zen practice is supposed to be about beyond all the popular images and colorful stories. For practitioners it is also a book that will reward multiple readings over time." -- Robert M. Pirsig, author of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

Zen teacher at the Dharma Field Meditation and Learning Center in Minneapolis, Hagen (Buddhism Plain and Simple) here presents 43 short chapters dealing with various aspects of Buddhist practice in a way that cuts to the heart of the matter. In the prolog we're told that this is "not a feel-good self-improvement book about how to become more spiritual," and indeed it is not. The double-edged title sets the tone, and throughout Hagen reminds us that whenever we're grasping, aspiring, analyzing, judging, or in any way adding to the simple experience of the present moment, we are missing the point. In fact, he'd be likely to say that even thinking there's a point to be missed misses the point. The book is clearly based in Hagen's own experience of Soto Zen and will appeal to readers interested in what true Zen practice is supposed to be about beyond all of the popular images and colorful stories. For practitioners it is also a book that will reward multiple readings over time. Recommended for any library with an interest in Eastern thought and modern Buddhist practice.-Mark Woodhouse, Elmira Coll. Lib., NY Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.