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The Path of the Human Being: Zen Teachings on the Bodhisattva Way | 
 enlarge | Author: Dennis Genpo Merzel
Creator: Bernie Glassman
Publisher: Shambhala
Category: Book
List Price: $14.95
Buy New: $8.68
You Save: $6.27 (42%)
New (29) Used (13) from $6.98
Rating:  5 reviews
Sales Rank: 94094
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 256
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.8
Dimensions (in): 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.8
ISBN: 1590301730
Dewey Decimal Number: 294.3444
EAN: 9781590301739
ASIN: 1590301730
Publication Date: February 15, 2005
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: BRAND NEW
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Product Description
Dennis Merzel, one of the most highly regarded American Zen teachers, explains how meditation can gradually lead us to becoming more and more familiar with our minds, allowing us to better understand ourselves and the nature of human life. He explores the practice of meditation in depth, as well as a range of related topics including: connecting meditation practice to everyday life, understanding central Zen concepts, working with a teacher, and practicing meditation in the midst of difficult times.
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| Customer Reviews:
 Stunning August 19, 2008
This is quite one of the most profound books ever written.
I mean it. You cannot go through life, in my opinion, not having read this book. Whether you're interested in spirituality or not, this book is simply a must.
It convinced me to commit to a regular zazen practice, and simply cannot be recommended highly enough.
Captivating.
Clear, concise, simple - a decidedly "Zen" book December 12, 2007
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
Merzel gives a simple, accesible, and clear introduction to (Soto) Zen, and places the traditional practices in a context and framework that are easy to understand and simply translated to modern, day-to-day living.
For me, he captured the essence of "Big Mind" and other fundamental concepts with uncluttered sentences, plain language, and a touch of humour.
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in meditation and/or understanding what (us) crazy Zen practitioners are all about.
 So so Soto July 12, 2007
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
If you are a practitioner of Soto Zen Buddhism, then you will appreciate the direction of this book - sitting on your bum is the supreme expression of enlightenment, and anything else is a lesser practice.
For the rest of the Zen world (Yes Mr. Merzel, there are other "Zen" sects out side of Japan - not everyone is either Soto or Rinzi) there is still enough meat to make the book worth reading.
Fascinating Introduction into Zen Buddhist Thought August 13, 2006
6 out of 8 found this review helpful
The best book about Zazen practice and Zen buddhist philosophy I know and a book that led me to starting and continuing daily Zazen practice in earnest. My first reading of the book was like a home coming - and I have read it many more times since then. I have the feeling that it will remain a good companion and source of encouragement for my practice for life. Buy it - it will give you a new outlook on life.
Recommended With Reservations... January 28, 2006
12 out of 16 found this review helpful
Although most of "The Path of the Human Being" is informative, I found myself losing interest around page one hundred. I began feeling that too much of what was being written was simply being rehashed multiple times. For example, the concept of "Big Mind" is hammered upon again and again, but I could not help feeling that this author didn't trust his readers enough to allow them to hear the more "Buddhistic"-sounding "Buddha-mind"-an expression that carries deep resonances and meaning(especially when you consider that the term "Buddha" means "awakened")-something that "Big Mind" does not capture.
However, don't get me wrong: Merzel is a smart guy with a lot of experience, and he does offer us some interesting tidbits here. I like his recounts of some of the stories involving Bodhidharma and Dogen, and I think his insights are great.
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