July 21, 2010
Two Great, Totally-Opposite Books About Zen Buddhism
Many people who like yoga are also interested in Buddhism. Both philosophies espouse mindfulness and use meditation to discipline the mind. And they both seem to like the number “8,” although yoga’s eight limbs is not the same as Buddhism’s eight-fold path. But I digress. Mostly, I wanted to talk slightly off-topic about two good books on Zen Buddhism.
I recently finished reading Brad Warner’s Hardcore Zen: Punk Rock, Monster Movies, & the Truth about Reality and Alan Watts’ The Way of Zen. I read Watts’ book before reading Warner’s book. If I could do it over again (which I can’t, particularly according to Zen philosophy), I would read the books in the reverse order. Hardcore Zen‘s combination of personal memoir, humor, and Zen fundamentals is like stepping into a hot tub of Zen knowledge. You’ll enjoy the experience. The information packed into the The Way of Zen feels more like an icy cold plunge, uncomfortable yet effective.
The Way of Zen
Initially published in 1957, Watts’ well-known book academically differentiates Zen from other forms of Buddhism and explains in detail many terms like satori and koan that we’ve heard before. After reading this book, you’ll realize just how many people (including myself) have used the words incorrectly. And you might become amused by yoga studios calling themselves Satori and perfumes labeled Samsara.
I own The Way of Zen, and I consider it a library keeper because I’ll need to reread it. Its academic pages are stuffed with scholarly insight. I thought I experienced moments of dry humor, but that could have been wishful thinking. You’ll need to be uber-present, or at least more present than I was, to digest all the information. Alan Watts died in 1973, and his life and views on Buddhism are considered controversial by some. Like many others in the 1960′s, he experimented with psychedelics. Nonetheless, a beginner interested in Buddhist fundamentals need not worry about all that. Just read the book…slowly.
Hardcore Zen
I love punk rock and I worked at a Japanese cartoon company, so of course I’m going to read a book by a punk-rock musician who worked on Japanese monster movies and then became an ordained Zen monk. A lot of the book is personal memoir about life in bands, working abroad in Japan, and experiences with Zen masters. Warner curses a lot and dabbles in scatological humor and drug references, so his writing style won’t be for everyone. I laughed. If you’re looking for an entertaining, arm-chair introduction to Zen, you’ll like this book.
Despite the humor, Warner’s expertise and dedication to Zen comes through loud and clear. Warner covers some Zen principles and definitions but mostly tells you how and why to practice Zen. Basically, you must sit and meditate (a practice known as zazen). Reading about Zen, thinking about Zen, and praying to Zen isn’t Zen. In fact, Warner is uncomfortable categorizing Zen as part of the Buddhist religion at all. In that way, he too is controversial probably. You might not get a classical introduction to Zen with this book, but you’ll get what he’s talking about. And like me, you might even be inspired to sit.
For those who like to listen rather than read, both Warner and Watts have podcasts on iTunes. Warner’s podcasts are a bit out of date. Of course, Watts’ podcasts are posthumous.
— by Narasu Rebbapragada
