Essays in Zen Buddhism (Vol. 1)

'Suzuki's works on Zen Buddhism are among the best contributions to the knowledge of living Buddhism' Carl Jung

Essays in Zen Buddhism was the first book to introduce Zen in the West fully. In it, Dr D.T. Suzuki outlines the origins of Zen as a unique Chinese interpretation of the Doctrine of Enlightenment with the aim of attaining Satori (Sudden Enlightenment). He describes how Satori can be achieved and the methods that can bring it about - but always stresses that Zen has to be a way of coping with everyday life's demands and frustrations.

Exploring the history of Buddhism, the daily life of a Zen monk and the path to enlightenment, Essays in Zen Buddhism offers an understanding of Zen not as a religion but as a way of perceiving, acting and being. It is both a classic introduction to Zen and a foundation for living a fulfilled life.

After reaching enlightenment at 27, Dr Suzuki spent the next 65 years writing about Buddhism and teaching in universities in Europe and the US. Widely regarded as the twentieth century's leading authority on Buddhism, he was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1963.