James Ishmael Ford
The book has a casually warm and friendly tone that will appeal to wide variety of readers.,Drawing on sources as diverse as the Bible and comedian Emo Phillips, Ford reflects on his more than four decades walking the Pathâ€”and the Big Questions asked and answered (in his words: â€œsort ofâ€). He examines the nature of Awakening and what it means to work toward itâ€”helping us see, in the words of one chapter title, â€œSome of What Zen Practice Is, and a Little of What It Isnâ€™tâ€; he offers a wise perspective on the nature of spiritual directors and enormously helpful counsel on â€œWhat to Look for When Looking for a Teacherâ€; and give us a seasoned look at the core practices of Zen (shikantaza and koan study) within the key principles of not knowing and â€œsitting down, shutting up, and paying attention.â€,This book explores the always fascinating issues of karma and rebirth from the deconstructing perspective of Zenâ€”in a way that will find resonance with both conservatives and the vast audience of Stephen Batchelorâ€™s Confessions of a Buddhist Atheist.,And perhaps most significantly, the last section of the book takes a fresh and nuanced look at the Buddhist Ethical Preceptsâ€”which Ford frames as â€œSeven Suggestions.â€ There are comparatively few books on this topic, and this one will find wide audience both within the Zen world and beyond.
Religion,Buddhism,Buddhism,Zen,Spirituality,Nonfiction
If You're Lucky, Your Heart Will Break: Field Notes from a Zen Life