Zen Is Right Now

In this new collection of quotes from Shunryu Suzuki Roshi and stories from his students, the presence, wisdom, and humor of a great Zen teacher come alive once more.

The teachings of Shunryu Suzuki have acted for many as the gateway to Zen practice and meditation. In particular, Suzuki Roshi's popular book Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind demonstrated to countless readers his gift for presenting traditional Zen teachings using ordinary language. In Zen Is Right Now, David Chadwick, a devoted former student and the compiler of the extensive Suzuki Roshi digital archive, sheds new light on Suzuki Roshi's demeanor and teachings, with selected quotes from his lectures and a variety of stories told by his students. These encounters with Zen are alive with poignancy and humor, and they are grounded in their honest portrayal of a hugely influential and inspirational teacher.

Following closely in the mold of Zen Is Right Here, an earlier collection of quotes and stories, this book is an accessible and varied selection of teachings and third-party accounts, revealing an occasionally playful and deeply wise teacher, one who delighted in paradox and laughed often. This lightheartedness, rooted in humility and openness, is evident in quotes such as, "What I say is not true teaching. I just give you the hint." May the quotes and stories in this collection provide a similar hint or spark, revealing the Dharma through the words and actions of a beloved teacher.