December 4 #best09 Book
The best Book (not exactly a new book, but one that was finaly read by both Melissa and I).
Hardcore Zen, by Brad Warner.
Brad Warner does a lot to bring you right into his book when you start it. If you, like I was, are completely unsure of Zen and not sure at all if you are ready for Buddhist philosophy then this is the best book you can read. It starts out by letting you know that Brad is not your standard religious zealot. He is the guy next door that played in a rock band. The kid down the street who wore the Melvin’s hoodie with his converse that you wanted to be like but your parents kept putting Mr. Rodgers sweaters on you. That’s him. It is a look at what life can be like if you just remember to let it happen and live now, in this moment, and forget to be wrapped up in all of the BS and minutiae that usually dominates your everyday life. After leading you into his story Brad shows you that if you are looking for a Zen Master to set your life straight, you are looking for the wrong thing. There is no path that leads to an ending point where Nirvana surrounds you, or even where a bad Nirvana cover band blares their amps towards you. There is only accepting the truth of life. You will have to read the book to get that last line, while it seems vague and out there, this book does a great job making you understand that you know jack, and that you can know more if you are willing to let the world in.
I’ll try to sum up real quick here –
If you are into Zen Buddhism and want to find out more, read it.
If you are even vaguely interested in Eastern Philosophy and want to get a real world view of it, read it.
If you think you already know the truth and are trying to get other people to convert to your religion, you won’t like it but I wish you would read it too.
If you are playing Xbox and scarfing Big Macs and feel the rest of the world owes you something, I can’t help you.
Read it for the stories of Punk rock, read it for the stories of making Japanese monster movies, read it for the real life wisdom it imparts. Accept the rest if you want, ignore it if you want, it’s still a good book.Matt
