Jean Smith is the editor of four well-established and much-admired collections of Buddhist teachings -- Breath Sweeps Mind, Everyday Mind, Radiant Mind, and 365 Zen. She divides her time between New York City and the Adirondack Mountains.
-This is the first book I am aware of that draws on the existing body of literature in English by modern Zen teachers to offer a solid reader's guide to the ABCs of Zen. A practitioner herself, Jean Smith manages to write about Zen simply and succinctly -- from the inside.- -- Norman Fischer, coabbot of San Francisco Zen Center -This book is both a primer and an overview, offering the beginning student clear instructions for where, how, and with whom to practice, as well as, most importantly, why.--- Sylvia Boorstein, author of Don't Just Do Something, Sit There -Jean Smith covers the basics in this carefully crafted and knowledgeable introductory guide to Zen. Her long experience of practice illuminates this 'finger pointing toward the moon.'- -- Sojun Mel Weitsman, abbot of Berkeley Zen Center -In a kind and friendly manner, Jean Smith graciously invites us to visit the world of Zen and make ourselves at home in our own being.--- Edward Espe Brown, Zen priest, author of Tomato Blessings and Radish Teachings