Beginning full-time monastic Zen in 1989, Julian Daizan Skinner has practiced and received Dharma transmission in the Soto and Rinzai traditions and been named successor of Zen Master Miyamae Shinzan, founder of The Zendo Kyodan Lineage. For more information, visit zenways.org.
An entertaining integral guide to Zen that will serve you faithfully for many years. This is a book of real quality from a teacher of the highest calibre, and the rarest gift. -- J.M. Harrison - multi-award winning author of Naked Being, We Are All One, The Soul Whisperer and YOU are THIS A true gift to the world. From the historical context of Zen to the profound insights that lie at its core, seldom has so much wisdom been packed into a single volume. This book is a true beacon on the journey of self-growth, for all those who wish to take it. -- Dr. Russell Razzaque, founder of The College of Mindful Clinicians, author of Breaking Down is Waking Up and Obama Karma To those who find Zen somewhat intimidating, Daizan's relaxed approach should be appealing; Practical Zen offers something for everyone with an interest in Zen, with a plethora of ideas, possibilities, and suggestions for practice. -- Stephen Addiss, author of The Art of Zen and Zen Sourcebook The explanations and instructions are beautifully clear and the structure really supports the transmission of these invaluable practices. I particularly loved the sections on duality and non-duality, the unborn, the hara, the ox and all the stories, particularly the moving events around the temple fire. I wholeheartedly recommend Practical Zen. -- Multi-award winning novelist Livi Michael So far, I have found the guide to practice incredibly clear and the skills and practice itself incredibly useful. It is very difficult sometimes to quiet the mind, and other times a little easier. It is still early days but I intend to continue and ultimately find a teacher once I feel I have developed a solid basis. If you want to actually start meditating, then this is a great place to start. -- Duncan McGechie, Acubody