"In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert's there are few."

This book presents a series of informal talks given by Zen master Shunryu Suzuki. The book is about how to practice Zen Buddhism as a workable discipline and religion. It takes us from the philisophy of non-duality, emptiness and enlightenment through to the practical issues of posture, breathing, basic and attitudes to meditation. The teachings are filled with joy and simplicity yet with each reading a more profound truth emerges. Readers totally new to meditation may find some of the Master's statements about meditation strange; statements which carry very much more meaning for those with experience of the medidative state.

Shunryu Suzuki was a direct spiritual descendant of the great thirteenth century Zen master Dogen. Already a deeply respected Zen master in Japan, Suzuki-roshi travelled to America and established the first Zen training monastery outside Asia.