Hardcore Zen : : Punk Rock, Monster Movies & the Truth About Reality

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Call Number: 294.392 Wa
On Shelf At: Downtown Library

Location & Checkout Length	Call Number	Checkout Length	Item Status
Downtown 2nd Floor 4-week checkout	294.392 Wa	4-week checkout	On Shelf

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Fun and Informed Intro to Zen submitted by zackcentury on July 18, 2010, 10:22pm But not all that hardcore. The author, Brad Warner, has outgrown his former punk and moved on to spreading the word about Zen Buddhism. And I'm glad he did. I came across this book after reading and thoroughly enjoying Benjamin Hoff's "The Tao of Pooh" and "The Te of Piglet". I ran those books through What Should I Read Next? http://www.whatshouldireadnext.com/ and the title "Hardcore Zen" caught my eye. While the book didn't live up to my expectations in the hardcore sense, it was very helpful in explaining the essentials of Buddhism that might often get fluffed up by other, less straightforward teachers.

Before this book, I hadn't read much about Zen Buddhism but I did have an understanding of the Four Truths and some other basics. The author claims that Zen is different from other sects or "modernized" Buddhisms. It seems that Zen cuts to the heart of Buddhism by omitting much of the stuff that is popularly attributed to it, and concentrating on "zazen", or meditation, and your outlook on reality. I suppose this is why Warner thinks Zen is the right Buddhism for punks who don't give a crap about much at all, or something. It might be important to mention that this book talks specifically about Japanese Zen Buddhism, if for some reason the others are really very different. I really liked how Warner explained the details about the Four Truths and the Buddhist outlook-- he explains things you might not get from just reading the basic tenets. He also relates the beliefs through normal, everyday occurrences (and a few gritty, nasty, punk ones). I returned the book so I can't look up any quotes, but Warner is a pretty funny writer most of the time, too.

One important thing I learned from Hardcore Zen is that if I ever study Buddhism, I'll find a good teacher. Just like the "McDojos" of the martial arts scene, it sounds like there are "Buddhist" teachers and authors out there who are willing to sell you enlightenment for "just a few easy payments...". The author says this from his own experiences of being duped by Hari Krishnas, new age writers, and his own delusions. Luckily, he offers some advice on finding good teachers. The book might even be a good start for those who wish to self study for a while.

What I really liked: The author works and lives in Japan making B-grade monster movies, and I liked hearing about his life in Japan whether it was related to Buddhism or not.

What I didn't like: The book gets long and boring in some parts, like where Warner tries to translate a prayer, and when he reaches a little too hard to be funny, punk, or young and hip.