Expert: Joe McSorley - 2/19/2004

Question
Mr. McSorley,
I have recently begun reading somewhat randomly about Buddhism. It's teachings, and my subsequent efforts to practice an accepting awareness and mindfulness, have yielded a remarkable sense of peace in my life and particularly in my marriage.
I want to continue on this path.
What author or writings would you recommend?
Sincerely,
Ron Taylor

Answer
Hi Ron,
  I would strongly suggest “Zen Essays Series Two” by D.T.Suzuki.  It's out of print but I find it now and then on google searches from bookstores in India for about $20 shipped.  I would also recommend “Unborn” about the Master Bankei and Zenkei Shibayama's “A Flower Does Not Talk”.  A lot of the good Zen writings are very difficult to read.  If you are philosophically bent I'd suggest Richard DeMartino and Masao Abe but it's hard reading.  Perhaps the best is Shin ichi Hisamatsu but it's very difficult reading.  There is a lot of pablum out there so be careful.  It should not just be some type of feel good philosophy you're reading, remember, the first Noble Truth of Buddhism is ‘life is suffering'.  There's a good reason for this and ‘think right, feel right' philosophy misses the profundity of the historical Buddha's teaching.  
  Good luck.
        Joe