100,000+ Books, Games & Puzzles in-stock 🇳🇿

Thanks for supporting our 100% NZ-owned independent bookstore ❤️ Overnight NZ-wide Delivery 🚀

Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind

50th Anniversary Edition
4.21 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating.
( 49,061 ratings, 2,154 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind by Shunryu Suzuki offers insights into Zen philosophy and practice, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a "beginner’s mind" – an attitude of openness and eagerness. It explores meditation techniques and the essence of Zen teachings, encouraging readers to approach life with curiosity and humility.
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$3600
OVERNIGHT NZ-WIDE DELIVERY

Found a better price? Request a price match

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you enjoy exploring the fundamentals of Zen Buddhism, appreciate practical advice on meditation, and seek to cultivate a beginner's mind to approach life with openness and curiosity.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

"Informal tlks on Zen meditations and practice"--Cover.

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

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind by Shunryu Suzuki is a timeless classic that introduces the principles of Zen Buddhism with elegance and simplicity. Directed at both beginners and seasoned practitioners, the book outlines the fundamentals of meditation, offering a path towards attaining mindfulness and clarity. The author's teachings are presented with an emphasis on maintaining a "beginner's mind," a state characterised by openness, eagerness, and freedom from preconceptions. Through this approach, readers are encouraged to explore the vast possibilities that lie beyond expert knowledge, discovering a fresh perspective on life and practice.

Marked by profound insights and a straightforward narrative, Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind begins with a strikingly simple yet deep aphorism: "In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert's mind there are few." This opening line encapsulates the essence of Suzuki Roshi's teachings, urging readers to embrace the richness of simplicity and the potential inherent in every moment. Within these pages, one can find teachings on various aspects of Zen practice, including the details of posture and breathing, as well as the perception of nonduality—a core concept in Zen that highlights the unity of all things.

This 50th Anniversary edition celebrates five decades of influence and inspiration, bringing Suzuki's profound wisdom to new generations of readers. As one of the 100 Best Spiritual Books of the Twentieth Century (Spirituality & Practice), Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind remains a cornerstone in spiritual literature. Its appeal lies not only in its clear instruction but also in the palpable joy that accompanies each page, as Suzuki Roshi's insights resonate with timeless relevance. This book is a perfect introduction to Zen for newcomers and a continual source of inspiration for long-term practitioners.

Whether you are seeking guidance on meditation or a deeper understanding of Zen philosophy, Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind offers a wealth of wisdom that is both accessible and profound. Embrace the beginner's mind and rediscover the simplicity and depth of Zen practice through the enduring teachings of Shunryu Suzuki.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind is praised as a concise and accessible introduction to Zen practice, suitable for both beginners and seasoned practitioners. It covers essential Zen aspects such as zazen posture and intention, while also delving into deeper Buddhist concepts like non-attachment and enlightenment. The book is highly respected for transmitting traditional Zen teachings to a broader audience.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781611808414

Publisher: Shambhala Publications Inc

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 02 June 2020

Country: United States

Imprint: Shambhala Publications Inc

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 133.0mm

Height: 210.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 176

About the Author

Shunryu Suzuki (1904-1971) was one of the most influential spiritual teachers of the twentieth century and is truly a founding father of Zen in America. A Japanese priest of the Soto lineage, he taught in the United States from 1959 until his death. He was the founder of the San Francisco Zen Center and the Tassajara Zen Mountain Center. He is the author of Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind and Branching Streams Flow in the Darkness- Zen Talks on the Sandokai, and he is the subject of the biography Crooked Cucumber by David Chadwick.

Also by Shunryu Suzuki

View all
  • Becoming Yourself
    The long-awaited new book on the essence of Zen practice from the beloved author of Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind. Our way of sitting is for you to become yourself. Shunryu Suzuki was one of the most influential spiritual teachers of the last century, who brought Zen philosophy to millions of people. In this book of teachings, many published for the...
    Hardback
    $3999
    Elsewhere:
    $5000
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Branching Streams Flow in the Darkness
    When Shunryu Suzuki Roshi's Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind was published in 1972, it was enthusiastically embraced by Westerners eager for spiritual insight and knowledge of Zen. The book became one of the most successful treatises on Buddhism in English, selling more than one million copies to date. Branching Streams Flow in the Darkness is the first follow-up volume to Suzuki...
    Paperback
    $5099
    Available
    Ships in 3-4 weeks
  • Becoming Yourself
    Pre-order
    Becoming Yourself
    The long-awaited new book on the essence of Zen practice from the beloved author of Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind. "Our way of sitting is for you to become yourself." Shunryu Suzuki was one of the most influential spiritual teachers of the last century, who brought Zen philosophy to millions of people. In this book of teachings, many published for the...
    Paperback
    $3500
    Pre-order
    Out 20 Oct 2026

More from Religion & Spirituality

View all
  • New Release
    2027 Witch's Diary - Southern Hemisphere
    From the bestselling authors of Spellcasting, which has now sold over 250,000 copies worldwide, comes the essential witchy journal to plan your days, harness magick, and connect with higher powers. Features include: 8" x 6" (8" x 12" open) Beautiful glossy gold gatefold cover Compact size, perfect to carry in your bag and keep on you throughout the day 12-month...
    Paperback
    $1999
    Elsewhere:
    $2299
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • New Release
    2027 Lunar and Seasonal Diary - Southern Hemisphere
    Renowned witch Stacey Demarco helps you get the most out of the moon phases and seasons. This planner includes lunar timings and explanations of the moon phases and their impact on us along with practical magical suggestions to work with the energies of each season.Features include: • 8"" x 6"" planner (8"" x 12"" open) • Spiral binding allows the pages to...
    Paperback
    $2999
    Elsewhere:
    $3799
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • NKJV, Gift and Award Bible, Leather-Look, White, Red Letter, Comfort Print
    Commemorate a special accomplishment or event with a gift to be treasured for years to come. The popular and reliable New King James Version with the enhanced readability of Thomas Nelson’s custom NKJV font is now the perfect gift. The NKJV, Gift and Award Bible is a great way to recognise someone for a job well done. This special-occasion Bible...
    Paperback
    $1800
    Elsewhere:
    $2000
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The King Is Coming
    Bestselling author John Bevere challenges Christians to take a fresh and honest look at one of the most often misunderstood and avoided truths of the Christian faith—the second coming of Jesus. Through personal testimony, biblical accuracy, and practical guidance, readers will be inspired to live a life of spiritual vigilance as they prepare for the glorious return of our King....
    Paperback
    $2999
    Elsewhere:
    $3500
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Braiding Sweetgrass
    Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer is a graceful and illuminating study of the wisdom of the natural world, bringing together the knowledge of modern science with the teachings of Indigenous cultures. At its heart, the book explores the interconnectedness between humans and nature, offering profound insights on how this relationship can foster a deeper ecological consciousness. As a botanist...
    Paperback
    $2200
    Elsewhere:
    $2600
    (2)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • KJV Holy Bible: Economy Paperback: Beautiful. Trustworthy. Timeless, Comfort Print: King James Version
    The full text of the KJV with extra helps is an excellent Bible for a new Christian or someone interested in learning more about God. The King James Version of the Bible is the bestselling and most-read English translation of all time. This low-cost Bible with extra helps is perfect for churches and ministries looking to distribute God’s Word through...
    Paperback
    $900
    Elsewhere:
    $1000
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Practice of Not Thinking
    Bestselling author and Zen priest Ryunosuke Koike teaches us how to reconnect with our five senses and move towards enlightenment. What would happen if we learnt to look instead of see, listen instead of hear, and feel instead of touch? With remarkable clarity, Ryunosuke Koike shares the ways we can incorporate Zen practice into our daily life, resulting in a...
    Paperback
    $2100
    Elsewhere:
    $2600
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • NIV, Holy Bible, Economy Edition, Paperback, Comfort Print
    Hope for your everyday life. The New International Version of the Bible is today’s most popular modern-English translation. This low-cost Bible, featuring extra helps that are ideal for evangelism and an easy-to-read Comfort Print® typeface, is perfect for churches and ministries looking to distribute God’s Word in bulk through their outreach events. Features include: The full text of the accurate,...
    Paperback
    $1000
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • NIV, Gift and Award Bible, Leather-Look, Pink, Red Letter, Comfort Print
    Bibles make great gifts! This leather-look NIV Gift and Award Bible is economically priced so you can share the life-changing Word of God with more people. Perfect for special events or acts of kindness, this gift Bible is arranged in two columns with the words of Jesus in red, along with a presentation page for gift-giving, maps, and other Bible...
    Paperback
    $2200
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Screwtape Letters
    A milestone in the history of popular theology, The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis is an iconic classic on spiritual warfare and the power of the devil. This profound and striking narrative unfolds as a series of captivating letters penned by Screwtape, a senior devil in the Infernal Civil Service, to his eager but inexperienced nephew, Wormwood. Wormwood is...
    Paperback
    $1900
    Elsewhere:
    $2200
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Mere Christianity
    Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis is a profound literary work that offers a compelling and articulate exploration of the Christian faith. This timeless classic emerged from a series of radio talks given by Lewis during the dark days of World War II, where he aimed to demystify the essence of Christianity and present a logical case for its core...
    Paperback
    $1900
    Elsewhere:
    $2200
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • New Release
    Communion: Finding My Way Back to Faith
    From the bestselling author of Hillbilly Elegy – an intimate account of why Vice President JD Vance strayed from the Christianity of his youth and what led him back to faith. Communion is a spiritual exploration of what it means to be a Christian in all the seasons of life JD Vance has experienced – as a child, a young man,...
    Paperback
    $3199
    Elsewhere:
    $3699
    In Stock
    Ships today

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.