Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind

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This is not a beginner's book - Rated
You must remember that this book contains Shunryu's lecture, which were presented live. That in and of itself would be a great experience. Since we could not all be there, this book is our method to sharing some of his teachings. The lectures go over the description of the sitting Zen experience. You, the Zen student, will constantly refer to this book. This book will not gather dust on your shelf.

If you are a beginner, I would direct you to read the "Three Pillars of Zen" first. It was my first book (See my review), and it teaches Zen in a historical and traditional light.

Open hearted clear minded advice. - Rated
I thought that this was a most useful book. It will encourage and warm the heart. To do full justice to yourself (and to the book) you do however need to have a daily meditation practice. Read it again and again and things will come to you from different angles.The only weakness to this book will be your projections.With love Andy.

It's not bad, but people are getting to excited - Rated
Ok firstly this is a good book. It's well written, interesting, poetical and yes beautiful in many senses. But you have to remember that these are lecturers given by Suzuki and you can get the same real feeling in written words. Also its very easy to get all over emotional with some of the stuff he say's because of the way its written...all I'm saying is remember Suzuki is a Zen monk who anit that clued up on our everyday experiences as westerns, although he has started a lineage of people that are, just don't get all excited over this.

Profound, clear, compassionate, practical. - Rated
The most useful book on Zen I have read so far. Zen abhors analysis and description, and Suzuki takes a practical, human approach to the practice of zazen. The book was compiled from talks given by him at his Zen centres, and is full of honest advice and personal experience.
I am on my third reading, and am finally getting to appreciate some of the messages. These concepts are in fact very simple, if you read with your heart rather than your head. It is free from Zen-stifling intellectual analysis and explanation which is found in lesser works, there is no struggling with brain-busting koans, and satori is never mentioned.
One of the most important messages is very encouraging: that difficulty, distraction and hardship actually improve the practice of zazen. Great news for Beginners like me.

A book for everyone - Rated
I agree with all of the positive comments below - this is a wonderful and beautiful book. However, I don't think it is only for those with experience of Buddhist practice. There is something here for everyone. If you have never meditated or thought about Buddhism, parts of the book may seem obscure at first: but this need not get in the way of enjoying the rest. Certainly, this book is not a "beginner's guide", but it values beginners (as the title suggests) and I strongly recommend it to anyone who has an interest in Buddhism.