Hardcore Zen

[Kokuu]

Okay, I will admit it, I didn't go into this book with an open mind. Despite having a general like of people involved in fringe activities such as alternative music and film, and those who have a habit of putting two fingers up at authority figures, something about Brad Warner has always bugged me. He seems like the poster boy for cool Zen and some of his attitudes towards sex and dharma don't sit well with me.

So, I was totally expecting to hate this book and find it to be more about Brad Warner than Zen. The first couple of chapters did not disappoint me on that front. However, that was just setting the scene and a backdrop to what was to come. Starting with a section on The Heart Sutra, Brad goes on to explain the path of Zen in the normal language of 21^st century America. And, although I almost hate to admit it – he gets it. Me saying that is pretty pointless as Brad gets it far more than I do. The parts about Gudo Nishijima were great to read and having someone who has a history of drug use report how irrelevant and counterproductive drug use is to Zen practice hits home far more than the same words falling from the mouth of an elderly Japanese man.

Anyway, I am sure most of you have read the book already but this is my first real encounter with Brad's words and I remain impressed. He will likely never be one of my go-to references for Zen teachings but I think that he is a relevant and important voice to have in our tradition.

Gassho
Andy

[Jundo]

It is a great book! Right near the top of our recommended reading list.

I think that you are wrong, though, if you say Brad had a history of drug use besides maybe a joint here or there. As I understand, he was pretty "straight edge" for the punk scene, and didn't even drink much if any.

Gassho, J

[Kokuu]

Yes, it is probably fair to say that he wasn't a great drug taker but did recount a couple of LSD trips he had. The fact he was in music scene that had drug takers and his unwillingness to stick to the party line unless it accords with his own experience puts him in a good position to discuss it.

Gassho
Andy

[Daitetsu]

Hi Andy,

I'd very much recommend reading Brad's book "Sit down and shut up" next - IMHO it is as good as "Hardcore Zen" or even a bit better!

Gassho,

Daitetsu

[Kokuu]

Thanks, Daitetsu. I was wondering whether to sample some more or leave it at that, so the recommendation is very helpful.

Gassho
Andy

[Mp]

Hi Andy,

I'd very much recommend reading Brad's book "Sit down and shut up" next - IMHO it is as good as "Hardcore Zen" or even a bit better!

Gassho,

Daitetsu

I agree Daitetsu, I enjoyed the book and I too enjoyed Hardcore Zen very much. =)

Gassho
Shingen

[6yx]

I've enjoyed all of his books. I can appreciate how he appears to want to "humanize" Zen "masters" or teachers. It's easy to de-humanize certain people and put them on an alter, instead of under a boot.

I also enjoy disagreeing with some of the things that he has to say. I love readying books that I completely agree with, but when I can disagree and agree, I find it forces me to think and question more than simply just take in what I like.

Sex, Sin and Zen is one of my favorites because it deals with the subject of sexuality from a perspective I've never been exposed to before and got me to thinking and questioning like never before because I couldn't simply find the thinks I agreed or disagreed with.

Gassho.
Chris

[Sydney]

I didn't "get" his writing style in Hardcore Zen until he started in on the Heart Sutra. From that point forward, it was easier for me to see how he was saying what he was saying. I think I've read about 1.5 more of his books and found them consistently solid, and like hearing recordings of his public talks and Q&A sessions.

There may be a lot of material out there in the "mediocre to bad" range, but yay for the quality stuff being preserved these days.

[Edward E]

"Hardcore Zen" and "Sit Down And Shut Up" were key to me in considering Zen as a viable option. Although I was drawn to Zen before reading them, Brad Warner's books helped me get past the stereotypes of Buddhism I had always heard.

Gassho,
Eddie

[Roland]

I read this thread, bought Hardcore Zen and read it. I like the style, but I must admit if often baffles me. Brad does not believe in a hereafter, but then again he is sure his granddad somehow is aware of what happens at his funeral. He describes his mystical experiences, becoming one with the universe, yet underlines how each moment you live is you who are living it and not someone else. I'm aware that zen likes paradoxes and outright contradictions, but as a beginner is makes me think (I guess that's the purpose, or is it rather it should stop me from thinking analytically?). He warns for religious people being so sure about what they believe, but yet is totally sure about the validity of his (supposedly sound) meditation experiences - not once suggesting that maybe, just maybe, meditation could be just a very sophisticated way to auto-manipulate your mind. Sometimes he made me think of the philosopher Hegel who wrote something like 'in the night of reason all cows are black'.
And yet, after all this criticism, I must admit I liked the book very much and I cannot get it out of my mind. I'll read his other books as well. It just helps me see my doubts about my meditation, practice and life, in a beautiful way.

[Risho]

I've really enjoyed all his books, and his blog actually led me to join Treeleaf. His latest book (There is no God and he is always with you) is really interesting. I like how he breaks complex Buddhist philosophy down into direct, layman terms; I don't think that is as simple as it seems; I think he has a real knack for it. I also like the kitchy I'm writing to my friend style of writing and the nerd references to Ultraman and Godzilla. I can see how that could get annoying, but I'm a corny nerd, and I enjoy it. lol It's cool to read Sit Down and Shut Up and then actually read the passages in Shobogenzo where they come from. Dogen still confuses me though. hahhahah all with time I suppose

Gassho,

Risho

[Jishin]

I enjoyed all of his books. Brad is just Brad. :-)

Gassho, Jishin

[TimF]

I have never read any of his books, but after reading this thread, I aim to do so soon. Thank you all for pointing me to yet another pointer of the moon...I would have likely skipped his words if not for you!

Gassho,
Tim

[Mp]

Brad is just Brad. :-)

Nicely said Jishin ... we are who we are. As Clint Eastwood would say, "The good, the bad, and the ugly". =)

Gassho
Shingen

[Daijo]

Personally I like his books and his style. I come from that hardcore punk rock scene myself, so it speaks to me on many levels. I do prefer Sit Down and Shut Up over Hardcore Zen, but I think they're both great books. One thing people need to understand is that Brad writes very abrasively, but when it comes to practice he may be one of the most traditional teachers out there. He's speaking a specific language in his books, speaking to a specific audience. Get past that, scratch the surface, and he is a very masterful teacher.