Opening the Hand of Thought

Remarkably clear explanation not only of the method of zazen, but of how it fits into life as a whole. Frank about how zazen fits with goals, and particularly the problems of zazen as a secularized 'health' practice. The latter part of the book is particularly moving, presenting Uchiyama's last talk before retiring, reflecting on his life and the lessons he wanted to pass on.

I read a lot of Zen books. Mostly ones for beginners but they're all useful in some ways, if not frustratingly out of reach in others. This is my first time reading Uchiyama. He had such a gift for elucidating even the most mystical aspects of Zen practice in understandable language. It's really wonderful. In fact, I would say this has just turned into my go to book recommendation for anyone curious about Zazen. It has the best description of meditation I have come across. I mean it's really something. Where other books may allude to practice, or focus only on letting go of distractions, or focus on staying mindful, Uchiyama paints a total picture of practice: getting distracted, coming back, getting sleepy, coming back. The far reaching implications of this description not only inspires confidence and Right Mind when sitting, but allows the reader to extend the philosophy of Zen Buddhism outward to other areas of daily, practical life. That's what separates Uchiyama from other thinkers, his attention to the daily life of a regular person, to the ordinary moments one can encounter when not living a dedicated life in a monastery.

If you are at all interested in the concepts or practice of Zen Buddhism, find this book.