Summer, 2026
Every summer we have a group book study at ZCOC. The purpose is to read and discuss a book together, after our regular sitting schedule, with emphasis upon its relationship to our own lives and practice.
Becoming Yourself: Teachings on the Zen Way of Life by Shunryu Suzuki
(Selected and edited by Jiryu Rutschman-Byler and Sojun Mel Weitsman)
Tarcher, an imprint of Penguin Random House, New York, 2025
- We will read about 40 pages per session.
- If you cannot read everything, try to read whichever topics are of interest to you in the section we are discussing that evening.
Reading & Discussion Schedule:
Session 1: Sun., July 26, Intro to p. 40
Session 2: Sun., Aug. 2, p. 41 to 82
Session 3: Tues., Aug. 11, p. 83 to 121
Session 4: Sun., Aug. 16, p. 122 to 165.
Reflection and Discussion Questions:
Session #1
1) What does Suzuki say about being oneself as a practice? p. 2
2) What is your understanding of “emptiness of mind” and how to achieve it? p. 12-13
3) What is the value of repetition in Zen practice, what Suzuki calls “continuous spirit”? p. 13
4) How does Suzuki explain enlightenment? p. 20 -21
5) How does Suzuki interpret Nyogen Senzaki’s famous expression: “Don’t put another head upon your head”? p. 33 – 34
Session #2
1) Shunryu says that, “The way to be yourself is to take care of how you treat yourself.” Do you find it helpful to consider working with desires as taking care of yourself, in the spirit of “grandmother-like” mind?” p. 47
2) Why is the concept of no-self difficult to grasp and the path of no-self difficult to walk? (p.49-50)
3) If you are angry and ask,“how have I lost myself?” does it change your response? (p.51-52)
4) What are the similarities and differences between the sitting instructions given by Shunryu and the ones we use at ZCOC? (p. 54-58)
5) In “Naturalness,” Shunryu says, “If you walk through the fog, your clothes will become wet; without you making any effort or being conscious of it, they quite naturally become wet.” Does this mean no effort is needed? What does he mean? (p.81-82)
Session #3
1) P. 87-90 How do you see the challenge of developing Buddha mind instead of developing your idea of yourself in everyday practice?
2) P. 91-93 What does “true discrimination” mean to you?
3) P. 95-99 What is the difference between positive thinking and appreciation in “every day is a good day?”
4) P. 103-110 What is the way to an ethical life?
5) P. 111-113 What does Suzuki mean by “religious freedom” and “religious faith” as opposed to laws and moral rules?
6) P. 121 How does this statement apply to your life? “Do everything in harmony with your surroundings.”
Session #4
1) What does Suzuki mean when he says: “For Mahayana Buddhists, dualistic practice is a violation of the precepts.” p. 126
2) “Enlightenment is not some particular stage, it is everywhere.” How do you understand this? p. 129
3) Suzuki says that our way is unattainable. Why is this important? p. 132
4) What is your understanding of “Buddha”? p 143-145
5) Suzuki says, “we shouldn’t be involved in the confusion that we have in our human world because we will have no time to practice our way.” What do you think about this? p.165
Program Schedule
5:00 to 5:30…..Zazen/meditation
5:30 to 5:40…..Walking meditation
5:40 to 6:10…..Zazen/meditation
6:10 to 6:20…..Walking meditation*
6:20 to 7:00…..Book Study
7:00 to 7:30…..Optional tea & social
*Those who do not wish to stay for Book Study may leave
Suggestions for Participation in the Book Study
You may choose to participate in the book study in a number of ways. The summer book study is designed to be flexible, so practitioners may come to all or some of the sessions. The chapters can “stand alone” and do not have to be read sequentially. If you are participating, please bring your book and place it under your mat in the Zendo.
Full: Do all readings in advance, prepare discussion questions or comments and participate actively in the discussion.
Part: If you are not able to do all of the reading, read what what you wish. You may wish to prepare comments which pertain to the sections you read. If you have not been able to do any reading for a particular evening, you may attend as usual, listen and participate as you wish.
What if I don’t want to participate? Please come to sit!
Practitioners who choose not to participate in the book study are encouraged to continue their practice as usual. You are welcome to come for Zazen, work practice, and individual instruction. You may leave after Zazen. If you wish, you may also attend the book study sessions, listen to the discussion, and stay for optional tea and social
Book Studies from Past Years
2025 The Work of this Moment by Toni Packer
- 2024 Seeing One Thing Through: The Life and Teachings of Sojun Mel Weitsman by Sojun Mel Weitsman
- 2023 Ordinary Wonder: Zen Life & Practice by Charlotte Joko Beck
- 2022 Moon Blossoms: Reflections on the Spiritual Path by Virgie Luchsinger
- 2021 When you Greet Me, I Bow by Norman Fischer
- 2021 Nothing Special by Charlotte Joko Beck (additional book study in Jan. due to Covid)
- 2020 Taking Our Places: The Buddhist Path to Truly Growing Up By Norman Fischer
- 2019 Refining your Life by Dogen/Uchiyama
- 2018 Opening the Hand of Thought by Kosho Uchiyama
- 2017 What’s Wrong with Mindfulness (and what isn’t): Zen Perspectives ed. by Rosenbaum & Magid
- 2016 Seeds for a Boundless Life: Zen Teachings from the Heart by Zenkei Blanche Hartman
- 2015 Zen Questions by Dan Leighton
- 2014 Most Intimate: A Zen Approach to Life’s Challenges by Pat Enkyo O’Hara
- 2013 Ending the Pursuit of Happiness: A Zen Guide by Barry Magid
- 2012 Warm Smiles from Cold Mountains: Dharma Talks on Zen Meditation by Reb Anderson
- 2011 On Zen Practice: Body, Breath and Mind by Taizan Maezumi & Bernie Glassman
- 2010 How to Raise an Ox: Zen Practice as Taught in Master Dogen’s Shobogenzo by Francis Dojun Cook
- 2009 You Have To Say Something: Manifesting Zen Insight by Dainin Katagiri
- 2008 The Art of Just Sitting: Essential Writings on the Zen Practice of Shikantaza by John Daido Loori
- 2007 Mindful Politics: A Buddhist Guide to Making the World a Better Place edited by Melvin McLeod
- 2006 The Mind of Clover: Essays in Zen Buddhist Ethics by Robert Aitken
Earlier Book Studies:
- Everyday Zen: Love & Work by Charlotte Joko Beck
- Zen Keys by Thich Nhat Hanh
- Taking the Path of Zen by Robert Aitken
- The Wonder of Presence by Toni Packer