BACKWATER REEDS: ZEN BUDDHIST DHARMA TALKS FOR THE 21st CENTURY Kindle Edition

During the Covid Pandemic we all came face-to-face with the great matter of life and death. Many sought answers, and a new way to grapple with fear and uncertainty. Backwater Reeds collects an inspiring series of talks given by Jeff Shore during the pandemic to meditation groups around the world and to an online community.Here we find guidance for genuine Zen meditation, how to confront the pitfalls that arise, and how to finally cast off the burden of the self. Burning issues raised by the talks are explored in a unique series of question-and-answer exchanges. This is a living Zen for ordinary women and men active in the world today. Moving accounts from long-term students illuminate deeply individual quests for realization.Backwater Reeds is a wonderful gift to the world. I have had the pleasure of reading it twice now. At times, I like to open it at random and pick a paragraph to contemplate. It is always very satisfying.This is a book that should be on the bedside table of anyone who regards themselves as a student of Zen. As for those who style themselves as teachers of Zen, they should measure their practice against this offering. Paul Maloney, Zen teacher, Sydney Zen Centre, AustraliaBackwater Reeds is an essential book for those already on the path of Zen. Jeff Shore's clarity, wisdom, and kindness come through every page. There are nuggets of teachings on death and grief, joy and freedom, self and others that will penetrate deeply and call you to them again and again. Savor this book. Guo Gu, author of Passing through the Gateless Barrier Read more