Crooked Cucumber

The Life and Zen Teaching of Shunryu Suzuki

De: David Chadwick

Narrado por: David Chadwick

Shunryu Suzuki, author of the beloved classic Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind, is lovingly remembered as one of the greatest spiritual teachers of the 20th century - whose legacy is felt in every facet of American Zen. This monumental biography of Suzuki, written and read by his student David Chadwick, weaves together a rich tapestry of stories and memories of Suzuki’s students, family, and friends. In this updated and revised audiobook edition, Chadwick also offers rare excerpts from archived recordings of Suzuki’s teachings in the great Zen master's own voice.

©1999 David Chadwick (P)2021 Shambhala Publications

Heartfelt narration

Deeply insightful into zen and Japanese culture and its adaptation to America. Wonderful moment jn the transmission of the Dharma

A wonderful narration of a moving story.

The sincerity of David Chadwick’s narration of his book adds great richness and humanity to this listening experience.

Chadwick’s story of his teacher’s life is direct and honest throughout, omitting the kind of hagiography Suzuki would have found silly. Hearing more about Suzuki struggles and failures as well as his accomplishments was very inspiring and helpful for me.

This book is a gift to anyone interested in Suzuki and the origins of Zen in America.

Excellent Content/ Awkward Narration

The life of Suzuki is fascinating, and this offers snapshots of this giant's life. The content is amazing. I have rated it a 4 because the narration is just awkward. At one moment, he starts laughing at private memories. Later on, he begins crying. Then there are dozens of awkward editorial inserts that just break the narration. Additionally, the chapter content doesn't align with the descriptions.

David Chadwick’s reading is wonderful

I so appreciate David’s authentic and heartfelt telling of this story which feels more like just a sharing of his friend and mentor.

A Very Detailed & Passionate Portrait of Suzuki!

The only thing I wished was that David Chadwick had repeated repeated his teacher’s words from broken English so I would have gleaned a few more pearls of the man’s characteristics! Honestly, this is one of the most detailed accounts of a Zen Teacher I have ever encountered! I have studied both Japanese, Burmese, and Tibetan Buddhist Philosophy, and Meditation intensively! If you desire to understand a broader expression of Zen Practices, then I would say give this a chance! My intensive training helped me get past some challenging struggles with what it means to really look inward, so you can look outward, and see with clarity! I encourage you to keep an open mind, and be tenacious! And, remember the path is the goal! I wish you well on your journey!