Prime logo Prime members: New to Audible?
Get 2 free audiobooks during trial.
Pick 1 audiobook a month from our unmatched collection.
Listen all you want to thousands of included audiobooks, Originals, and podcasts.
Access exclusive sales and deals.
Premium Plus auto-renews for $14.95/mo after 30 days. Cancel anytime.
What Is Zen  By  cover art

What Is Zen

By: D.T. Suzuki
Narrated by: Christopher Reed
Try for $0.00

$14.95/month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy for $8.24

Buy for $8.24

Pay using card ending in
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and Amazon's Privacy Notice. Taxes where applicable.

Publisher's summary

What Is Zen is the quintessential beginner's guide to achieving enlightenment. In simple, often poetic language, the author offers a general introduction to the concepts and philosophy of Zen Buddhism. He describes what it is, how it began and evolved, and how its emphasis on simplicity and self-effacement have helped shape an aesthetic found throughout Japanese culture. D.T. Suzuki lived to the age of 95 and was Japan's foremost authority on Zen Buddhism. What Is Zen is the first in a series of programs taken from Suzuki's Zen and Japanese Culture.
©1959 by Bollingen Foundation Inc. Copyright Renewed 1987, Princeton University Press (P)1995 by Audio Renaissance Tapes, A Division of Cassette Productions Unlimited, Inc.

Critic reviews

"There is something incredibly soothing in the old Japanese virtues, as Mr. Suzuki describes them." (The New York Times)

What listeners say about What Is Zen

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    72
  • 4 Stars
    29
  • 3 Stars
    33
  • 2 Stars
    7
  • 1 Stars
    2
Performance
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    40
  • 4 Stars
    23
  • 3 Stars
    16
  • 2 Stars
    7
  • 1 Stars
    0
Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    52
  • 4 Stars
    16
  • 3 Stars
    15
  • 2 Stars
    5
  • 1 Stars
    0

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

What is Zen by D.T. Suzuki

This is my first experience with information about 'Zen'. It is a wonderful example and is layed out in an easy to follow format. I recommend it for anyone wanting to learn about the basics of 'Zen'.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

8 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

sublime

profound. recommended. Suzuki Rpshi transmits the precious Dharma, but who is Suzuki and what is Dharma? What can be said is what can not be said.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful