• Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind

  • Informal Talks on Zen Meditation and Practice
  • By: Shunryu Suzuki
  • Narrated by: Peter Coyote
  • Length: 2 hrs and 58 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (2,234 ratings)

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Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind

By: Shunryu Suzuki
Narrated by: Peter Coyote
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Publisher's summary

In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert's there are few. So begins this most beloved of all American Zen works. Seldom has such a small handful of words provided a teaching as rich as this famous opening line of Shunryu Suzuki's classic. In a single stroke, the simple sentence cuts through the pervasive tendency students have of getting so close to Zen as to completely miss what it's all about. An instant teaching in the first minutes. And that's just the beginning.

In the 30 years since its original publication, Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind has become one of the great modern Zen classics. Suzuki Roshi presents the basics in a way that is remarkably clear and resonates with the joy of insight. Listeners will refer to this audio time and time again as an inspiration to practice.

©1970 Shunryu Suzuki (P)1988, 2015 Audio Literature, Phoenix Books

Featured Article: Beginners Meditation Audiobooks


The benefits of meditation range from the mental to the physical and everything in between. If you want to start meditating but don't know where to begin, we have you covered. This selection of audiobooks will answer your questions, assuage your fears, and get you ready to dive into the ancient practice. Our picks have one shared message: meditation is whatever you need it to be. There are no hard-and-fast rules, no fancy equipment needed. All you need is the desire to begin your journey to inner peace. Each of these listens focuses on a different element to the practice—find the one that speaks to you.

What listeners say about Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind

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terrific book. Horrible recording.

how can this be called a remastered Edition when it sounds so bad? this book is in desperate need of a r e recording

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33 people found this helpful

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A very precious book

This book is a blessing. I have the most profound gratitude for Suzuki roshi's teachings in this book. And for Peter Coyote's voice reading them, so calm and so compassionate.

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A must read!

This is the freshest water to refill the empty vase.. Words written for wannabe children.

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It brings more awareness.

A beautiful read,it defiantly gave really good metaphors and parables of bringing in more awareness.

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My favorite book

This book is my favorite. If you are in anything performance related like me, it’s a must read! So if that means anything. Read it

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Coyote's voice is perfectly suited.

simplicity without judgment is the beginner's journey. enjoy without effort. life is an unfolding joy.

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Simple.

Simplicity:(noun) the quality or condition of being easy to understand or do.
Love this.

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The ideas are timeless

This one’s a True Buddhist classic. I just found myself having a feeling of being reminded over and over again of things that I already knew maybe from a really long time ago or that I had forgotten.

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Good enter level reading book

Listen to the book itself would bring you some inner peace. The basic knowledge is good to know.

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My favorite book.

This is my favorite book. I listen to it whenever I’m looking for answers, and it just chills me out. The combination of the content by Shunryu Suzuki and the narrator, Peter Coyote, make this book next level.

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