Zen for Christians: A Beginner's Guide
"Whereas other Christianity-meets-Buddhism books stress ideology and the intellect, this one emphasizes daily acts of practice." — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

In this illuminating and insightful guide, Kim Boykin offers Christians a way to incorporate Zen practices into their lives without compromising their beliefs and faith.
Zen for Christians assumes curiosity but no real knowledge as it walks readers through specific concepts of Zen philosophy — including suffering, attachment, and enlightenment — and explains each in a simple but lively way. Sections between chapters gently demonstrate Zen meditation practices, explaining the basics in a clear, engaging manner. Placing Buddhist and Christian teachings side by side helps readers not only understand Zen but also shows their compatibility. Drawing on Dr. Boykin's own personal search through Buddhism and Christianity as well as her background in theological studies, this thought-provoking work illustrates how Zen practice can be particularly useful for Christians who want to enrich their faith by incorporating contemplative practices.

"An excellent introduction to Zen — clear and to the point, practical, respectful, and even humorous at times." — Yoga Journal

"Makes Zen practice more approachable and less esoteric … a straightforward guide for those who want to try Zen for themselves." — Monastic Interreligious Dialogue Bulletin

"A trustworthy and delightful guide. Kim Boykin will demystify and deepen your understanding of both the traditions she practices. A gem!" — James W. Fowler, author, Stages of Faith

"Kim Boykin writes in the skilled language of simplicity. While addressing those new to Zen, she offers practical wisdom, challenge, and encouragement to all practitioners." — Rose Mary Dougherty, Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation, Bethesda, Maryland

"The great religions of the world have much to learn from each other. Kim Boykin's book is a skillful step in that direction. The heart of the matter of Zen is presented in a direct and informative way that is based on her firsthand experience of Zen training. This should prove to be a helpful guidebook for any Christian who wishes to explore Zen practice." — John Daido Loori, roshi, abbot, Zen Mountain Monastery

"This lovely, wise, and practical introduction to Zen keeps its promise of companionship as the kind of spiritual cookbook you can bring right into the kitchen. Recipe-reading like this, in fact, inspires you to get into the kitchen, encourages you to keep at it, and invites you to share your efforts in communion with others." — Steven Tipton, coauthor, Habits of the Heart

"An excellent resource on Zen practice, written from a pragmatic, personal, and yet sophisticated point of view. What a fine contribution to Buddhist-Christian understanding!" — Judith Simmer-Brown, coauthor, Benedict's Dharma: Buddhists Comment on the Rule

"This is a good-humored, intelligent, nonguilt-inducing book written by a person who shows us clearly what it would be like to reap the benefits of what she preaches." — Roberta Bondi, author, Memories of God and Houses: A Family Memoir of Grace

"1111007395"
Zen for Christians: A Beginner's Guide
"Whereas other Christianity-meets-Buddhism books stress ideology and the intellect, this one emphasizes daily acts of practice." — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

In this illuminating and insightful guide, Kim Boykin offers Christians a way to incorporate Zen practices into their lives without compromising their beliefs and faith.
Zen for Christians assumes curiosity but no real knowledge as it walks readers through specific concepts of Zen philosophy — including suffering, attachment, and enlightenment — and explains each in a simple but lively way. Sections between chapters gently demonstrate Zen meditation practices, explaining the basics in a clear, engaging manner. Placing Buddhist and Christian teachings side by side helps readers not only understand Zen but also shows their compatibility. Drawing on Dr. Boykin's own personal search through Buddhism and Christianity as well as her background in theological studies, this thought-provoking work illustrates how Zen practice can be particularly useful for Christians who want to enrich their faith by incorporating contemplative practices.

"An excellent introduction to Zen — clear and to the point, practical, respectful, and even humorous at times." — Yoga Journal

"Makes Zen practice more approachable and less esoteric … a straightforward guide for those who want to try Zen for themselves." — Monastic Interreligious Dialogue Bulletin

"A trustworthy and delightful guide. Kim Boykin will demystify and deepen your understanding of both the traditions she practices. A gem!" — James W. Fowler, author, Stages of Faith

"Kim Boykin writes in the skilled language of simplicity. While addressing those new to Zen, she offers practical wisdom, challenge, and encouragement to all practitioners." — Rose Mary Dougherty, Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation, Bethesda, Maryland

"The great religions of the world have much to learn from each other. Kim Boykin's book is a skillful step in that direction. The heart of the matter of Zen is presented in a direct and informative way that is based on her firsthand experience of Zen training. This should prove to be a helpful guidebook for any Christian who wishes to explore Zen practice." — John Daido Loori, roshi, abbot, Zen Mountain Monastery

"This lovely, wise, and practical introduction to Zen keeps its promise of companionship as the kind of spiritual cookbook you can bring right into the kitchen. Recipe-reading like this, in fact, inspires you to get into the kitchen, encourages you to keep at it, and invites you to share your efforts in communion with others." — Steven Tipton, coauthor, Habits of the Heart

"An excellent resource on Zen practice, written from a pragmatic, personal, and yet sophisticated point of view. What a fine contribution to Buddhist-Christian understanding!" — Judith Simmer-Brown, coauthor, Benedict's Dharma: Buddhists Comment on the Rule

"This is a good-humored, intelligent, nonguilt-inducing book written by a person who shows us clearly what it would be like to reap the benefits of what she preaches." — Roberta Bondi, author, Memories of God and Houses: A Family Memoir of Grace

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Zen for Christians: A Beginner's Guide

Zen for Christians: A Beginner's Guide

Zen for Christians: A Beginner's Guide

Zen for Christians: A Beginner's Guide

Hardcover(New Edition)

$19.95 
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Overview

"Whereas other Christianity-meets-Buddhism books stress ideology and the intellect, this one emphasizes daily acts of practice." — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

In this illuminating and insightful guide, Kim Boykin offers Christians a way to incorporate Zen practices into their lives without compromising their beliefs and faith.
Zen for Christians assumes curiosity but no real knowledge as it walks readers through specific concepts of Zen philosophy — including suffering, attachment, and enlightenment — and explains each in a simple but lively way. Sections between chapters gently demonstrate Zen meditation practices, explaining the basics in a clear, engaging manner. Placing Buddhist and Christian teachings side by side helps readers not only understand Zen but also shows their compatibility. Drawing on Dr. Boykin's own personal search through Buddhism and Christianity as well as her background in theological studies, this thought-provoking work illustrates how Zen practice can be particularly useful for Christians who want to enrich their faith by incorporating contemplative practices.

"An excellent introduction to Zen — clear and to the point, practical, respectful, and even humorous at times." — Yoga Journal

"Makes Zen practice more approachable and less esoteric … a straightforward guide for those who want to try Zen for themselves." — Monastic Interreligious Dialogue Bulletin

"A trustworthy and delightful guide. Kim Boykin will demystify and deepen your understanding of both the traditions she practices. A gem!" — James W. Fowler, author, Stages of Faith

"Kim Boykin writes in the skilled language of simplicity. While addressing those new to Zen, she offers practical wisdom, challenge, and encouragement to all practitioners." — Rose Mary Dougherty, Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation, Bethesda, Maryland

"The great religions of the world have much to learn from each other. Kim Boykin's book is a skillful step in that direction. The heart of the matter of Zen is presented in a direct and informative way that is based on her firsthand experience of Zen training. This should prove to be a helpful guidebook for any Christian who wishes to explore Zen practice." — John Daido Loori, roshi, abbot, Zen Mountain Monastery

"This lovely, wise, and practical introduction to Zen keeps its promise of companionship as the kind of spiritual cookbook you can bring right into the kitchen. Recipe-reading like this, in fact, inspires you to get into the kitchen, encourages you to keep at it, and invites you to share your efforts in communion with others." — Steven Tipton, coauthor, Habits of the Heart

"An excellent resource on Zen practice, written from a pragmatic, personal, and yet sophisticated point of view. What a fine contribution to Buddhist-Christian understanding!" — Judith Simmer-Brown, coauthor, Benedict's Dharma: Buddhists Comment on the Rule

"This is a good-humored, intelligent, nonguilt-inducing book written by a person who shows us clearly what it would be like to reap the benefits of what she preaches." — Roberta Bondi, author, Memories of God and Houses: A Family Memoir of Grace


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780486824406
Publisher: Dover Publications
Publication date: 06/13/2018
Edition description: New Edition
Pages: 240
Sales rank: 960,254
Product dimensions: 5.00(w) x 7.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Kim Boykin has a Ph.D. in religion from Emory University a master of theological studies from Candler School of Theology, and a bachelor of arts from Vassar College. She spent more than a year in residential Zen training at Zen Mountain Monastery in Mount Tremper, New York, and has taught Zen in many settings, from churches to Zen centers and from high school to graduate school. Dr. Boykin is currently a teacher of world religions and Scripture at a girls' Catholic high school in New York City and an adjunct professor at Candler.

Table of Contents

CONTENTS

Foreword by Gerald G. May

An Invitation to Zen Practice

Practice: Zazen: Counting the Breath

1. How I Became a Christian Zen Practitioner

Practice: Walking Meditation

2. The Buddhist Way of Liberation from Suffering

Practice: Noticing Thoughts

3. Zen Teachings and Christian Teachings

Practice: Zazen: Following the Breath

4. Enlightenment: Already and Not Yet

Practice: Practicing with Everything

5. Making Zen Practice Part of Your Life

Practice: Zazen: Shikantaza, or “Just Sitting”

One More Thought: If It’s Worth Doing, It’s Worth Doing Badly

Recommended Resources

Notes

Acknowledgments

The Author

Index

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"Kim Boykin writes in the skilled language of simplicity. While addressing those new to Zen, she offers practical wisdom, challenge, and encouragement to all practitioners." — Rose Mary Dougherty, Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation, Bethesda, Maryland

"The great religions of the world have much to learn from each other. Kim Boykin's book is a skillful step in that direction. The heart of the matter of Zen is presented in a direct and informative way that is based on her firsthand experience of Zen training. This should prove to be a helpful guide book for any Christian who wishes to explore Zen practice." — John Daido Loori, Roshi, Abbot, Zen Mountain Monastery

"This lovely, wise, and practical introduction to Zen keeps its promise of companionship as the kind of spiritual cookbook you can bring right into the kitchen. Recipe-reading like this, in fact, inspires you to get into the kitchen, encourages you to keep at it, and invites you to share your efforts in communion with others." — Steven Tipton, coauthor, Habits of the Heart

"An excellent resource on Zen practice, written f rom a pragmatic, personal, and yet sophisticated point of view. What a fine contribution to Buddhist-Christian understanding!"—Judith Simmer-Brown, coauthor, Benedict's Dharma: Buddhists Comment on the Rule

"Kim Boykin braids together strands, first, of her experience of Zen, as she came to it from a fairly non religious background but with a profound sense of anguish over the suffering of the world; second, of her very helpful reflections on what she sees as the essential lack of tension between Christianity and Zen; and finally, of her clear instructions and important information for beginners in the practices of Zen. This is a good-humored, intelligent, non-guilt-inducing book written by a person who shows us clearly what it would be like to reap the benefits of what she preaches."—Roberta Bondi, author, Memories of God and Houses: A Family Memoir of Grace

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