Taking the Path of Zen

Taking the Path of Zen isn’t a flashy or poetic “Zen-inspiration” book — it’s a manual for practice, written by someone who lived the discipline every day. Aitken breaks down meditation, posture, breath, koans, and the structure of Zen training in a way that’s incredibly accessible without watering anything down. What stands out: • ✅ Straightforward, practical instruction you can apply immediately • ✅ Emphasis on discipline, ethics, and daily practice, not quick comfort or trendy mindfulness • ✅ Great explanations of zazen posture, breath, and mental focus • ✅ Clear intro to koan study — something most Zen books barely touch • ✅ Tone is gentle but uncompromising — respectful to beginners, true to tradition What to know going in: • This isn’t a “feel-good, motivational” Zen book — it’s more like sitting down with a real teacher and being told, kindly, “Okay, here’s how to practice.” • If you’re looking for Zen stories and philosophical musing, there are other titles better for that. This one is about doing the work. Bottom line: If you’re serious about meditation or curious about authentic Zen practice beyond aesthetic memes and buzzwords, this is a must-read. It’s a book you return to again and again as your practice deepens. Highly recommended for beginners and seasoned meditators alike.

Robert Aitken was one of the most influential early students of Zen Buddhism in the United States when it was first getting established. He is highly esteemed and well respected in the Soto Zen Tradition, and this foundational book, is one of the best for explaining how to sit zazen and begin practicing. It is well written, easy to understand, and gives very specific instructions. What is particularly helpful, is that he introduces how to begin, and then gives you instructions on what steps to take next continue to advance with your practice. It is summed up best on the back cover of the book: “In Taking The Path of Zen, Robert Aitken presents the practice, lifestyle, rationale, and ideology of Zen Buddhism with remarkable clarity.

I have been interested in the philosophy of Zen for most of my life. Even though I have read and wrote reviews for numerous Zen books, I had never read this one (Taking the Path of Zen by Robert Aitken) until recently. This is not a new book. It was published in 1982, but most of the advice is timeless. This book is organized into nine chapters. There is also a foreword written by Gary Snyder. Chapter one covers the fundamentals in the practice of Zen. Chapter two explains the method of Zen. Chapter three deals with appropriate means and covers more breathe counting information, the Zen center organization, ritual and other subjects. Chapter four goes into the delusions and pitfalls of Zen practice. Attitudes in religious practice are the focus in chapter five. The three Zen treasures are covered in chapter six. Chapter seven is essential reading because it deals with the ten grave precepts of Zen. Chapter eight gives tips on establishing the practice of Zen. The final chapter covers the koan Mu. There a several different approaches to the study of Zen and this book provides one of the ways a person who is interested in this philosophy can begin their practice. I do not agree with everything in this book; however, for those who desire to learn some basic information on Zen, this book is a good read. Rating: 4 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: The Samurai Soul: An old warrior’s poetic tribute).

I'm a newcomer to Zen living and have much to learn. Mr. Aitken explains most things in down to earth language that's reasonably easy for a beginner to understand. This is an entirely different way of looking at everything and not so easy to do...especially when you're in your '60s'. I love the advice, I love the Koans (which I had to look up elsewhere but were made aware of by this book). I am trying very hard to make this an integral part of my life...I can see how it can make one's entire paradigm of life different and better.

Great first book for those starting or considering starting zen practice - easy to see why this is a top hit. Well-written and thorough, with personal stories throughout, it covers everything including the "how" of posture, stretching, breath-counting, etc. This is the right place to start.

While this takes a deeply Western approach as opposed to something along the lines of "Zen Mind Beginner Mind." Approach this book aware that it is a very Western, pragmatic approach to the Zen practise. Looking to approach Zen for the first time this provides you with the first steps prior to seeking a center and teacher. A great place to start, from one of the most well trusted Zen teachers of America.

I mean, good and important to understand how zen came to (relative) prominence in America in the 60s and 70s, but not particularly interesting from a philosophical view, okay on practice, and not a strong argument for getting into zen considering how long he practiced while miserable and then never seems to have risen above a mild depression. But hey at least he was a spiritual leader who didn't do anything scandalous in that role, that's a rarity.

Robert Aitken-Roshi (1917-2010) was one of the first ordained Western Zen teachers in addition to being a social activist. This is a brief introductory volume for Americans who have decided to take up the Way of Zen and need a starting point. A primer on the bases of practice, this is also a good book for the more experienced practitioner to revisit from time to time as it presents Zen in a clear, concise and accessible (if somewhat erudite) format. Had the book been available when I first developed an interest in Zen in my late teens, my practice would be far more matured today.

This is a really good book to read for the beginners. I suggest doing at least one sesshin before reading this book. This book thoroughly explains the practice of Zen and so will refine your experience of sesshin but if you read it without having any prior experience in sesshin then you might feel it boring and laden with terms which you have no experience of. This is an ideal read during Zen meditation retreat. However, there is no discussion of Zen philosophy or anything.

Lovely little book that is a nice read, simple, concise, yet full of information. I've never read anything about 'Zen' before, this was a great way to start.

I just received this book yesterday and I am already very in mpressed by Aitken's wise advice. Robert Aitken demystifies Zen practice by using language that contemporary people can understand. For example, Dogen Zenji said "Let drop body and mind". But what does that phrase really mean? To paraphrase Aitken: You forget yourself. When you stand up, that is all there is. The entire universe is otherwise silent. Zen only seems magical because almost everyone is lost in thought. Zen is about coming back to what is happening now, not our internal commentary about it. Robert Aitken and his co-writers of "Taking the Path of Zen" have done an admirable job of bring Zen practice to the western world in the 21st century. This book is a great addition to my Zen library.

Ottimo libro per chi è agli inizi sul cammino dello zen, ma anche un buon ripasso e una fresca aria di vero Zen per chi è più avanti. Da leggere per gi appassionati

This great classic is a must for those interested in an inquiry of Zen. Clear,uncluttered and simple Robert Aitken explains Zen practise that makes it accesable for all. His pure writing style is a reflection of what he is writing about. An inspirational book.