Resources

Zen Meditation Instructions here >>

Alternative Zazen Postures here >>

Richmond Zen Chant Book here >>

Short Verses (Robe Chant and Lecture Chant) here>>

Articles on Zen Practice

How to practice zazen, by the author of Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind.

The Zen of friendliness toward oneself…and all beings, by our guiding teacher, Josho Phelan.

A concise overview of Zen by a former abbot of the San Francisco Zen Center, Norman Fischer.

Books on Zen Practice

Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind: Informal Talks on Zen Meditation and Practice
Shunryu Suzuki

The preeminent classic of American Zen practice by the founder of San Francisco Zen Center.

What is Zen? Plain Talk for a Beginner’s Mind
Norman Fischer and Susan Moon

Poet and zen priest Norman Fischer and writer and zen teacher Susan Moon offer an engaging and articulate introduction to zen practice. This book is great for new or seasoned practitioners alike.

Tell Me Something about Buddhism: Questions and Answers for the Curious Beginner
Zenju Earthlyn Manuel

A brief and delightful introduction to meditation and Buddhist teachings by poet and Zen priest, Zenju Earthlyn Manual.

Returning to Silence
Danin Katagiri

Another important founder of American Zen, Katagiri gives teachings on daily practice, Buddhist philosophy, and the ethical foundations of Zen.

Opening the Hand of Thought
Kosho Uchiyama

Uchiyama offers an indispensable discourse on the interpenetrating nature of zazen, self, suffering, and universal awakening.

Meditation Now or Never
Steve Hagen

Clear concise instruction on how to do Zen meditation.

Seeds of Virtue, Seeds of Change: A Collection of Zen Teachings
edited by Jikyo Cheryl Wolfer

A rich range of women Soto Zen priests, including our guiding teacher, Josho Phelan Roshi.

The Way of Tenderness: Awakening through Race, Gender, and Sexuality
Zenju Earthlyn Manuel

In this book, Zenju offers a personal and intimate investigation of identity through the parallax vision of Buddhist teachings and her own lived experience.

Miracle of Mindfulness
Thich Nhat Hanh

Seems simple on the surface, but goes deep. Thich Nhat Hanh has practiced gentle yet firm wisdom for over 70 years.

More Books on Buddhism and Zen

How to Train a Wild Elephant and Other Adventures in Mindfulness
Jan Chozen-Bays

The Vow-Powered Life: A Simple Method for Living with Purpose
Jan Chozen-Bays

Living by Vow: A Practical Introduction to Eight Essential Zen Chants and Texts
Shohaku Okumura

Zen Teachings for Challenging Times
Eido Frances Carney, editor

Contemporary women Zen priests offer practical wisdom and compassionate inspiration for all beings.

Old Path, White Clouds
Thich Nhat Hanh

Heart of Buddha’s Teachings
Thich Nhat Hanh

In the Buddha’s Words

Bhikkhu Bodhi

Turning Suffering Inside Out
Darlene Cohen

How to Cook Your Life: From the Zen Kitchen to Enlightenment
Kosho Uchiyama

Being Upright

Reb Anderson

Faces of Compassion: Bodhisattva Archetypes
Taigen Daniel Leighton

Just This is It
Taigen Daniel Leighton

The Bodhisattva’s Embrace: Dispatches from Engaged Buddhism’s Front Lines
Alan Senauke

Websites

Talks by teachers at San Francisco Zen Center

Talks on practice from Chapel Hill Zen Center

Some great readings on the Heart Sutra compiled by Eden here >>

Everyday Zen study guides on a range of important topics

Short primers on essential Buddhist teachings from Minnesota Zen Center

A friend of Richmond Zen created this broad resource guide to Zen Buddhism on the web >>

Access to Insight – Extensive translations of the early teachings of the Buddha

Practicing joyfully together with all beings