Being Upright: Zen Meditation and the Bodhisattva Precepts

Presently I am on the 20th chapter of this book and find it to be packed with simple to understand concepts that would help a person incorporate their zen practice into every day life the author who has been an abbot, a teacher a lay member and had close contact with Shunryu Suzuki Roshi will also find that the teacher who began this movement in the west passed down, very important, subtle nuances to his students, which they graciously transmit to practitioners, who are following in this particular lineage of Zen BuddhismI have been following this particular tradition for about three years now, and have been very leery of what I read based upon the fact I wanted to obtain accurate knowledge to establish a good foundation. I am very pleased with the S manual so far is I believe it has helped me to grow within my own practice and also be able to share with others Whether you have a Sangha or or a solitary practitioner, this book will greatly increase your understanding and help you in your day-to-day life. I would definitely recommend this book and I would also recommend taking the path of Zen by Robert Aiken. It is my firm, belief and conviction that these two books will help and assist a person. With the best foundation possible this coupled along with a daily meditation practice will grant the person enough space within their own mind that they can navigate life as clearly as they can invest in yourself by this book, and also taking the path of zen by Robert Aiken you would think yourself as a sidenote, in Mississippi, where I am from Zen practitioners are few and far between I have found this book to be a tremendous asset. Thank you for letting me share.

Full disclosure, I only got about half way through this before deciding to put it down. I really wanted to like this book: Reb Anderson founded Houston Zen Center, which is the first zendo I attended. HZC's abbott assisted with editing this book, and I have had several truly positive experiences with her.However, I feel like the material is really watered down and even perfunctory. Despite the space accorded to each precept, it feels like they're barely touched on before moving on to the next. The supporting anecdotes are frequently not explained adequately and left to stand on their own. Instead of deepening my understanding of the precepts, this book made me question if the process of formally receiving them is even worth it. It could be that there is more here than I'm seeing at first glance; if I come back to it and change my mind, I will definitely update this review. I'm sad to say though, that at present, I would not recommend this book. Likewise, if I find a title that I would recommend instead, I will come back and add it.

I have the great good fortune to be instructed by two authentic teachers of Zen and I have been given the opportunity to participate in Jukai. As part of the preparation to receive the precepts, I was assigned this most excellent work by Reb Anderson Roshi.Unique among other works on the precepts I have read, this covers all sixteen precepts, namely the Three Refuges, the Three Pure Precepts, and the Ten Grave Precepts. You might ask, “How is taking refuge a precept?”Anderson Roshi’s approach to the precepts includes prohibition, beneficial practice, and the ultimate meaning and purpose of the precept. You’ll find throughout a modest amount of stories both ancient and modern along with confessions from his life experience.His writing is rich and graspable. I tend to be left brained dominate and therefore I sometimes struggle with Zen literature and its tendency to be poetic. I found this writing approachable and relatable, while remaining deep and thought provoking.In short I found Being Upright an engaging, practical, and complete foundation for a lifetime of study. I am certain I will return to this text often as I have much work to do beginning with this moment.

If you are one who intends to "receive the precepts" by whatever ceremony or process your sangha follows, then this is definitely the book for you.It does not presume to dictate precept practice to anyone. As the book makes clear: Practice arises out of one's realization while practice simultaneously fosters realization.The author does discuss targets to aim for. However hard those targets may seem at this point in your life, shooting at a target with no bullseye won't improve anyone's aim. Ultimately, of course, we each set our own targets.One caution: "Being Upright" says it is written for people already in Zen practice. It is for those who are considering making a public, formal statement of their personal dedicated intent to follow specific Buddhist precepts. As the author says, his title refers to "the integration of precept practice and meditation." He makes it clear that it is the Zen meditator who decides whether or when to make the vows to practice the precepts. He also says that while some, in his experience, might make their avowal after six months of meditation practice, most should have sat for three years or more (many, many more in his own case). Don't buy this book if you are looking for an introduction to Zen.

This volume is a useful exploration of the Sixteen Great Bodhisattva precepts. Anderson discusses receiving the 16 great Bodhisattva precepts; taking refuge in the Triple Treasure of Buddha, Dharma (teachings) and Sangha (community); and embracing and sustaining forms, ceremonies and good actions. He also addresses abstaining from killing, stealing, misusing sexuality, lying, intoxication, criticizing others, mean-spirited self-praise, possessiveness, harbouring ill will and disparaging the Triple Treasure.This is a useful work that helps us explore the precepts with an open, questioning mind and anything that can do that is of great benefit. Recommended.Also of interest may be  The Heart of Being: Moral and Ethical Teachings of Zen Buddhism (Tuttle Library of Enlightenment)  and a shorter version of The Heart of Being entitled  Invoking Reality: Moral and Ethical Teachings of Zen (Dharma Communications) . These books also explore the Sixteen Great Bodhisattva Precepts.For a broader exploration of Buddhist ethics as a whole  An Introduction to Buddhist Ethics: Foundations, Values and Issues (Introduction to Religion)  may be of interest. The Heart of Being: Moral and Ethical Teachings of Zen Buddhism (Tuttle Library of Enlightenment)Invoking Reality: Moral and Ethical Teachings of Zen (Dharma Communications)An Introduction to Buddhist Ethics: Foundations, Values and Issues (Introduction to Religion)

Great, accessible explanations of a multi-layered topic.

Its on my bedside table and will stay there to be re- read for many years to come!

Um livro legal, sobre preceitos, porém abordados de maneira um pouco diferente das mais comuns. Uma abordagem legal, e de leitura fácil.

Muy buen libro, sobre todo para quienes están interesados en tomar los 10 Preceptos del Zen.