Not always so: practicing the true spirit of zen - shunryu suzuki

Thirty years after his death, Suzukis first book, Zen Mind, Beginners Mind, continues to be one of the worlds bestselling books on Buddhism.

This second volume contains his final simple, powerful words, given when he knew he was dying.

Practising the true spirit of Zen.

Not Always So is based on Shunryu Suzukis lectures and is framed in his own inimitable, allusive, paradoxical style, rich with unexpected and off-centre insights.

Suzuki knew he was dying at the time of the lectures, which gives his thoughts an urgency and focus even sharper than in the earlier book.

In Not Always So Suzuki once again voices Zen in everyday language with the vigour, sensitivity, and buoyancy of a true friend.

Here is support and nourishment.

Here is a mother and father lending a hand, but letting you find your own way.

Here is guidance which empowers your freedom (or way-seeking mind), rather than pinning you down to directions and techniques.

Here is teaching which encourages you to touch and know your true heart and to express yourself fully, teaching which is not teaching from outside, but a voice arising in your own being.