Becoming Yourself - Teachings on the Zen Way of Life

The long-awaited new book on the essence of Zen practice from the beloved author of “Our way of sitting is for you to become yourself.” In this long-overdue book from one of the most influential spiritual teachers of the last century, Shunryū Suzuki Roshi shares simple, warmhearted teachings on a practice that is fundamentally about becoming yourself. In his inimitable style, filled with humor and insight,

About the author

Shunryu Suzuki, edited by Jiryu Rutschman-Byler and Sojun Mel Weitsman

Summary

From the beloved author of Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind comes a new book of teachings on the essence of Zen practice

"I felt a burden being lifted from my shoulders just by reading this remarkable book." —Oliver Burkeman

“Our way of sitting is for you to become yourself.”

In this long-awaited book from one of the most influential spiritual teachers of the last century, Shunryu Suzuki Roshi shares simple, warmhearted teachings on a practice that is fundamentally about becoming yourself. In his inimitable style, filled with humor and insight, Becoming Yourself speaks directly to the newest beginners while also serving as a touchstone and a continual source of inspiration for even the most experienced practitioners and Zen teachers.

Becoming Yourself unearths new jewels from the late Suzuki’s lectures and brings to light many of his unpublished teachings.

Becoming yourself is not meant to be understood as an idea; it is meant to be tried out as a way of being. It is “Just to sit,” a practice of wholeheartedly being as you are, moment after moment, no matter what is happening. It is a practice of deeply connecting with how it feels to be alive in your surroundings, whether on a meditation cushion or not, and stepping forward from that connection. It is opening to your life, wherever you are, and finding right there a deep well of innate wisdom, compassion and care.

Product details

• Authors: Jiryu Rutschman-Byler, Shunryu Suzuki, Suzuki Shunryu, Sojun Mel Weitsman
• Assisted by: Jiryu Rutschman-Byler (Editor), Weitsman Sojun Mel (Editor)
• Publisher: Tarcher, J.P. Publishers
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 15.07.2025
• EAN: 9780593855249
• ISBN: 978-0-593-85524-9
• No. of pages: 208
• Dimensions: 152 mm x 203 mm x 13 mm
• Subjects: Non-fiction book > Philosophy, religion > Other world religions; Mindfulness, BODY, MIND & SPIRIT / Mindfulness & Meditation, SELF-HELP / Personal Growth / General, PHILOSOPHY / Zen, Self-help & personal development, Popular psychology, Mind, body, spirit: meditation & visualisation, Zen Buddhism, Self-help, personal development and practical advice, Mind, body, spirit: meditation and visualization, East Asian and Indian philosophy, Oriental & Indian philosophy