'In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert's there are few.'

Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind from Zen master Shunryu Suzuki is a classic book for the Zen student. Whether you read it as a beginner or after years of zen study, everytime you find new insights. And that is exactly what Shunryu Suzuki wants to say: whatever you do, do it as if you do it for the first time, as if you are a beginner, with a fresh mind.

The book is a transcription of a collection of Zen talks by Suzuki and is divided into three parts: right practice, right attitude and right understanding. Suzuki explains in very clear and understandable language the essence of Zen. The book breathes joy and simplicity.

Suzuki stresses the importance of Zen in daily life: 'To cook is not just to prepare food for someone or for yourself ; it is to express your sincerity. So when you cook you should express yourself in your activity in the kitchen. You should allow yourself plenty of time; you should work on it with nothing in you mind, and without expecting anything. You should just cook!'

Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind strikes the heart with its informality, the casualness with which it brings Zen into daily life and most of all with its sincerity.