Zen practice does not depend on reading and study. It is a direct realization of life as it is. Reading and study cannot substitute for regular daily sitting practice and work with a teacher, any more than reading cookbooks can substitute for actually preparing food and eating it. However, study can be a helpful complement to practice. It expands our horizons, encourages our practice, and inspires us when we are discouraged or challenged on the path. In Zen practice we do not use study for intellectual or conceptual understanding. We encourage you not to entangle yourself in the snares of words and ideas. As you read and study, allow the teachings to sink into your body and become realized in your practice. Our practice is the practice of waking up and growing up. 

So many people have asked us for recommendations for study, that we have been working on an informal Zen “curriculum” of recommended resources. You can see a map of this living curriculum here. Some of these are listed below. Most of these texts are very accessible, however, some are more challenging. If you have questions about whether a particular book is appropriate for you at this point in your practice, please ask your teacher. If you would like to recommend a book for this curriculum, please contact Flint or Peg or leave a comment below. The Barre Center for Buddhist Studies also has a recommended reading list here.

Please be aware that through Amazon Associates, your purchase of any book through one of the links below also helps support the Appamada sangha.