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.

So many people have asked us for recommendations for study, that we have developed an informal Zen “curriculum” of recommended resources. Some of these are listed below. 

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

Waking Up: Zen Study	Growing Up: Psychological Study
Before you begin:
Joko Beck, Everyday Zen: Love and Work
Joko Beck, Nothing Special
Steve Hagen, Buddhism Plain and Simple
Walpola Rahula, What the Buddha Taught
Begin at the Beginning:
Bikkhu Nanamoli, The Life of the Buddha According to the Pali Canon