Becoming Yourself

Teachings on the Zen Way of Life

Shunryu Suzuki

$45

Hardback

Forthcoming
Pre-Order now

QTY:

English

Particular Books
14 October 2025

Philosophy of mind; Popular philosophy; Zen Buddhism; Self-help & personal development; Mind, body, spirit: meditation & visualisation

The long-awaited new book on the essence of Zen practice from the beloved author of Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind

'Our way of sitting is for you to become yourself.'

Shunryu Suzuki was one of the most influential spiritual teachers of the last century, who brought Zen philosophy to millions of people. In this book of teachings, many published for the first time, he shares simple, warm-hearted lessons on a practice that is fundamentally about becoming yourself. Filled with humour 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 masters.

Resonant, clear and brimming with insight, Becoming Yourself brings together a lifetime's wisdom in one remarkable volume.

By: Shunryu Suzuki
Imprint: Particular Books
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 222mm, Width: 138mm, Spine: 25mm
Weight: 400g
ISBN: 9780241781708
ISBN 10: 0241781701
Pages: 208
Publication Date: 14 October 2025
Audience: General/trade , College/higher education , Professional and scholarly , ELT Advanced , Primary
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Shunryu Suzuki (1904-1971) was one of the most influential spiritual teachers of the twentieth century and is truly a founding father of Zen in America. A Japanese priest of the Soto lineage, he taught in the United States from 1959 until his death. He was the founder of the San Francisco Zen Center and the Tassajara Zen Mountain Center. He is the author of Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind and Not Always So.

Reviews for Becoming Yourself: Teachings on the Zen Way of Life

Through simple yet profound wisdom, Suzuki Roshi encourages a life of mindfulness, compassion, and non-attachment -- His Holiness the Dalai Lama There could not possibly be a better book for our moment in history. In the midst of national and international turmoil, it is still possible, if not utterly necessary, to learn the simplest things -- Naomi Shihab Nye Becoming Yourself is deep and delicious, tender and perplexing, a beautiful follow up to Zen Mind, Beginners Mind. You can feel the sparkle and magical gifts of Suzuki Roshi. He touches your heart, enlightens you and makes you smile -- Jack Kornfield, author of <i> A Path With Heart </i> Suzuki Roshi is a master of sweeping our minds clean of distraction and distortion, a kind, direct and crystalline friend reminding us how to become ourselves. Every page in this book contains enough wisdom to last a lifetime and I found myself copying down one sentence after another. Is it any wonder that Shunryu Suzuki’s books of teachings are the only medicine I send to friends who are suffering in body or mind? -- Pico Iyer, author of <i> Aflame and the Art of Stillness </i>