Don't be a Jerk and Other Practical Advice from Dogen, Japan's Greatest Zen Master

A delightful blend of irreverent everydayness, precise scholarship, and heartfelt commitment to practice, Don't Be a Jerk is just the kind of book to stub your toe on. -- Stephen Batchelor, author of After Buddhism Warner renders the esoteric [Shobogenzo] into a fun, readable text, conveying its spirit with humor and deep respect. -- Publishers Weekly What's clear in reading Warner's book is his deep respect and lifelong engagement with Dogen. I have spent decades of my own life trying to unpack this 800-year-old voice from medieval Japan because, behind all the paradox and poetry, something powerful seems to shine through. So while Warner's approach to Dogen may be unorthodox, its freshness might be exactly what the doctor ordered for anyone wanting a way in to the old monk's still fresh perspective. -- Adam Frank, 13.7 blog, NPR.org Each chapter opens with a passage from the original, which is then carefully and often humorously unpacked. The book provides plenty of resources in case readers want to subsequently dive into the original work, and Warner clearly explains why he chose some words over others. His tone is direct and engaging, and his paraphrases bring Dogen's thoughts to life for a modern audience. Although the tone may be irreverent and humorous, the book shows the utmost respect for the monk, who has influenced so many over the centuries. -- Booklist You couldn't ask for a better guide through The Treasury of the Right Dharma Eye. A most warmly recommended read! -- Nexus Magazine, Germany