Novice to Master: An Ongoing Lesson in the Extent of My Own Stupidity

As can be seen in its glowing endorsements and reviews -- from Publishers Weekly to well-known Buddhist figures -- this modern spiritual classic has been embraced by readers of all types. In his singularly humorous and bitingly direct way, Zen abbot Soko Morinaga tells the story of his rigorous training at a Japanese Zen temple, his spiritual growth, and his interactions with his students and others. Morinaga's voice is uniquely tuned to the truth of the condition of the human mind and spirit and his reflections and interpretations are unvarnished and succinct. His great gift is the ability to lift the spirit of the reader while exposing the humility and weakness in the lives of people, none more so than his own.