https://www.scribd.com/book/402443893/The-Most-Important-Point-Zen-Teachings-of-Edward-Espe-Brown
Edward Espe Brown
The Most Important Point: Zen Teachings of Edward Espe Brown
Kindle Edition
by Edward Brown (Author), Danny Parker (Author, Editor)
Edward Espe Brown began cooking and practicing Zen in 1965. He was the first head resident cook at Tassajara Zen Mountain Center from 1967 to 1970. He later worked at the celebrated Greens Restaurant in San Francisco, serving as busboy, waiter, floor manager, wine buyer, cashier, host, and manager. Ordained a priest by Shunryu Suzuki Roshi, he has taught meditation retreats and vegetarian cooking classes throughout North America and Europe. He is the author of several bestselling cookbooks, including The Tassajara Bread Book, and the editor of Not Always So, a book of lectures by Shunryu Suzuki Roshi.
Editorial Reviews
“[An] affecting collection...The diversity of topics and brevity of each piece make this a good resource for daily meditations. Practicing Buddhists as well as general readers looking for suggestions for leading a more mindful life will find plenty of inspiration here.” ―Publishers Weekly
“These talks really capture the modesty and down-to-earth reality of Dogen and Suzuki Roshi’s, and now Ed Brown’s, Zen. I was deeply touched by them. One recipe after another for true practice, if you are ready to cook and be cooked. Enjoy!” ―Jon Kabat-Zinn, founder of MBSR and author of Falling Awake
“This is a book that will nourish all aspects of one's life. Smart, sharp, deep, like a good meal, the wisdom that Ed Espe Brown offers us is a treasure for all time. And it makes Zen digestible, even delicious!” ―Roshi Joan Halifax, abbot of Upaya Zen Center and author of Standing at the Edge
“Suzuki Roshi once said, ‘The most important point is to find out what is the most important point.’ After a lifetime of practice inspired by his teacher, Suzuki Roshi, Ed Brown has discovered that the most important point is love and acceptance. No one expresses this most important point better than Ed. His simple, soulful, honest talks will melt your heart.” ―Norman Fischer, poet, Zen priest, and author of Experience: Thinking, Writing, Language, and Religion
“Ed and Danny, two master chefs, have prepared a simple and elegant literary feast―with Tassajara magic for its background flavor. Humor and well-chosen poems add juice to dish after dish. The Most Important Point does not shy away from relating raw personal experiences with warmth and compassion. I have no doubt that many readers will find this book, as I have found it page after page, irresistible.” ―Brother David Steindl-Rast, Benedictine monk, author of Gratefulness, the Heart of Prayer: An Approach to Life in Fullness and May Cause Happiness: A Gratitude Journal, and cofounder of gratefulness.org
“Like the best teaching in any spiritual tradition, The Most Important Point speaks to you just where you are. If you’re new to Zen, this book is for you. If you’ve been practicing a long time, this book is also for you. It is filled with the wisdom of a lifetime.” ―Ruth Ozeki, author of A Tale for the Time Being and The Face
“No matter what you think you know about Zen, Ed Brown may know more. He certainly prepares his wisdom like a meal: pungent, saturated with taste, leaving very little to discard. He makes it look easy. I couldn’t put this book down. It made me feel like a beginner all over again . . . after 45 years.” ―Hosho Peter Coyote, author and Zen priest
“Brilliant, humorous, and heartwarming.” ―Vanja Palmers, Zen teacher, founder of Felsentor Meditation Center--This text refers to the paperback edition.
Product details
#711 in Zen Buddhism (Kindle Store)
#1,215 in Zen Philosophy (Books)Customer Reviews:
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 43 ratings
Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
Shinshu Roberts
5.0 out of 5 stars This Book Speaks to the HeartReviewed in the United States on April 16, 2019
Verified Purchase
Edward Brown taps deeply into the heart of our life and Zen practice as a antidote to self doubt. Along the way this encouraging book gives us unique and insightful observations about impermanence and other well-trod Zen topics. I found these insights to be gems scattered along the path of Brown's Dharma. He is a true student of Shunryu Suzuki Roshi's teachings. You will be happy you read this book. Rev. Shinshu Roberts, Ocean Gate Zen Center, Capitola, CA
5 people found this helpful
====
RA
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful encouragement for these timesReviewed in the United States on March 24, 2020
Verified Purchase
Speaks to the heart, which is sometimes painful, but I am often filled with courage and hope at the end of a chapter. This is a keeper that will often be returned to.
====
JL
5.0 out of 5 stars Edward Espe Brown at his bestReviewed in the United States on April 12, 2019
Verified Purchase
Edward’s best book.
The Most Important Point offers well edited doses of happiness, taken from years worth of Edward’s best lectures.
His ability to hold both the heartbreak and the joy comes through well in print, as does his humor. This is a treasure chest of work.
6 people found this helpful
====
Zork
2.0 out of 5 stars About Edward Espe Brown by Edward Espe BrownReviewed in the United States on March 10, 2020
Verified Purchase
A lot of person content, with some poetry and recipes. Some reminiscences about Suzuki, Katagiri, Tassajara, etc.
HIgh point about Zen was his adaptation of morning zazen to incorporate sleeping late and sipping coffee during the sit.
Overall, boring. Recommended only for those interested in Edward Espe Brown.
One person found this helpful
===
Enthusiastic Enthusiast
5.0 out of 5 stars Delicious Nuggets of WisdomReviewed in the United States on January 7, 2021
So good (should get 11 stars, but 5 = max).
Excellent lessons, in digestible chapters with culinary tips to simmer love and share, with noble intent. Also, good techniques to temper the pressures and frustrations of orchestrating a meal for your family, whatever that means to you.
The Chapter called, "In Search of the Perfect Biscuit" should be required reading for perfectionists and anyone clinging to memories of the good olde daze.
====
Belinda
5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect!Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 29, 2021
Verified Purchase
===
Kat
5.0 out of 5 stars Love anything written by Edward Brown.Reviewed in Canada on July 11, 2019
Verified Purchase
Fantastic read as always by this author - Edward Brown.
Report
by Edward Brown (Author), Danny Parker (Author, Editor)
Format: Kindle Edition
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 43 ratings
4.5 on Goodreads
43 ratings
From master baker, cook, and Zen priest Edward Espe Brown comes a collection of timeless essays on Zen, food, and life itself. Brown was among the Westerners ordained as priest by Shunryu Suzuki Roshi before his passing in 1971. Suzuki hoped that Zen might be transformed into a vibrant new form in the West--and in The Most Important Point, Brown fulfills his teacher’s wish with 60 essays that are distinctly American yet preserve the roots of traditional Japanese Zen.
Drawing from his time in the kitchen and on the cushion, Brown explores a range of topics, from basic sitting practice to making the “perfect” biscuit and much more. “In the words of my teacher,” reflects Brown, “the most important point is to find out what is the most important point.” Flavored with wise insights and irreverent humor, The Most Important Point brings together a treasury of teachings to inspire your own discovery.
====
225 pages
April 2, 2019
About the Author
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 43 ratings
4.5 on Goodreads
43 ratings
From master baker, cook, and Zen priest Edward Espe Brown comes a collection of timeless essays on Zen, food, and life itself. Brown was among the Westerners ordained as priest by Shunryu Suzuki Roshi before his passing in 1971. Suzuki hoped that Zen might be transformed into a vibrant new form in the West--and in The Most Important Point, Brown fulfills his teacher’s wish with 60 essays that are distinctly American yet preserve the roots of traditional Japanese Zen.
Drawing from his time in the kitchen and on the cushion, Brown explores a range of topics, from basic sitting practice to making the “perfect” biscuit and much more. “In the words of my teacher,” reflects Brown, “the most important point is to find out what is the most important point.” Flavored with wise insights and irreverent humor, The Most Important Point brings together a treasury of teachings to inspire your own discovery.
====
225 pages
April 2, 2019
About the Author
Edward Espe Brown began cooking and practicing Zen in 1965. He was the first head resident cook at Tassajara Zen Mountain Center from 1967 to 1970. He later worked at the celebrated Greens Restaurant in San Francisco, serving as busboy, waiter, floor manager, wine buyer, cashier, host, and manager. Ordained a priest by Shunryu Suzuki Roshi, he has taught meditation retreats and vegetarian cooking classes throughout North America and Europe. He is the author of several bestselling cookbooks, including The Tassajara Bread Book, and the editor of Not Always So, a book of lectures by Shunryu Suzuki Roshi.
He is the subject of the critically acclaimed 2007 documentary film How to Cook Your Life. He resides in Fairfax, California.
--This text refers to the paperback edition.
Editorial Reviews
“[An] affecting collection...The diversity of topics and brevity of each piece make this a good resource for daily meditations. Practicing Buddhists as well as general readers looking for suggestions for leading a more mindful life will find plenty of inspiration here.” ―Publishers Weekly
“These talks really capture the modesty and down-to-earth reality of Dogen and Suzuki Roshi’s, and now Ed Brown’s, Zen. I was deeply touched by them. One recipe after another for true practice, if you are ready to cook and be cooked. Enjoy!” ―Jon Kabat-Zinn, founder of MBSR and author of Falling Awake
“This is a book that will nourish all aspects of one's life. Smart, sharp, deep, like a good meal, the wisdom that Ed Espe Brown offers us is a treasure for all time. And it makes Zen digestible, even delicious!” ―Roshi Joan Halifax, abbot of Upaya Zen Center and author of Standing at the Edge
“Suzuki Roshi once said, ‘The most important point is to find out what is the most important point.’ After a lifetime of practice inspired by his teacher, Suzuki Roshi, Ed Brown has discovered that the most important point is love and acceptance. No one expresses this most important point better than Ed. His simple, soulful, honest talks will melt your heart.” ―Norman Fischer, poet, Zen priest, and author of Experience: Thinking, Writing, Language, and Religion
“Ed and Danny, two master chefs, have prepared a simple and elegant literary feast―with Tassajara magic for its background flavor. Humor and well-chosen poems add juice to dish after dish. The Most Important Point does not shy away from relating raw personal experiences with warmth and compassion. I have no doubt that many readers will find this book, as I have found it page after page, irresistible.” ―Brother David Steindl-Rast, Benedictine monk, author of Gratefulness, the Heart of Prayer: An Approach to Life in Fullness and May Cause Happiness: A Gratitude Journal, and cofounder of gratefulness.org
“Like the best teaching in any spiritual tradition, The Most Important Point speaks to you just where you are. If you’re new to Zen, this book is for you. If you’ve been practicing a long time, this book is also for you. It is filled with the wisdom of a lifetime.” ―Ruth Ozeki, author of A Tale for the Time Being and The Face
“No matter what you think you know about Zen, Ed Brown may know more. He certainly prepares his wisdom like a meal: pungent, saturated with taste, leaving very little to discard. He makes it look easy. I couldn’t put this book down. It made me feel like a beginner all over again . . . after 45 years.” ―Hosho Peter Coyote, author and Zen priest
“Brilliant, humorous, and heartwarming.” ―Vanja Palmers, Zen teacher, founder of Felsentor Meditation Center--This text refers to the paperback edition.
Product details
#711 in Zen Buddhism (Kindle Store)
#1,215 in Zen Philosophy (Books)Customer Reviews:
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 43 ratings
Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
Shinshu Roberts
5.0 out of 5 stars This Book Speaks to the HeartReviewed in the United States on April 16, 2019
Verified Purchase
Edward Brown taps deeply into the heart of our life and Zen practice as a antidote to self doubt. Along the way this encouraging book gives us unique and insightful observations about impermanence and other well-trod Zen topics. I found these insights to be gems scattered along the path of Brown's Dharma. He is a true student of Shunryu Suzuki Roshi's teachings. You will be happy you read this book. Rev. Shinshu Roberts, Ocean Gate Zen Center, Capitola, CA
5 people found this helpful
====
RA
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful encouragement for these timesReviewed in the United States on March 24, 2020
Verified Purchase
Speaks to the heart, which is sometimes painful, but I am often filled with courage and hope at the end of a chapter. This is a keeper that will often be returned to.
====
JL
5.0 out of 5 stars Edward Espe Brown at his bestReviewed in the United States on April 12, 2019
Verified Purchase
Edward’s best book.
The Most Important Point offers well edited doses of happiness, taken from years worth of Edward’s best lectures.
His ability to hold both the heartbreak and the joy comes through well in print, as does his humor. This is a treasure chest of work.
6 people found this helpful
====
Zork
2.0 out of 5 stars About Edward Espe Brown by Edward Espe BrownReviewed in the United States on March 10, 2020
Verified Purchase
A lot of person content, with some poetry and recipes. Some reminiscences about Suzuki, Katagiri, Tassajara, etc.
HIgh point about Zen was his adaptation of morning zazen to incorporate sleeping late and sipping coffee during the sit.
Overall, boring. Recommended only for those interested in Edward Espe Brown.
One person found this helpful
===
Enthusiastic Enthusiast
5.0 out of 5 stars Delicious Nuggets of WisdomReviewed in the United States on January 7, 2021
So good (should get 11 stars, but 5 = max).
Excellent lessons, in digestible chapters with culinary tips to simmer love and share, with noble intent. Also, good techniques to temper the pressures and frustrations of orchestrating a meal for your family, whatever that means to you.
The Chapter called, "In Search of the Perfect Biscuit" should be required reading for perfectionists and anyone clinging to memories of the good olde daze.
====
Belinda
5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect!Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 29, 2021
Verified Purchase
===
Kat
5.0 out of 5 stars Love anything written by Edward Brown.Reviewed in Canada on July 11, 2019
Verified Purchase
Fantastic read as always by this author - Edward Brown.
Report
===
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
J
April 11, 2019
I loved this book!
The Most Important Point contains 30 years of Edward's best lectures. I couldn't put it down and had to stop myself so that I could savor it longer.
Edward can equally hold the heartbreak and humor in life, and by example encourages us all to be our best by being ourselves.
This is one to read again and again, in the same spirit as “Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind” and “Not Always So”.
2 likes
====
Alicia Randolph-Lucchesi
Author
3 books
January 10, 2021
What a beautiful book to read, especially during the new year or challenging times.
I’ve followed his teachings for years, starting with The Tassajara Complete Cookbook. When I went down the Zen Buddhism rabbit hole recently, he was there again. So, I added this book to my wish list and received it as a Christmas present. I’ve made notes in the book and a journal; this is a book you reference over and over again.
It’s refreshing to hear the struggles of “being zen” in our Western world... the struggles of a white guy in California, doing the best he can, studying a foreign culture, studying with some of the best teachers. His humility is endearing—it makes it easy to fall deeper in love with Zen Buddhism.
Our western culture is in dire need of many of the influences and philosophies of Eastern cultures. Whether this is your preferred practice or not, this sect of Buddhism offers basic tools for survival in our chaotic, collapsing western culture. He makes the information and concepts palatable and easy to digest (pun intended). I think he bridges the gap between eastern and western philosophies, and gives practical ways to follow a more peaceful, grateful, mindful life.
I look forward to reading more in his collection of teachings!
====
Eric Hannemann
17 reviews
1 follower
Follow
November 21, 2022
I’ve come back to this book a couple of times over the last few years. These teachings have touched me in ways that I always knew intellectually, but never really felt on the practical level of daily living.
From learning to offer only what you have to offer, dismissing the opinions of what others have about you, slow down and experience each present moment, and not struggling with gravitating toward pleasant things and deny unpleasant experiences; I’ve come to find a place inside me that outwardly expresses a sense of peace in how I meet the world.
“The Most Important Point” by Edward Espe Brown, will do that to you. You’ll discover the most important point.
====
Ruby Thomas
14 reviews
October 3, 2019
"This joy is not dependent on any particular object. It's not dependent on you controlling things, not having anger, not having sadness. These are all gifts that you could receive and be with and appreciate - gifts you could enjoy. This elicits sukha, or ease, because you don't have to manipulate and control and chase after something you enjoy. It's already here. It's your own capacity to connect and be with and receive the gifts of each moment."
====
Marci
184 reviews
5 followers
Follow
September 8, 2022
I think Ed Espe Brown might have been my first introduction to Buddhism in general. I remember reading the philosophical bits in the Tassajara Bread Book as a young teen and understanding that they were telling me something very important.
All of which is to say that I bought this book expecting it to be comfortable, and maybe not challenging. And, while I will admit it was pretty comfortable, it was also at times appropriately challenging.
===
Jason Dobbie
1 review
Follow
March 6, 2023
Loved this book! It found me at the perfect time in my life! I am also a chef so the cooking aspects of the book were a pleasant surprise. I am very grateful to have read this book and it has helped me with my own meditation practice in many ways ❤️.
===
Arno Ilic
50 reviews
May 31, 2022
It is a must-read for everyone, especially those that take their life far too seriously. It is a book for all that look for spiritual meaning in all the wrong places. Ed will set you straight.
====
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
