Zen at the End of Religion : An Introduction for the Curious, the Skeptical, and the Spiritual But Not Religious

James Ishmael Ford

ISBN 10: 1958972762 / ISBN 13: 9781958972762

Published by Monkfish Book Publishing Mai 2025, 2025

About this Item

Neuware - ASpirituality & Practice"Best Spiritual Book of 2025"Zen is the ideal path for those who have left institutional religion behind.In this liminal moment, when the grip of our old religions has loosened, a prominent Zen practitioner asks: What is religion What is spirituality And what is it all about Ford begins by invoking the ideas of Aldous Huxley, welcoming what he calls a "naturalistic perennialism." Ford believes there are currents of religion that are rooted in our biology. And as something natural, it is something that people can find within all religions, in fact, the heart birthing of all religions.Then, true to the book s title, Ford asks and answers, "Why then, Zen " and demonstrates how pure Zen is as simple as noticing and waking: an expression of an intimate way of life.Four noble truths, ox herding pictures, samadhi, koan, lovingkindness, and many other Zen essentials are here, in succinct and conversational prose that offers a lifeboat to anyone who feels something missing in the absence of religious life.

Seller Inventory # 9781958972762

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Zen at the End of Religion : An Introduction for the Curious, the Skeptical, and the Spiritual But Not Religious
• Publisher: Monkfish Book Publishing Mai 2025
• Publication Date: 2025
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1958972762
• ISBN 13: 9781958972762
• Binding: Taschenbuch
• Condition: Neu
• Dimensions: 211W x 137H x 23D millimeters 211 millimeters width by 137 millimeters height by 23 millimeters depth
• Weight: 200 grams

About this title

Synopsis

A Spirituality & Practice “Best Spiritual Book of 2025”

Zen is the ideal path for those who have left institutional religion behind.

In this liminal moment, when the grip of our old religions has loosened, a prominent Zen practitioner asks: What is religion? What is spirituality? And what is it all about? 

Ford begins by invoking the ideas of Aldous Huxley, welcoming what he calls a “naturalistic perennialism.” Ford believes there are currents of religion that are rooted in our biology. And as something natural, it is something that people can find within all religions, in fact, the heart birthing of all religions. 

Then, true to the book’s title, Ford asks and answers, “Why then, Zen?” and demonstrates how pure Zen is as simple as noticing and waking: an expression of an intimate way of life. 

Four noble truths, ox herding pictures, samadhi, koan, lovingkindness, and many other Zen essentials are here, in succinct and conversational prose that offers a lifeboat to anyone who feels something missing in the absence of religious life.

About the Author

James Ishmael Ford is both a Zen priest and a Unitarian Universalist minister. He has lived in monasteries and other spiritual communities, served as a local pastor and spiritual director, and preached throughout New England, where he lives. His previous books include If You’re Lucky, Your Heart Will Break and, in 2024, The Intimate Way of Zen. www.jamesishmaelford.com