Dainin Katagiri

Born in Osaka, Japan, in 1928, Dainin Katagiri was trained traditionally as a Zen teacher. He first came to the United States in 1963, to help with a Soto Zen Temple in Los Angeles. He later joined Shunryu Suzuki Roshi at the San Francisco Zen Center and taught there until Suzuki Roshi’s death in 1971. He was then invited to form a new Zen center in Minneapolis, which, in addition to a monastery in the countryside of Minnesota, he oversaw until his death in 1990. He left behind a legacy of recorded teachings and twelve Dharma heirs. Katagiri is the author of several books, including Returning to Silence and You Have to Say Something.

"Katagiri Roshi’s great wisdom shines through every word of this marvelous book." —Joan Halifax, author of Being with Dying and The Fruitful Darkness

"I absolutely love this book. It brilliantly edits the Zen teacher Dainin Katagiri’s talks into an invitation and guide for our practice. It moves seamlessly from introductory instructions to the deepest aspects of the Zen way. This book is likely destined to be an American Zen classic. Katagiri Roshi was one of the founding teachers of our North American Zen. His insights and style have shaped who we are. His wisdom and compassion shine through every page of this book. I cannot recommend it highly enough. This book presents the essence of our Zen way." —James Ishmael Ford, author of Zen Master Who? and If You’re Lucky, Your Heart Will Break

"A wonderful book—full of wonder about the deepest meaning of being human. Katagiri’s penetrating understanding and illuminating Dharma beam shines through you, and in this light you may discover deeper truths leading to your own awakened life." —Grace Schireson, author of Zen Women: Beyond Tea Ladies, Iron Maidens, and Macho Masters