The Other Side of Nothing

The Zen Ethics of Time, Space, and Being

By: Brad Warner

Narrated by: Brad Warner

Length: 15 hrs and 7 mins

Publisher's summary

A listener-friendly guide to Zen Buddhist ethics for modern times.

In the West, Zen Buddhism has a reputation for paradoxes that defy logic. In particular, the Buddhist concept of nonduality—the realization that everything in the Universe forms a single, integrated whole—is especially difficult to grasp. In The Other Side of Nothing, Zen teacher Brad Warner untangles the mystery and explains nonduality in plain English. To Warner, this is not just a philosophical problem: Nonduality forms the bedrock of Zen ethics, and once we comprehend it, many of the perplexing aspects of Zen suddenly make sense.

Drawing on decades of Zen practice, he traces the interlocking relationship between Zen metaphysics and ethics, showing how a true understanding of reality—and the ultimate unity of all things—instills in us a sense of responsibility for the welfare of all beings. When we realize that our feeling of separateness from others is illusory, we have no desire to harm any creature. Warner ultimately presents an expansive overview of the Zen ethos that will give beginners and experts alike a deeper understanding of one of the world’s enduring spiritual traditions.

©2022 Brad Warner (P)2022 Brad Warner

Sharing the Good News about Emptiness

If you are new to Zen Buddhism or Buddhism in general, come back to this book later. Instead, read Letters to a Dead Friend about Zen, also by Brad Warner. It is one of the best introductory books on the subject currently in print.

If you are new to Brad Warner’s books, you may want to start at the beginning with Hardcore Zen. The Other Side of Nothing has references to some of his earlier works, though reading his earlier books is not essential.

Reading his books in order, as I have, you can see Warner’s development both as a teacher and as an author. This book is his best yet and has a multi-layered complexity that reflects an understanding of Buddhism that has grown richer with time.

This is an excellent book on Buddhist ethics, it takes the explicit elements of the topic, such as the Vows and Precepts, and how they form the basis for correct behavior for Buddhist practitioners and then uses the subject as a pathway into examining the basis of all Buddhist thought- emptiness.

As with all of his audio books, the author not only reads his work he also handles all aspects of the production. It has a rough, lightly polished feel that is the exact opposite of a full cast, highly engineered production like The Sandman. It is just as good a listen because it is the exact opposite.

I highly recommend this book. It will help your practice.

Thank you Brad

More Brad, more Dōgen, maybe the best one yet? Wouldn’t mind the missing chapters on UFOs next time.

Profound but lighthearted

I have probably read half a dozen Zen Buddhist books by Brad Warner, and I must say that I have loved every one of them. Each one seems to take me a little deeper even though I’m not reading them in any sort of chronological order. Just finished my second listen of The Other Side of … and found I enjoyed it even more than the first listen. For me, these books are more like an engaging experience than just reading a book. Highly recommended. 

This is It

Hits the mark. He definitely knows a thing or two about Zen. Thanks Brad. Love you too

ABSOLUTELY LISTEN

This is my first book by Brad Warner and it CERTAINLY is not my last one.
He is an AMAZING author.
I downloaded ALL his available audio books and bought the actual books also (all used).
I enjoy listening and reading the books, that is, if they are worth it.
In my ongoing studies of Buddhism, his approach is surely refreshing.
I highly recommend his books.
He also is an excellent narrator.
My thanks to all involved, JK.

Another great interpretation of Master Dogen

A very concise and easy to understand interpretation of master Dogen. Nice job Mr. Brad Warner.

Love it man!

I Always use my credits on your books. Not knowing is indeed most intimate.
Peace.

More of the same, but that's a good thing.

Another great book by Brad Warner. A lighthearted but intriguing look at Buddhist ethics. I think I would recommend "Don't be a Jerk" and "It Came From Beyond Zen" first just so you have a better idea of everything before stepping into this if you are new to Zen Buddhism.

Nothing But Ethics

This audiobook is superb. The author’s personality shines through like One Bright Pearl. This book is funny, witty, wise, and necessary. Every single human being should listen to, or read, this book. The last chapter in particular was my favorite. Thank you Brad!

Brad's a good guy and he really wants you to understand

Though the production quality is amateurish and the end holds too much speculation I really like this book. It is a deep dive into the ethnics of soto zen done well with humor and sincerity.