Zen Confidential

Confessions of a Wayward Monk

De: Shozan Jack Haubner, Leonard Cohen

Narrado por: Shozan Jack Haubner

These hilarious essays on life inside and outside a Zen monastery make up the spiritual memoir of Shozan Jack Haubner, a Zen monk who didn’t really start out to be one. Raised in a conservative Catholic family, Shozan went on to study philosophy (becoming de-Catholicized in the process) and to pursue a career as a screenwriter and stand-up comic in the clubs of L.A. How he went from life in the fast lane to life on the stationary meditation cushion is the subject of this laugh-out-loud funny account of his experiences. Whether he’s dealing with the pranks of a juvenile delinquent assistant in the monastery kitchen or defending himself against claims that he appeared in a porno movie under the name “Daniel Reed” (he didn’t, really) or being surprised in the midst of it all by the compassion he experiences in the presence of his teacher, Haubner’s voice is one you'll be compelled to listen to. Not only because it’s highly entertaining, but because of its remarkable insight into the human condition.

©2013 Shozan Jack Haubner (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Only zen in the book is the zen YOU bring to it

This book felt like a long piece of humor writing even though it got serious and dramatic at times. I liked listening to the author's narration and his comic deliveries. Easy listening. Enjoyed it. There is one thing about this book that influenced me. The parts where he talked about his dealings with his parents...that struck me and since then I have been more attentive and understanding to my parents. So in that sense this book did change something for me as well.

Humanizes the idea you have of monastic purpose

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Highly recommended. The author links the guts and grime of being human with the innate desire and search for the beauty of the spiritual.

wonderful, literally goosebumps from chapter 7.

I was enthralled from the beginning. I absolutely love it and I wish his other book was on Audible as I on a road trip currently.

Irreverence

To many adjectives, and being stuck on a audible screen that will not go away until I write a review and I pay a monthly fee for this.

Excellent writing, but ...

Shozan really is quite a good writer and overall the book is really good. However, as others have noted, he's obsessed with shit. Also, the detail with which he describes a porn film I thought was in bad taste, whether gay, straight, or other. Again, though, overall very well done.

Learned and enjoyed it a lot

I'm a beginner on Zen topics. So, this book taught me a lot. It's always interesting to learn from a westerner perspective what is like to experience a different life. Found it very relatable too. Loved the performance. Thank you.

Something unexpected, but good

Journey of a monk growing into the role...

Most unusual combination of son of gun barron to vegetarian monk...

Raw and unpretentious

Great book! Unexpectedly riveting, raw and real. Great read, i couldn’t put it down. Love it!

Surprisingly honest!!! Great listen!!!

Who never zen monks were human ??? Or had more baggage than me??
Great insightful book into monastic life. The good, the not so good and the ugly!!! This is a very eye opening and honest book about the human experience, for all of us. Not just for a person searching to be enlightened.

Excellent Book

Great book. The author writes well and is an excellent storyteller. Stories are Vi vid The narrative and Zen principles are interwoven seamlesslya.
They are Often funny with a great deal of insight.