Hardcore Zen

Punk Rock, Monster Movies and the Truth about Reality

By: Brad Warner

Narrated by: Brad Warner

This is not your typical Zen book. Brad Warner, a young punk who grew up to be a Zen master, spares no one. This bold new approach to the "Why?" of Zen Buddhism is as strongly grounded in the tradition of Zen as it is utterly revolutionary. Warner's voice is hilarious, and he calls on the wisdom of everyone from punk and pop culture icons to the Buddha himself to make sure his points come through loud and clear. As it prods readers to question everything, Hardcore Zen is both an approach and a departure, leaving behind the soft and lyrical for the gritty and stark perspective of a new generation.

The subtitle says it all: There has never been a book like this.

©2003 Brad Warner (P)2013 Brad Warner

best book on Zen Buddhism I've come across

...this declaration is, of course, based on a memory I have of previous books on Buddhism! But it's also based on this moment, this very moment I've finished it, sitting in my truck, in my garage, eating a payday candy bar!

My Head Hurts Now

When the book first started, I wasn't at all sure that I could get past the smug condescension in the author's tone. It is the author reading after all, and he is a self-admitted punk. There is a quality in the narration that sounds like he may be sitting on the toilet in his bathroom reading the book aloud while trying to avoid his cat messing up the sound. BUT, as I listened, I started to hear some helpful things. Some lights went off in my head in recognition of some truth he was speaking. So I listened closer. Then listened again. Now, I'm not sure what to think about anything and almost prefer not to think at all. But, there is truth here in this book if you have courage. And there is humor here too. Thank you for this. It has value. "You are alive when you're looking down at your turds floating in the toilet with bits of last night's meal peaking out...". Zen or Punk. Doesn't matter. I'm alive either way.

Reality uncut

Witty, candid, relatable, all the things I appreciate in a book about Zen. Recommend for beginners. Provides a good description of the basics of Zen through his own spiritual quest. Very enjoyable and entertaining. Well done!

Best Zen book ever

I read a lot about zen and Buddhism but this one takes the cake. Simple, true and hardcore to the bone. An absolute must read for anyone even mildly interested in zen and Buddhism.

The fact that it is read and edited by the author (and his cat) really makes this a unique listening experience.

Punk rock meets Zen

I enjoyed the no nonsense approach of the author and the DIY recording method. I actually think the sound quality is better than some of the "professionally" recorded audio books I have. The story about his moment of enlightenment is one of the best and easiest to understand that I have heard. It actually makes sense and doesn't really have any "woo factor" to it.

A good listen and by the way, although I am a die-hard Metal Head who also enjoys hard core punk, I am also one of those people that likes 70s AOR rock despite the author's opinion of it, we are not so hard to find... (wink)

Straight Shooter

No Bull Sh!t, I am going to read his other books. Like his simple style.

Great introduction to Zen

A raw and honest account of Zen philosophy told without pretension or mystical obfuscation. Part autobiography and part spiritual text.

punk rock, zen buddhism, and 150 story monsters

down to earth spoken word form teachings. brad and his cat have delivered a great message for our time. I suggest a listen for the old school to the emo, ok ok... and yes the easy listening nickelback lovers too.

A Punk Rocker's Path to Peace

A funny, and at times brutally honest story about a young man without care gaining enlightenment is a fantastic and rather enjoyable listen with some great musical accompaniment my only complaint is sometimes the recording is a bit muffled and there aren't many details on starting to practice zen for beginners but I did like it!

Really enjoyed it.

Good introduction to Buddhism without being pompous or boring. Funny, honest and realistic. A great listen.