The Path of Aliveness: A Contemporary Zen Approach to Awakening Body and Mind

Dillo, a teacher at the Boulder Zen Center, debuts with an excellent introduction to a modern practice of Zen Buddhism. “I understand aliveness as a special kind of presence, as a radical openness to all forms of experiencing,” Dillo writes, centering his exploration around the concept and offering guidance on how to achieve it. The author posits the path to aliveness lies in Zentatsu Roshi’s four tenets of Zen: transformation, freedom, wisdom, and compassion. To “transform” one’s “participation in experience,” for example, Dillo recommends becoming attuned to one’s attention, sensation, intention, and cognition. One way to practice compassion is through such rituals as chanting religious texts, which fosters “mutual embodiment” through coordinated collective action. The author also covers key components of Buddhism, including the four noble truths, the four foundations of mindfulness, and the proper posture for meditation. Dillo emphasizes the principles of Buddhism over specific pointers for practice, and as a consequence some readers might wish for more detailed instruction, but others will appreciate Dillo’s DIY approach: “A buddha mind cannot be found by following other people’s ideas of what a buddha is.” This is an informative primer, instructive for the newcomer and thought-provoking for the longtime practitioner. (May)