**From the beloved author of Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind comes a new book of teachings on the essence of Zen practice *"There could not possibly be a better book for our moment in history. In the midst of national and international turmoil, it is still possible, if not utterly necessary, to learn...

**From the beloved author of Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind comes a new book of teachings on the essence of Zen practice *"There could not possibly be a better book for our moment in history. In the midst of national and international turmoil, it is still possible, if not utterly necessary, to learn the simplest things."--Naomi Shihab Nye "Our way of sitting is for you to become yourself." In this long-awaited book from one of the most influential spiritual teachers of the last century, Shunryu Suzuki Roshi shares simple, warmhearted teachings on a practice that is fundamentally about becoming yourself. In his inimitable style, filled with humor and insight, Becoming Yourself speaks directly to the newest beginners while also serving as a touchstone and a continual source of inspiration for even the most experienced practitioners and Zen teachers. Becoming Yourself * unearths new jewels from the late Suzuki's lectures and brings to light many of his unpublished teachings. Becoming yourself is not meant to be understood as an idea; it is meant to be tried out as a way of being. It is "Just to sit," a practice of wholeheartedly being as you are, moment after moment, no matter what is happening. It is a practice of deeply connecting with how it feels to be alive in your surroundings, whether on a meditation cushion or not, and stepping forward from that connection. It is opening to your life, wherever you are, and finding right there a deep well of innate wisdom, compassion and care.