For very advanced Beginning Zen, we can study and perform the practices taught in Present Moment, Wonderful Moment by Thich Nhat Hahn.
Many Buddhist teachers tell us that practicing mindfulness all day long, even when not enaged in formal sitting meditation, is the key to awakening. This book helps us do that by giving us concrete practices we can follow throughout the day.
I realized that Thich Naht Hahn was a truly great Zen master when I visited a Tampa group who said they studied his works and followed his practices.
After a brief period of meditation, the group leader asked everyone to share their thoughts. I will never forget the look of shock on their faces when it was my turn to say something and I said that, in my opinion, they had chosen an excellent teacher because Thich Nhat Hahn was one of the greatest living Zen masters.
The leader of the group said:
“Zen master? He’s a Zen master? Really?