| Crooked Cucumber, Zen Is Right Here, Zen Is Right Now |
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We are pleased to announce the release of several new audiobooks profiling the incredible life and times of Shunryu Suzuki Roshi, the extraordinary teacher who really established Zen in America and author of Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind. First, we just released the audiobook of Crooked Cucumber: The Life and Zen Teaching of Shunryu Suzuki read by author and close student David Chadwick. Crooked Cucumber is a work of extensive research, deep interest in preserving and documenting Shunryu Suzuki’s life and work, along with a keen sense of care and curiosity on the side of David Chadwick.
While the bulk of the audiobook remains the same as the print book, the audio aspect makes for a fun and touching listen that’s speckled with short audio clips of Shunryu Suzuki and heartwarming moments of laughter from Chadwick as he reminisces about his beloved teacher.
Likewise, Chadwick has included a few important updates for the audiobook, including a more precise explanation of the playful title, Crooked Cucumber—derived from the nickname given to Suzuki from his master, Gyokujun So-on. Without giving too much away before you listen for yourself, according to Chadwick’s sources, “Hebo kyuri” is the name of the “useless, tiny bent cucumbers at the end of the spiraling vine.” Thus So-on called his small, young disciple ”Crooked Cucumber,” perhaps to toy and perhaps to inspire Suzuki to a deeper understanding of the Dharma. Recounting the inspiring yet sometimes difficult relationship between master and
disciple, Chadwick shares these moving words from Suzuki Roshi: |
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My master always called me “You crooked cucumber!” I understand pretty well that I am not so sharp. I was the last disciple, but I became the first one, because all the good cucumbers ran away. Maybe they were too smart. Anyway, I was not smart enough to run away, so I was caught. For studying Buddhism my dullness was an advantage. A smart person doesn’t always have the advantage, and a dull person is sometimes good because he is dull. Actually there is no dull person or smart person. They are the same. (Read more at Cuke Archives)
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Second, in July 2021 the reissue of Zen Is Right Here and its new audiobook edition were published along with the first edition hardcover and audiobook of Zen Is Right Now. As complements to one another, both titles offer an essential collection of playful and witty anecdotes from Suzuki and his timeless wisdom. His lighthearted and often amusing quotes, parables, and short stories make for a delightful companion to bring warmth and insight to your day, your practice, and so much more.
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| Crooked Cucumber
The Life and Zen Teaching of Shunryu Suzuki
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| Zen Is Right Here
Teaching Stories and Anecdotes of Shunryu Suzuki, Author of Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind
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| Zen Is Right Now
More Teaching Stories and Anecdotes of Shunryu Suzuki, author of Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind
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