Hardcore Zen: Punk Rock, Monster Movies and the Truth About Reality

Brad Warner

Jun 2005 · Sold by Simon and Schuster

About this ebook

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.

Ratings and reviews

I never knew I was interested in Buddhism until I found this book. I read it during a visit to see my family in Japan, and his easy to read, almost-conversational, and deeply personal writing style made the book a very fast read. Because of this book, I dived into the world of Buddhism and started examining what it means personally and globally.

Show this book to anyone who thinks that Zen is all about serene rock gardens, relaxation, pretty flowers, or coloring books. This book made me sit down and take a long hard look at myself and my practice of zazen.

Ha hardcore Zen punk rock monster movies and the truth about reality

About the author

Brad Warner lives in California. He has studied Soto Zen with Gudo Wafu Nishijima. If there is such a thing as a Zen Master (and there isn't), he is one (and he's not). In the early 80s, he was the bassist for ODFx (or Zero Defex), a hardcore punk band. After ODFx bit the dust, he made five albums under the band name Dimentia 13. After living in Japan for some time, he returned to the United States in 2012 to start the Dogen Sangha of Los Angeles.