This book explores the always fascinating issues of karma and rebirth from the deconstructing perspective of Zen—in a way that will find resonance with both conservatives and the vast audience of Stephen Batchelor’s Confessions of a Buddhist Atheist.

And perhaps most significantly, the last section of the book takes a fresh and nuanced look at the Buddhist Ethical Precepts—which Ford frames as “Seven Suggestions.” There are comparatively few books on this topic, and this one will find wide audience both within the Zen world and beyond.

Praise & Reviews “Field Notes from a Zen Life is a sparklingly refreshing offering. Ford's mature, playful, multifaceted Zen has been slow-cooking for forty years and is now ready. Read and delight!”—Dosho Port, author of Keep Me in Your Heart a While “James Ford's Field Notes covers the spiritual turf from beginner to Zen master with honesty, clarity and beauty. A book that sparkles with the complexities of humanity, ethical wisdom, and love—and also offers clear instructions for beginning a Zen practice.” —Grace Schireson, author of Zen Women “A must-read addition to the growing literature on 'Western Zen'—with an engaging clarity and informed easy-going sophistication.”—Zoketsu Norman Fischer, author of Sailing Home “A wonderful blend of story, advice, perspective, history, and instruction.”—Sumi Loundon, author of Blue Jean Buddha

James Ishmael Ford, JAMES ISHMAEL FORD is a senior guiding teacher of Boundless Way Zen. James has been a student of Zen Buddhism for over forty years. He is also a senior Unitarian Universalist minister serving at the First Unitarian Church of Providence and a member of both the American Zen Teachers Association and the Soto Zen Buddhist Association. He lives outside Providence. ,