The Other Side of Nothing: The Zen Ethics of Time, Space, and Being

(Paperback)

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A reader-friendly guide to Zen Buddhist ethics for modern times

In the West, Zen Buddhism has a reputation for paradoxes that defy logic. In particular, the Buddhist concept of nonduality -- the realization that everything in the universe forms a single, integrated whole -- is especially difficult to grasp. In The Other Side of Nothing, Zen teacher Brad Warner untangles the mystery and explains nonduality in plain English. To Warner, this is not just a philosophical problem: nonduality forms the bedrock of Zen ethics, and once we comprehend it, many of the perplexing aspects of Zen suddenly make sense.

Drawing on decades of Zen practice, he traces the interlocking relationship between Zen metaphysics and ethics, showing how a true understanding of reality -- and the ultimate unity of all things -- instills in us a sense of responsibility for the welfare of all beings. When we realize that our feeling of separateness from others is illusory, we have no desire to harm any creature. Warner ultimately presents an expansive overview of the Zen ethos that will give beginners and experts alike a deeper understanding of one of the world's enduring spiritual traditions.

Reviews

Praise for The Other Side of Nothing

"Zen priest Warner brings a lighthearted approach to enlightenment in this modern guide to Zen Buddhist morality. . . . Warner's plainspoken style makes the mystical comprehensible as he insightfully interprets Buddhist teachings for modern readers."
-- Publishers Weekly

"An honest and soul-searching personal confession of Zen Buddhism as an expression of the human encounter called nonduality. . . . I recommend it."
-- James Ishmael Ford in Patheos

Praise for Brad Warner's books

"Warner's voice is much needed in American Buddhism."
-- Library Journal

"Brad Warner frames Buddhism with something that touches my soul on the very deepest level -- humor!"
-- Vicky Jenson, director of Shrek

"Fresh, edgy, and insightful."
-- Stephen Batchelor, author of Buddhism Without Beliefs

Author Bio

Brad Warner, a Soto Zen priest, is also a punk bassist, filmmaker, and blogger. He is the president of Dogen Sangha International.

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