Zen Masters of Japan

“McDaniel writes in a very straightforward, easy manner and eschews flaunting his Zen knowledge so beginners will find this easy-going. This would be a handsome volume on any Zen student’s bookcase and is especially valuable for those new to the practice.” –The Zen Site“It is a testament to Zen Masters of Japan that it raises so many thorny issues. McDaniel says the pursuit of the Zen Ox requires Great Doubt, Great Perseverance and a willingness to engage in Dharma combat. At first glance, one might make the mistake of thinking this collection of short narratives is another twist on the Chicken Soup for the Soul series–perhaps Miso Soup for the Buddhist Non-Soul. But that is not how Zen stories work. They’re not fluffy, and they bite. Better get back on that meditation cushion…” –John Negru, editor of Sumeru-books.com

Rick McDaniel taught at the University of New Brunswick and Saint Thomas University before working in International Development with the YMCA, where he was instrumental in creating the YMCA Peace Medallion. He is also the creator and driving force behind a five-part documentary series called ‘80⁄20: A Developing World’ and coauthor of the textbook A Two Way Approach to Understanding: Issues in Global Education. Dr. McDaniel describes himself as a Roman Catholic by birth and heritage and a Zen practitioner by nature and temperament. He studies at the Montreal Zen Center with teacher Albert Low.