The book offers a simple introduction to the core of Zen’s why and how. While Zen is a rich and varied tradition, this introduction focuses on the essentials, the foundations of the Zen way. This book explores the Four Noble Truths, the Ten Ox Herding Pictures, Zen meditation, samadhi, koans, enlightenment, and more. “When I hear James Ford’s words, something in me wakes up. He has the rare ability to communicate something that is much larger than himself.” —Claire Greenwood