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Zen Confidential

Confessions of a Wayward Monk

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Zen Confidential

By: Shozan Jack Haubner, Leonard Cohen
Narrated by: Shozan Jack Haubner
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About this listen

These hilarious essays on life inside and outside a Zen monastery make up the spiritual memoir of Shozan Jack Haubner, a Zen monk who didn’t really start out to be one. Raised in a conservative Catholic family, Shozan went on to study philosophy (becoming de-Catholicized in the process) and to pursue a career as a screenwriter and stand-up comic in the clubs of L.A. How he went from life in the fast lane to life on the stationary meditation cushion is the subject of this laugh-out-loud funny account of his experiences. Whether he’s dealing with the pranks of a juvenile delinquent assistant in the monastery kitchen or defending himself against claims that he appeared in a porno movie under the name “Daniel Reed” (he didn’t, really) or being surprised in the midst of it all by the compassion he experiences in the presence of his teacher, Haubner’s voice is one you'll be compelled to listen to. Not only because it’s highly entertaining, but because of its remarkable insight into the human condition.

©2013 Shozan Jack Haubner (P)2014 Audible Inc. Buddhism Comedy Zen Buddhism Japanese Philosophy

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All stars
Most relevant  
I wasn't really sure what to expect when I started listening but I'm so glad I did listen to the end. This was brilliant and insightful and has definitely encouraged me to start making my own zen journey.

Unexpectedly wonderful

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Chuck Palahniuk meets Brad Warner with a dash of lemon zest! Raw, gut-wrenching and full of insights into compost, marriage, head-ass relocation and Zen buddhism.

It's liberation, Jim, but not as we know it...

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Love how it’s all about his own personal journey with no alterations. It’s a real human life going through real human life experiences and glorifies nothing.

Real and firsthand experience

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This book was a recommendation based on previous listenings and I was very pleasantly suppressed by the humour throughout the entire book. It did make me laugh out loud so many times in public.

Funny and interesting

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recommended to me by my Zen teacher, this book really humanise zen for me. brilliant

Brilliant! Gross! Hilarious!

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There were times when I wasn't really sure what the purpose of this book was: memoir? guide to life? introduction to zen? Though an interesting journey through the experiences and errors of the author, it was only until the latter third that it all started to come together and I could see that the messages of the book - at least, the ones I took from it - require all the prior anecdotes.

What is most encouraging and engaging is how human and relatable the stories and experiences are and, therefore, how relevant the journey.

Enlightening in the most unexpected way.

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I found this to be incredibly funny and insightful into the life of a monk. I especially found the gay friend antics and his doppelganger to be hysterical and steeped in suspense, Is it really him? does he have a double life? is he entertain a double personality disorder? and then the Gay friend notices the smallest detail to unravel it all haha.

I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to both feel relaxed, have a laugh and find inner peace, If this monk can find it I am sure anyone can with a little practice haha.

I am so grateful to the monk Jack Haubner for writing and reading this book, I will do my best to spread the word about your book. Out of al my audible listens so far, this is by far my favourite.

Hilarious, Earthy, Witty and insightful

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I came across this book by mistake searching for Leonard Cohen books. I was expecting another mindfulness / spiritual enlightenment journey type autobiography but got SO much more

Funny, insightful , well written and yes enlightening I didn’t want the book to end

A must read whether your interested in zen / spirituality or not. It’s a humorous , spot on account of what it is to be a human in this crazy world we live in. Makes you think but not
Think too much :@)

Not what I was expecting - but absolutely loved!

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It was really fun, you end up getting a great lesson in Zen but in the opposite way than you would expect.

It's very personal and shows how everyone's journey and search is so unique.

Maybe even better if you have tried Buddhist or zen practice as there are some Buddhist terms. This book really trashes the idea of being holy or trying to improve yourself through a spiritual practice.

Hilarious, heartfelt and gives a refreshing angle on zen.

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I'm afraid I found the author didn't come across as a very wise or likeable character. I found the crude tone more annoying than amusing.

Didn't Enjoy

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