Preview
  • Sit Down and Shut Up

  • Punk Rock Commentaries on Buddha, God, Truth, Sex, Death, and Dogen's Treasury of the Right Dharma Eye
  • By: Brad Warner
  • Narrated by: Brad Warner
  • Length: 8 hrs and 28 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (333 ratings)

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Sit Down and Shut Up

By: Brad Warner
Narrated by: Brad Warner
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Publisher's summary

In Sit Down and Shut Up, Brad Warner tackles one of the great works of Zen literature, the Shobogenzo by 13th century Zen master Dogen. Illuminating Dogen's enigmatic teachings in plain language, Warner intertwines sharp philosophical musings on sex, evil, anger, meditation, enlightenment, death, God, sin, and happiness with an exploration of the power and pain of the punk rock ethos. Riffing on his triumphant return to Ohio for a reunion concert of Akron punk bands, Brad uncovers the real heart of Zen, in teachings and stories with a sharp smack of truth.

©2007 Brad Warner (P)2014 Brad Warner
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What listeners say about Sit Down and Shut Up

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Brett Warner vulnerability is his biggest strength

To keep the inquiry, to be committed to live in truth on the present moment. Seeing this on the daily drudge is enlightenment. great book!

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Bought the book and audio

Great book and great audiobook. I'll listen to the audiobook again. Looking forward to his other books becoming available to download.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Great Listen for those Interested in Zen

Any additional comments?

Great listen to those interested in zazen, especially those 30-50 years old. Book spoke very clearly about zazen and Zen philosophy and practice in a way that people in gen x age group can understand. The book de-mystifies the Zen practice and sets realistic understanding on what Zen practice is really about. Highly recommend!

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1 person found this helpful

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Bluntness works...love this release!

I have read and listened to a lot of spiritual mumbo jumbo over the past few years, and Brad really brings it home with this one! He cuts through the crap, they bring the listener to their own truths...right here and now! Plus, it was downright hilarious and entertaining! Zen for you and I...working stiffs in a mind dominated world.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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So much in this book, and told in a fun way

A very enjoyable listen that includes so much spirituality in a down to earth, personable way.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Brad Warner cured my tummy ache!

The first book I believed to be a bit too autobiographical for what I was looking for. This book has a great blend of past experiences and present day insights to the ultimate reality of being. I’m glad I read the first book because then I wouldn’t be able to understand the references as much. Brad is super authentic human being and doesn’t hide behind the page. He is 100% himself all the time. Great sense of zen and all its quirky light-heartedness.

Great choice for intermediate practitioners of Buddhism who wants to learn a little more and be entertained at the same time. Love all the punk music and references. I’m only 24 so it’s all very old school too me but none the less entertaining.

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DIY Audio version is better than the book!

This audiobook was far better than I recall the print book being. That just means that I got more out of it the second time around, and that Brad's voice got his meaning across better then the print did. IMO

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7 people found this helpful

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Relevant, funny, useful

Brad Warner is as entertaining as he is informative in this audiobook, & despite years of reading books like this (well, there actually are no books “like” this, except maybe Warner’s Don’t be a Jerk, which I also really enjoyed, but I meant treatises on Asian “practices”), despite 5 decades of that, I had as many “Aha’s” as “Haha’s” while listening (& reading, since I also bought the print copy to bolster my 中文& 日本語 & because the cover art is cool). My advice is plunk down a few dollars to get this &/or plunk your behunkus down on a zabuton or zafu & start meditating. Or just buy the book which will make you want to meditate more. That’s what I did. I have no regrets. Enjoy!

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1 person found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

If you're serious about Zazen, read it.

Warner, most accessible contemporary writer in Zen. Insights are important even if he'd say otherwise.

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Great audiobook

Would you consider the audio edition of Sit Down and Shut Up to be better than the print version?

Brad's narration helped flesh out his voice in the writing and really made the experience for me.

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