Zen Confidential

April 8, 2013
American Buddhist monk Haubner (a pseudonym) asks his readers to “lease be embarrassed for me” in provocative essays exploring his experiences of Zen. The author’s search to “grow into a true human being” is described with startling metaphors, acute insights, and humor (his seduction by the “lush, seething dharma” of American Buddhist nun Pema Chodron’s writing is priceless). Haubner writes of defecating in his robes rather than leave his post at a meditation session; musing on the abortion “koan” due to a pregnancy scare; tormenting his oddball kitchen assistant. Tender portraits emerge as Haubner brings hard-won Zen insights to the legacy of a sometimes violent, “radical conservative” father, and finds a beloved mentor in a hard-living former Zen monk. The collection is uneven: funny, self-deprecating essays about the hard realities of life as a Zen monk jostle against sometimes self-indulgent dissections of his nastier traits. Overall, Haubner’s unorthodox take on the spiritual search, marked by moments of grace, and his strength as an essayist will win over a specific audience willing to accept his dare. Some women readers may find it to be offensive lad lit.

September 1, 2013

A good Zen monk needs determination, courage, and devotion--but above all, he needs a willing disposition. A ready wit and a clever comeback help as well. Shozan Haubner (a pseudonym) has all these characteristics. He surely got his start on them in his earlier life as a stand-up comic and Hollywood screenwriter. More recently he's been head monk at a Zen monastery in California. The head monk in the monastery does ordinary business such as scheduling and procurement, sees to monastic discipline, and serves as aide to the abbot. In these "personal vignettes" that Haubner began at the start of his Zen journey, he writes of finding the work challenging and at times exciting. His abbot (amazingly) is 105 years old and so requires the head monk's constant care. This author helps readers see that out of all this more or less ordinary work, coupled with constant meditation, can come the enlightenment a Zen monk seeks. VERDICT This refreshing book avoids the usual cliches. A strong choice for anyone trying to live an attentive and well-examined life.--James F. DeRoche, Alexandria, VA

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