Untrain Your Parrot (And Other No-nonsense Instructions on the Path of Zen)

This book offers exercises, instructions, jokes, stories, pithy quotes, and—most of all—encouragement to anyone interested in exploring Zen but who may find traditional presentations severe or intimidating. Hamilton writes with an easygoing, friendly style that invites readers of all backgrounds to sit down and give meditation a try. But don’t be fooled by her puns and checklists—this is serious Zen.

Drawing on three decades of experience as a Zen practitioner and teacher, Hamilton explains how to meditate and how to maintain an ongoing practice. From there, in her clear, lighthearted, and humorous style, she moves right to the heart of Zen, showing us how we could move beyond our concepts, expectations, and emotional reactivity to touch the reality of our lived experience with openness and simplicity, thereby finding freedom.

Untrain Your Parrot includes simple instructions to clarify and elucidate the basics:

   •  how to establish a beginning meditation practice
   •  how to develop physical, mental, and emotional awareness
   •  how to experience "open" awareness—observing one's practice while allowing for a sense of spaciousness with whatever occurs


For more information on the author, Elizabeth Hamilton, go to www.zencentersandiego.org.

While major retailers like Amazon may carry Untrain Your Parrot (And Other No-nonsense Instructions on the Path of Zen), we specialize in bulk book sales and offer personalized service from our friendly, book-smart team based in Portland, Oregon. We’re proud to offer a Price Match Guarantee and a streamlined ordering experience from people who truly care.

We’re trusted by over 75,000 customers, many of whom return time and again. Want proof? Just check out our 25,000+ customer reviews—real feedback from people who love how we do business.

Prefer to talk to a real person? Our Book Specialists are here Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST and ready to help with your bulk order of Untrain Your Parrot (And Other No-nonsense Instructions on the Path of Zen).