Thanks for all the replies, guys. I have actually bought a number of books, but those that I am most interested in are the accounts of monks as they go through life on this path. I am finding it extraordinarily difficult to actually meditate though. Like, for some reason I feel extremely self conscious sitting on the floor with my eyes closed.. and have no actually meditated (I know, stupid probably). My next step is to somehow get over that. I am also having problems with nearness of Zen temples.. I am two hours away from the closest Zen center which really puts a damper on the whole practicing with others thing. Any suggestions for that? Also, what are the reasons that all of you got into Zen? I am seeking calm in my life and in myself. Does Zen help with that? Not necessarily slowing down the constant conversation in my head... but moreso the drama in my life. Like, anytime my fiance's ex-wife calls.. I can feel the adrenaline start throughout my body and I ride on her drama.. Does it help with that? Any other tidbits of advice would be great too.
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--Nyx-- What an astonishing thing a book is. Across the millennia, an author is speaking clearly and silently inside your head, directly to you... Carl Sagan