Let me start by saying, this book is a gem for anyone curious about Zen or looking to deepen their meditation practice. The Art of Just Sitting isn't just a book—it's an experience. I found myself reaching for it during my morning tea, letting the wisdom of centuries-old masters sink in as I prepared for my own sitting session.

The collection is brilliantly curated by John Daido Loori, bringing together diverse voices from different eras and traditions. What struck me most was how accessible the translations are—no dense philosophical jargon here, just clear, practical guidance that speaks directly to your practice.

I particularly loved the contrast between different masters' approaches. Some advocate for strict discipline ('sit like a mountain!'), while others emphasize natural ease ('just be like a cloud'). This variety helped me find my own middle way in practice.

The physical book itself is lovely—compact enough to carry to your meditation cushion but substantial enough to feel important. Mine arrived with some light pencil underlines (which I actually appreciated—like getting a used book with helpful margin notes from a wise previous owner).

Now for the reality check: This isn't a magic manual that will instantly enlighten you (I tried—it doesn't work that way). As several reviewers noted, Zen is ultimately something you do, not just read about. But as far as companions for that doing go, this might be the best one out there.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely—but with the caveat that you should pair it with actual sitting practice. Maybe start with Bhante Gunaratana's 'Mindfulness in Plain English' if you're completely new, then graduate to this deeper exploration of shikantaza.

Final verdict: 5/5 for serious practitioners, 4/5 if you're just dipping your toes into Zen waters (but hey, maybe this book will inspire you to dive in deeper!).