Can the ancient teachings of Zen Buddhism help us engage with the challenges work, family and relationships throw our way? Teacher, author and Zen Buddhist priest Peter Coyote believes that they can: his new book, Zen in the Vernacular: Things As It Is, argues that Zen can be both a creative problem-solving mechanism and a moral guide; ideal for the stresses and problems we face day-to-day.

Andrew and Peter discuss:

• How Peter found Buddhism and became a Zen Buddhist priest. 


• Why Buddhism ISN’T about turning away from the world.


• Why we need more than just “self-help”.


• How Zen Buddhism helps us engage with the suffering we see in the world.


• The importance of meditation.


• The usefulness of Buddhist teachings like The Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.

Peter Coyote is an award-winning actor, narrator, and Zen teacher. He is recognized for his acting in 160 films including E.T., Outrageous Fortune, Bitter Moon and Cross Creek, and his narration work in over 140 documentaries. He narrated the PBS series The Pacific Century, winning an Emmy Award, as well as fourteen Ken Burns documentaries, including The Roosevelts, for which he won a second Emmy. In 2011 he was ordained as a Zen Buddhist priest and in 2015 received “transmission” from his teacher, making him an independent Zen teacher who has ordained his own priests. His latest book is Zen in the Vernacular: Things As It Is, and he is also the author of several volumes of poetry. 

Follow Up

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Read Peter Coyote’s book Zen in the Vernacular: Things As It Is

Visit Peter Coyote’s website 

Follow Peter Coyote on Facebook @AuthenticPeterCoyote  

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Andrew offers regular advice on love, marriage and finding meaning in your life via his social channels. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube @andrewgmarshall