An original take on Alice in Wonderland, Daniel Silberberg aka Doen Sensei uses Lewis Carroll’s story as a jumping off point to convey the Zen concept of “one mind”. Using a lively mix of tone, quotation, and levels of discourse, he references everything from Detroit to the Diamond Sutra to Kill Bill and ketchup, creating a funny, thoughtful, and irreverent contribution to contemporary American Zen that honours its historic roots while striking out into fresh areas. With stories from his own life as well as from the larger cultural swirl around him, Silberberg reflects on the differences between how we perceive the world and the way it actually is. He offers important ideas on how to live fully and happily in the Wonderland we’re all already in.

“A fresh heartfelt book. Wonderland is down to earth, often fummy, insightful, and unique. Daniel Silberberg explores what contemporary Zen can be while remaining true to the fundamentals and essence of the teaching. Highly recommended.” Genpo Merzel Roshi.

Daniel Doen Silberberg is a teacher and founding director of the lost Coin Sangha in the White plum lineage that descends from both the rinzai and Soto Zen schools. Born in Bad Hartzburg, Germany in 1947, his parents moved to new York City when he was four. Silberberg began formal Zen practice under Abbot Maezumi roshi and resident teacher, Daido roshi, at Zen Mountain Monastery in Mt. Tremper, nY. He received a B.A. in english literature with an emphasis in eastern literature, and has a phD in psychology.