This distinctly American take on the ancient tradition and practice of Zen draws from the archives of the major Zen centers of America and interviews with some of the most seminal figures of American Zen, surveying the first 108 years of Zen's transmigration to America and collecting notable encounters between teachers and students, the moments of insight and wisdom, the quotable quotes, and the humor of Zen as it flowered in America.

Collects writings discussing the American interpretation of Zen Buddhism by authors including Nyogen Senzaki, Alan Watts, D.T. Suzuki, Thich Nhat Hanh, Taizan Maezumi, Steve Allen, and Erich Fromm.

The author records a two-week intensive retreat with the American assistant of his former Japanese Zen master, his reactions to the company of American disciples, and his achievement of mystical experience after more than ten years of meditation

Recounts the spiritual journey of a follower of Zen Buddhism which started in Berkeley during the counter-culture 1960s