Sitting zazen (in meditative posture), I learned to trust the moment--to immerse myself in action as mindfully as possible, so that I could react spontaneously to whatever was taking place. When I played without "putting a head on top of a head," as one Zen teacher puts it, I found that my true nature as an athlete emerged. It's not uncommon for basketball players, especially young ones, to expend a great deal of mental energy trying to be somebody they're not. But once you get caught up in that game, it's a losing battle. I discovered that I was far more effective when I became completely immersed in the action, rather than trying to control it and fill my mind with unrealistic expectations.

That passage is taken from a chapter in Coach Phil Jackson's autobiography, Sacred Hoops: Spiritual Lessons of a Hardwood Warrior. He discovered Zen Buddhism with a friend's help after becoming disillusioned with his Pentecostal missionary parents' faith. With many quotes and reflections on spiritual books he has read, we learn much more than how to be a team player, but how to be a winner by visualizing the outcome as Michael Jordan does. Zen focuses us on what's happening now rather than the garbage we fill our minds with, freeing us up to act as we want to.

Spiritual books on his journey

The first book that impressed Jackson was The Varieties of Religious Experience by William James. It opened him up to the realization that there was a lot more to spirituality than how he was taught growing up. The next I highly recommend. Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind by Shunryu Suzuki is an absolute treasure which I reviewed a month or so ago. Jackson started studying Zen with earnest when he found it and let it speak to him. Tao Te Ching by Lao-tse is another book that influenced his understanding of leading with humility. You might also check out Leading Change by James O'Toole and Start Where You Are by an American Buddhist nun, Pema Chodron.

Final thoughts

I can't say enough good things about this wonderful book. Jackson does not preach in his book and sell us his philosophy as if we're stupid, lost sheep, for that is what his parents did and he has learned compassion, humility and true value-based leadership. If you play basketball or are a fan of Michael Jordan, you will, of course, love Jackson's basketball metaphor for life, but spiritual seekers will also be enchanted with it.

Since the Bulls team were asked to read Jackson's book, it is likely the Lakers have been, too. Just look at what happened to the Bulls! So I certainly won't be surprised if the Lakers go all the way under Jackson's "Zen Christian" leadership. If you agree with me, you really should read this book. Live spontaneously for once!



Recommended: Yes