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Akron-native Brad Warner&rsquo\;s latest b ook Letters to a Dead Frien d About Zen tells the story of the night when Brad learns that his chi ldhood friend Marky has died. Brad is about to speak to a group of Zen stu dents in Hamburg\, Germany and it&rsquo\;s the last thing he feels like do ing. Instead\, he wants to tell his friend everything he never said\, to e xplain Zen &ldquo\;to those who don&rsquo\;t understand what I do for a li ving or why I care about this crazy philosophy and this weird meditation p ractice I do every day.&rdquo\; So\, as he continues his teaching tour thr ough Europe\, he writes to his friend as he wishes he had spoken. Simply a nd humorously\, he reflects on why Zen provided him a lifeline in a diffic ult world. He explores grief\, attachment\, and the afterlife. He tells Ma rky\, &ldquo\;I&rsquo\;m not interested in Buddhism\, I&rsquo\;m intereste d in what is true\,&rdquo\; and then proceeds to poke and prod at that tru th. The result for readers is a singular and winning meditation on Zen\, a unique tribute to both a life lost and to the one Warner has found.
\nBrad will present an exclusive new letter to his friend Marky written s pecifically for \;the Highland Square Library. \;After reading th e letter\, he will lead an audience discussion.
\nThis discu ssion will be recorded for an upcoming episode of his new podcast \, also called Letters to a Dead Friend About Zen. \; A book signing will follow the presentation\, with copies available for purchase.
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