Buddha in the Classroom: Zen Wisdom to Inspire Teachers

By Donna Quesada

Donna Quesada had been teaching for about a dozen years when the first signs of burnout hit her. Rather than give into her frustration, she reached for Buddha’s teachingsthe Zen wisdom that formed the basis of her own longtime spiritual practice. She survived the semester and gradually rediscovered the joy of teaching that had been progressively declining. In this wonderful book, she shares the lessons she learnedlessons that reveal time and again: No matter the situation, it’s always about getting your head in the right place first. Resolution begins in our own minds. Some days, some semesters, and even some years will be more challenging and more wearisome than others, she warns. But in Buddha in the Classroom, Quesada offers a lasting source of encouragement and inspiration. Although the book draws from Eastern teachings, the wisdom is for everyone, regardless of personal background, creed, or faith.

With elements of The Last Lecture as well as Chicken Soup for the Teacher’s Soul, this is the perfect gift for teachersbut also for anyone needing inspiration.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Skyhorse Publishing
• Release date: May 11, 2011
• ISBN: 9781626368910

Reviews for Buddha in the Classroom

[jessica_olin_3 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Reading this book was a mixture of being reminded of things I already know, being told why things that I already do work for me, and a few things I hadn't considered trying that I'm confident will enhance my teaching. I borrowed this from the library, but I'm probably going to buy a copy so I can consult/revisit this book whenever I want. (Warning: you don't have to be a practicing Buddhist to understand everything Quesada writes, but some familiarity with the religion's concepts will help. In other words, this isn't an introduction to Zen Buddhism, but you don't need to be an expert to appreciate and apply the contet.)

[tldittmer04 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I appreciate the effort, but I don't believe the book is generalized enough to apply the concepts. It's a great look at how one person applied the teachings of Buddah to her own experiences, but, I think, unless you have a great understanding of Buddah, it will be hard to apply.