The Life and Letters of Tofu Roshi

Author Susan Moon
Foreword by Gahan Wilson
Look inside
Paperback
$21.95 US
On sale May 01, 2001 | 172 Pages | 9781570626814

In The Life and Letters of Tofu Roshi, Susan Moon presents a delightful and insightful exploration of Zen Buddhism through the fictional character of Tofu Roshi—a “Dear Abby” of Zen Buddhism. Set against the backdrop of the No Way Zen Center, Moon’s spoof of the search for enlightenment engages with the complexities of spiritual practice, personal growth, and the often absurd nature of human existence. Her unique approach blends humor with profound wisdom, offering readers a fresh perspective on Zen philosophy. Through a series of letters in an advice column addressed to Tofu Roshi, practitioners share their struggles and doubts, receiving responses that are both witty and enlightening. The book challenges conventional notions of self-improvement and spiritual attainment, encouraging readers to embrace their imperfections and find joy in the present moment. Moon’s commentary on her relationship with Tofu Roshi and the Zen community uncovers universal truths about identity, attachment, and the pursuit of enlightenment. Her journey reveals that the path to understanding is filled with both deep insight and lighthearted moments, inviting readers to reflect on their own spiritual quests and the beauty of everyday life.
Susan Moon is a writer and longtime Zen Buddhist who teaches popular writing workshops, mostly in California. She is the former editor of Turning Wheel: The Journal of Socially Engaged Buddhism. She lives in Berkeley, California.

About

In The Life and Letters of Tofu Roshi, Susan Moon presents a delightful and insightful exploration of Zen Buddhism through the fictional character of Tofu Roshi—a “Dear Abby” of Zen Buddhism. Set against the backdrop of the No Way Zen Center, Moon’s spoof of the search for enlightenment engages with the complexities of spiritual practice, personal growth, and the often absurd nature of human existence. Her unique approach blends humor with profound wisdom, offering readers a fresh perspective on Zen philosophy. Through a series of letters in an advice column addressed to Tofu Roshi, practitioners share their struggles and doubts, receiving responses that are both witty and enlightening. The book challenges conventional notions of self-improvement and spiritual attainment, encouraging readers to embrace their imperfections and find joy in the present moment. Moon’s commentary on her relationship with Tofu Roshi and the Zen community uncovers universal truths about identity, attachment, and the pursuit of enlightenment. Her journey reveals that the path to understanding is filled with both deep insight and lighthearted moments, inviting readers to reflect on their own spiritual quests and the beauty of everyday life.

Author

Susan Moon is a writer and longtime Zen Buddhist who teaches popular writing workshops, mostly in California. She is the former editor of Turning Wheel: The Journal of Socially Engaged Buddhism. She lives in Berkeley, California.

Three Penguin Random House Authors Win Pulitzer Prizes

On Monday, May 5, three Penguin Random House authors were honored with a Pulitzer Prize. Established in 1917, the Pulitzer Prizes are the most prestigious awards in American letters. To date, PRH has 143 Pulitzer Prize winners, including William Faulkner, Eudora Welty, Josh Steinbeck, Ron Chernow, Anne Applebaum, Colson Whitehead, and many more. Take a look at our 2025 Pulitzer Prize

Read more

Books for LGBTQIA+ Pride Month

In June we celebrate Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual + (LGBTQIA+) Pride Month, which honors the 1969 Stonewall riots in Manhattan. Pride Month is a time to both celebrate the accomplishments of those in the LGBTQ+ community and recognize the ongoing struggles faced by many across the world who wish to live

Read more