Zen is influenced both by Buddhism and Taoism. The word "Zen" may have Chinese roots which in turn might have Indian root (dhyan - meditation -> chen/chan -> Z

Zen is influenced both by Buddhism and Taoism. The word "Zen" may have Chinese roots which in turn might have Indian root (dhyan - meditation -> chen/chan -> Zen) - but it doesn't mean whole of Zen evolved from Taoism. And you cannot really learn Tao by just reading a book- no matter how much of a "beginner's mind" you have. Tao practitioners in China, Buddhists in India/China, and Zen practitioners in China/Japan led very different lifestyles from the rest of the populace. Teachings of Zen/Taoism/Buddhism are nice to hear, and quotable- but you can't learn them by merely reading a book. Practice, and inclusion in lifestyle is necessary.