Easy-To-Use Zen: Refresh and Calm Your Mind, Body and Spirit with the Wisdom of Zen

by David Scott and David Scott

When the Buddha was asked to explain the serenity, patience and cheerfulness of his disciples he replied: "They have no regret over the past, nor do they brood over the future. They live in the present; therefore they are radiant." Simplicity, restraint, and naturalness: with Zen it's effortless to cultivate these essential, life-enhancing qualities. Take a simple approach to Zen Buddhism, one that allows you to imbue every moment with beauty, spiritual richness, and wisdom. Effect a vital lifestyle change, guided by evocative photographs and illustrations, enlightening stories, explanations of essential concepts, basic Zen background and practice, and practical design principles for the home. Here are noble truths, treasures, and precepts; the postures of meditation; ways of establishing a sanctuary; vows and sutras; and illuminating ideas for increasing well-being. Clear the clutter in living rooms, bathrooms, and bedrooms; enhance the sense of space; and emphasize natural materials. Bring Zen into the kitchen with new tastes, recipes, and the right equipment--and into the garden with paths, stone wall groupings, plants and trees, water and bridges. Awaken your spirit!

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1843335875
• ISBN13: 9781843335870
• Release Date: April 2002
• Publisher: Collins & Brown
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 1.21 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 7.8" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Short and Sweet

At only 160 pages, this book is not as intimidating for the beginner as some other books. I should also say that it contains a lot of beautiful Zen pictures, and it is printed on glossy paper. The book itself is well-designed, and would make a good coffee-table book.The book is broken into two major sections. The first describes the history and practice of Zen. All of the essential concepts (truths, paths and precepts) are covered. This section also contains an illustrated guide to zazen - Zen meditation. The second section talks about applying Zen to everyday life. It contains chapters on your home, garden and kitchen.Of course, a book this short might leave the reader wanting to know more about certain topics. For that, I would recommend a longer text on the specific topic (Zen gardening for instance). For a beginner in Zen, this book is a good starter's guide.