Hara: The Vital Center of Man

by Karlfried Graf Dürckheim, Karlfried Graf Durckheim, Karlfried Graf Von Durckheim

Book Overview

The classic text on balance, inner calm, and the cultivation of tranquillity using the age-old techniques of Zen masters - Reveals the psychosomatic underpinnings of Zen, Taoism, and other Eastern traditions - Provides an alternative to the "chest out-belly in" postural attitude of the West - Includes translations of the wisdom teachings of three Japanese masters - Shows how the theory and practice of Hara helps us find our essential self When we...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1594770247
• ISBN13: 9781594770241
• Release Date: October 2004
• Publisher: Inner Traditions International
• Length: 202 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.1" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Deep and Focused

I've read this book twice and experienced a deeper connection of the Hara each time. This is a most excellent book that deserves focused attention to read. A great exercise in grounding.

The Classic Endures

This is the very core of the Master's work, and essential to any spiritual practice im daily life. Written in the mid-fifties, its light is ever bright, and is a major contibution the the literature that includes Herrigel's Archery and The Book of Five Rings.

Clearly explains the basis of Eastern "Ways"

This is a fundamentally important book for anyone seriously interested in any of the Eastern "Ways": sitting meditation, martial arts (external or internal), yoga, tea ceremony, flower arrangement, calligraphy etc. The clarity of the author's explanations is surprisingly crisp and practical.This book was written in 1956, originally in German, so the grammar is a bit old-fashioned, and "man" is used exclusively for "person", but on the up-side, a refreshing air of unbridled enthusiasm prevails throughout.I VERY highly recommend this gem of a book to serious spiritual seekers, martial artists, fine artists, all healers esp body workers, and those wishing to have deeper insight into Eastern philosophy.