The Wooden Bowl: Simple Meditations for Everyday Life

by Clark Strand

Book Overview

I asked myself one question: Was there a way for people to slow down and experience themselves, their lives, and other people in the present moment without adopting a new religious or philosophical ideology?

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0786884150
• ISBN13: 9780786884155
• Release Date: May 2000
• Publisher: Hyperion Books
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.1" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

A beatifully simple book -- highly recommended

My Dad bought me this book as a gift. And what a great gift it was! I have what I call a "busy brain." There is rarely a time when thoughts aren't racing through my head: what I need to do, planning a vacation I may or may not take, grocery lists, what I will teach in class the next day, etc. Recently, I have become very interested in Buddhism and meditation. I think I'm drawn to it because it involves practicing my weakest skill: mindfulness. My mind gets away from me before I know it. Of all the books I've read on these topics, The Wooden Bowl is by far the best. There is no dogma, no guidelines, no processes... These are the details I get caught up in. Before when I've decided to meditate, I've been online looking at meditation benches, looking up books on the topic, planning how I will start. But Clark Strand's point in this book is that these actions miss the point. Meditation is not something you put in your date book, it's not something you feel guilty about not doing, nor is it something you near to clear out the room for. It just is, if that makes any sense. Before reading this book, I had decided that I was not ready to meditate, and the closest I could get was watching my cat take a bath for a few minutes at a time. Well, if I understand Strand correctly, then that is enough. That is a moment when I am present; I am not DOING anything except taking in the now. Even this practice of taking short breaks in my day to sit in the moment and just BE has helped me out tremendously. I'm starting to feel that I have some control over my "busy brain." Perhaps these short breaks will get longer. Perhaps they won't. I am now willing to let them take their course. I highly recommend this book. I'm grateful Clark Strand decided to write his thoughts down for all of us.

The title says it all...

Simple. The title tells you what you need to know. Other reviews here do the same.You do not need to make life and learning complicated. This book contains what you need to learn meditation, and to make moves toward enlightenment.Keep it simple. Good for beginners, those who have been learning for a while, those who have forgotten how simple zen/meditation truly is.

Incredibly Subtle Observations

Of all the books I've read on the subject of Zen/ Meditation this one is the best. It is a collection of short chapters on the many facets of meditation, how to approach it, what you can and can't expect from it, and handle what you discover through it. Written in plain spoken english, Mr. Strand has managed to convey the essence of something difficult to put into words, that is, being able to live in the present moment. Very well done and worth owning.

Wanna meditate? Just sit.

I highly recommend this book if you want to begin a meditation practice. Clark Strand demystifies meditation and provides a simple framework for meditation: get comfortable and count your breath. If you fail, try, try again. And don't knock yourself for failing. With practice, you'll get better. Of course, sometimes meditation is easier said than done. But Strand provides enough insight and inspiration to help you. It doesn't get better than this.As if Strand's simple guide was not enough, his simple writing style makes this the best and most enjoyable book I've ever read on meditation. His haiku style comes across in his writing, with beautiful imagery spread throughout the book. All in all, this short book is a joy to read.

A Simple, Clear and Unpretentious Approach to Meditation

This book provides a simple, non-denominational approach to meditation, that is free of gurus and affectation. Strand, a former Zen Buddhist monk, left monastery life behind for this simple approach to meditation. It's as simple and unaffected as a plain" wooden bowl". Just sit and be present, where we always are anyway. There is no fancy instruction aside from counting the breath from one to four. He advocates the formation of non-hierarchical "present moment groups" to support the practice. This is a perfect and easy to follow primer who those interested in getting started meditating.