the art of simple living: find your peace in the words
About the book
Publisher : Michael Joseph (14 May 2019)
Language : English
Hardcover : 224 pages
Order your copy : Here
This book is kindly sent by Penguin India in exchange for an unbiased review.
In clear, practical, and easy-to-follow lessons - one a day for 100 days - renowned Buddhist monk Shunmyo Masuno draws on centuries of wisdom to show you how to apply the essence of Zen to modern life.
You will learn how to exhale deeply to eliminate negative emotions, to arrange your house simply to clear your thinking, to line up your shoes at night to bring order to your mind, to plant a single flower and watch it grow, to worry less about what you cannot control, and so much more . . .
You will even make time to think about nothing at all.
Simplify your life with the art of Zen, and learn how to feel more relaxed, fulfilled, and with a renewed sense of peace.
My thoughts
I have been reading Zen: the art of simple living by Shunmyo Masuno for a while now. Note that I am yet to “finish” reading it. In my opinion, it’s very different from traditional books with a definite start and end. It has simple ideas written in lucid language, very calming actually, that one can incorporate into their day-to-day life. One can read from cover to cover at a go, which is very much possible with this book, or read one page a day, and let the thoughts linger within you for a while. it’s a very calming way to reading such books almost meditative. In a way, I can never actually “finish” this particular book. I would very love this to be on my bedside table or coffee table and read a page before I start my day. I have found this book is very magical, by which I mean to say, it helps to unwind and release anxiety to some extent. Of course, it won’t replace therapy or psychological consultation if one is seeking help but it can provide temporary relief. This book is only “helpful” or let’s say, meaningful if at least one of its ideas is incorporated in life. Before I end, it’s a beautiful book, a visual delight, filled with scenic watercolor illustrations which is surely an added bonus.
About the author
Shunmyō Masuno is a Japanese monk and garden designer. He is chief priest of the Sōtō Zen temple Kenkō-ji, a professor at Tama Art University, and president of a design firm that has completed numerous projects in Japan and overseas. He has been called "Japan's leading garden designer".
This post is a part of #blogchatterA2Z2023 and Blogchatter.