The Zen Monkey and the Lotus Flower: 52 Stories to Relieve Stress, Stop Negative Thoughts, Find Happiness, and Live Your Best Life

This is not a usual book for me. It was recommended as a book club read and I was curious. I have practised yoga for many years and am familiar with some of the basic principles of mindfulness and meditation but was interested to learn more. This book was printed in 2024. It has 157 pages an contains 52 short stories. Each story is usually around a page long and is followed by a similar length explanation. There are several principles that are explored and they are looked at in different ways. That can lead to a feeling of repetition if you read them quickly - read the stories gradually (as they are meant to be read) and the messages are gently reinforced. There are important life lessons here which are worth taking time to consider. I got drawn into the messages and am sure that this will stay with me for some time. I'm not sure this book will change my life but it will encourage any reader to approach problems in a slightly different way. It might also promote a change of attitude. The book is perfect to dip in and out of. It actually suggests you read one story each week - this would give time to ponder and digest before moving on. The stories are very easy to read and the explanations are clear. As you progress through the book there are some useful tips that can be used in your life - one example being "try to praise or encourage at least one person every day", this is not hard to do and makes a big difference to both people. Each story starts with an illustration that perfectly sums up the subject of the tale. It is worth pausing on the drawing to consider its artistic quality before moving on.

Bought this recently. I like it a book full of wisdom and logic. You can step into reading on any page. The story's are only 1-2 pages long and then there is an explanation page. Its really interesting. I have now bought the others in the series

this is a really sweet, encouraging book, but it makes most sense if you can meditate. i gave a copy to a christian friend so he could compare it to christianity (jesus might have lived in india and he may have experienced buddhist practise there which influenced his own jewish beliefs, and include in his ministry when he went back to israel). the zen monkey and the lotus flower is quite funny as there are stories of animals talking to monks for example. there are 52 stories of buddhist beliefs so that you can meditate on one story a week for a year.

Very good book,makes you think very useful.A very good read.

Lovely, easy, book to read. Just one story at a time. Helps you see life from a different angle, in a positive way.

What a lovely book, some great storeys. I recommend this book as a good read to help with your life.

Simple tales with so much depth. Love it!

Liked the idea of this book but after reading it I feel it's written in such a way that it's more of a children's book, very simple, would have preferred something that was a little more thought provoking.

Great book, I recommend to get it.

Gorgeous book, lovely little short stories, age 9 up wards I would say. Good for adult, kids and everyday life.

This is a book that I will return to time after time. I have marked it up so badly, I will need another copy at some point. A book that anyone will appreciate.

Its a nice little book, Each story is 2 pages long (max) and with nice Zen philosophies behind each one. After each story there are a few words from the author to explain; what to take from each story and what to practice more with this story in mind. This is the reason I gave it 3 stars. I find the notes from the author to much and it would be better to just to read the story and see where my own mind takes me.

Nice short stories , like this book