AN OAK TREE IN THE GARDEN

"An Oak Tree in the Garden" is a captivating novel that delves into the complexities of human relationships, nature, and personal growth."Learning consists in adding to one’s stock day by day; The practice of Tao consists in subtracting day by day…" - quote from bookSet against the backdrop of a picturesque garden, the story follows the lives of diverse characters whose paths intersect in unexpected ways.The protagonist, often portrayed as a resilient oak tree, serves as a metaphor for strength and endurance throughout the narrative.Having made happiness and sorrow, gain and loss, victory and defeat all the same, engage in the battle (of life)… quote from the bookAuthor skillfully weaves together multiple storylines, each rich with emotion and depth. Themes of love, loss, redemption, and the passage of time are intricately explored, offering readers a thought-provoking and immersive experience.The author's descriptive prose brings the garden to life, painting vivid imagery that enhances the storytelling.Characters grapple with their pasts, confront inner demons, and strive for personal transformation, making the novel a compelling exploration of human nature and the pursuit of happiness.Overall, "An Oak Tree in the Garden" is a poignant and introspective read that resonates long after the final page is turned.Instead of hoping for a good future, we should work for that future in the present moment.Author's narrative prowess and thematic depth make this book a worthwhile addition to any reader's collection.

This is my fourth book by Narendra Murty and it is imperative to mention that he never disappoints. With this book too he has raised the bar and met my expectations. The book consists of 30 short stories. All these stories are derived from the experiences of zen monks. Their teachings and the zen mastery is reflected in each of these stories. It is eye-opening, mind boggling well of wisdom that we meet in the pages of this book. The stories shows just how incredibly calming zen can be, equally difficult to attain and one that has complete control over your senses. The author uses the zen method of Koan aka riddles to shock the readers, make them contemplate and drive home the point, the ultimate realization or moral. It is a profound and thought provoking short read. Where the rational ends enlightenment begins and that's exactly what we get to read in this book. My fav short stories from the book are - An Oak Tree In The Garden, Is That So?, Visiting Card and The real miracle. Throughout the narrative, emphasis is laid on varied aspects do human existence. It is important and equally crucial that we sit and mull over these inspiring stories to bring about a profound change in our lives.

Do you know what is zen? A trendy popular term right we get to hear a lot these days? A term signifying practice to attain inner peace? But how is it different than other religious rituals or rites or practices? Is it a way of life? Or an exercise?Zen is a Japanese word from the Sanskrit "Dhyana," meaning meditation. From the book, I learnt, Zen traveled from India to China, where it became Chan, and later to Japan as Zen.This practice is central to Zen Buddhism. Zen challenges authority and tradition, lacking sacred texts. It avoids worshiping Buddha as a deity, which can seem radical or blasphemous to those with orthodox beliefs in Buddhism. 1. Zen captures the true spirit of Buddhism, beyond strict ideas.2. It avoids doctrines, focusing on real experiences instead of theories.3. Following Buddha’s teachings, Zen emphasizes being present and aware.The purpose of Zen is to reach enlightenment and discover our true nature. Our true self is hidden under ignorance and false identities we create from wealth and status.This book proved to be an amazing read! I didnot know it all started like this when one day, Buddha at Vulture Peak was going to give sermon to thousands of followers but didn’t speak, leaving people restless. This moment marked the beginning of Zen.Narendra Murthy's book explains Zen clearly. It differs from common beliefs about the master-disciple relationship. I believe silence reveals truths that chaos, reading, travelling or talking cannot. Sometimes, we need to sit and listen to our hearts and the universe. Even mundane activities can bring us our answers. Through stories of masters like Nan-in, Hakuin, Keichu, Shichiri, and Mu-nan, we learn that seeking truth is more important than following religion. We must look within ourselves to find the hidden truth in every moment of our lives.If you are a seeker of the truth, Zen can guide you on your journey, and this book serves as a helpful stepping stone.

This book offers a profound journey into the world of Zen, challenging conventional logic and reasoning. It invites readers to step outside their comfort zones and explore a new way of thinking. Through puzzling and surprising methods, Zen teaches that true enlightenment cannot be reached by logic alone. Instead, it encourages us to embrace simple things, like an oak tree in a garden, and to stop overanalyzing. This book is perfect for those curious about Zen or seeking a fresh perspective on life. It's a unique and meaningful read that will leave you with a deeper understanding.