Shunmyo MasunoZen: The Art of Simple Living

A beautifully presented collection of simple ideas and thoughts to spark positive change – 5 StarsI’m so glad I purchased this book; dipping in to its pages is a feast for the eyes and a breath of fresh air for the mind. Hardback, and an ideal size to drop into a bag or backpack, I read this as much while I’m out in the open as when I’m indoors. Drawing on principles from Feng Shui, Japanese horticulture, mindfulness, meditation, and Buddhist philosophy, this volume contains one hundred suggestions of ways in which we can enrich our lives.Illustrated throughout, the artwork is as gentle in its design as are the words on each page. The ideas expressed within present small changes that require very little (if any) material input, instead they encourage a shift in perception and habits. Paying attention to small details in our environment, and even to mundane tasks, requires a focus that naturally reduces the ‘busyness’ of the mind. The outcome, as the author explains, is both kinder to ourselves and to those we encounter.For anyone looking for an introduction to Zen values, wanting help dealing with stress, or simply trying to find the essence of what makes them happy, then this book is a great place to start. Whilst the concepts are presented with a child-like simplicity, mastering the mind-set it advocates takes practise and dedication. However, adopting just a few of the ideas suggested quickly brings positive results and an improved sense of well-being that makes practising a pleasure.

This is a book to keep and reread, whether from beginning to end or just dipping in and out. Every story is just two pages and can be read during an idle quiet moment, and pondered upon all day.Read it all the way through from beginning to end, but not rushed at all, taking time to appreciate the messages and beautiful language used. Then go back and enjoy again at some point.Make sure you have a hardback copy of this so it lasts forever. Enjoy the feel in the hands, appreciate the artwork with each story. It is a little treasure.

Love this Zen book it's really helped relax me during this time, the only thing I don't really like is the constant reference to office or work. I bought it for my daughter and myself and would have liked it to give advice about simple living with a lot less emphasis on office or work life. My daughter couldn't relate and now that I'm working from home it's not relevant to me or ppl who don't work in the office or do a 9-5. Arrived in good time

What a pleasure it was to receive this book. I'm going to take my time absorbing all the advice.

This is a wonderful book; clear, concise and beautifully presented. Shunmyo Masuno, the author of this book, is leader of a 450 year-old Buddhist temple and is also an expert Zen garden designer, so is in a very well-suited position to advise readers on the beauty of Zen.The book consists of 100 'daily practices' you can change to make your life more meaningful and spiritually sound. In a world dominated by technology and a move away from nature, where mental illness is becoming a global epidemic, Masuno's guide is the olive branch everyone should possess in their library of books for healing the mind.These practices are simple, relatively easy-to-do and effective. Though I haven't had time to fully delve into putting these practices into practice (excuse the awful language), I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking to find more happiness, peace, love, or spirituality in their life.I would ESPECIALLY recommend this to mental health sufferers like myself. To me, Masuno's words ring out with so with empathy and yet sensible knowledge, perfectly applicable for the modern day. Get this book: it could help change your life for the better, one small change at a time.

This is a book with quotes and statements not exactly what I expected, but guess it will make someone happy.

Great book

This book is short, sweet yet impactful.I read it on kindle and found myself highlighting quite a few passages and quotes that I found thought-provoking.It's probably better to have the hard copy version of this, as it is a good book to dip in to regularly for further inspiration.Recommended.