From its origins in sixth-century China and subsequent flourishing in Japan, the branch of Buddhism called Zen has spread around the world. But it is more than a religion. Zen teachings touch on all aspects of practical life, with emphasis on mental focus and heightened awareness of reality. This book is divided into ten chapters, each intended to be read as one in a series of hour-long Zen lessons. They explain how to apply the qualities of simplicity and harmony inherent in Zen to everyday things for a more joyous, meaningful, and intensely experienced life. The ten lessons cover the following subjects: A brief history of Zen, Zen teachings and precepts, Meditation and self-mastery, Zen and relationships, Zen and health, Zen and food, Zen and the workplace, Zen and the home, Zen and the garden, Zen and the arts. The author discusses several aspects of Zen, including forms of meditation, the paradoxical Zen phrases known as koans, and the Zen way of cultivating goodness. The text is enhanced throughout with full-color photos and illustrations.

本書は、古の知恵である禅を現代の喧騒の中で「呼吸」させるための鮮烈な羅針盤です。単なる教義の解説に留まらず、食や仕事、人間関係といった日常の断片を、精神の覚醒へと繋ぐ芸術へと昇華させています。簡素さの中に潜む深淵な調和を説く著者の筆致は、読む者の魂を揺さぶり、平凡な日常がいかに神秘に満ちているかを再発見させてくれます。 全10章で綴られるのは、迷い多き時代を生き抜くための「生の作法」です。逆説的な公案や瞑想を通じ、私たちは「今、ここ」にあるリアリティを鋭敏に掴み取ることになります。生活のすべてが修行であり悦びであるという真理は、読後の世界を一変させるはずです。この本は、あなたの人生に、かつてない静謐な輝きと情熱をもたらす至高のガイドとなるでしょう。