Zen Life

Ryokan (1758–1831) is, along with Dogen and Hakuin, one of the three giants of Zen in Japan. But unlike his two renowned colleagues, Ryokan was a societal dropout, living mostly as a hermit and a beggar. He was never head of a monastery or temple. He liked playing with children. He had no dharma heir. Even so, people recognized the depth of his realization, and he was sought out by people of all walks of life for the teaching to be experienced in just being around him.

In this series, Om Swami shares the essence of the Zen Living, combing the various branches of Zen and its associated techniques, to help the listener master the Zen way of life. There are 8 core episodes and 4 Bonus ones covering the following: Zazen, Wall-gazing, Osoji and many more to calm and center the mind while living in the world.

"Does for mental clutter what Marie Kondo has done for household clutter." —Publishers Weekly Relax and find happiness amid the swirl of the modern world with this internationally bestselling guide to simplifying your life by the renowned Zen Buddhist author of Don’t Worry and How to Let...

Allow yourself to be immersed in the essence of the present moment, where time dissolves, and small revelations of wisdom unfold through 60 timeless stories. If you are looking for mental refuge and a fresh oasis of relaxation, this book offers an ideal companion through narratives steeped in wisdom, where each story extends an invitation to understand and savor the simple joys of life. Characters of all kinds populate the stories, with their virtues and flaws. At times, they grapple with challenging puzzles or curious riddles; the conclusions are often surprising. The titles of some ...

In this collection of never-before-published teachings by Charlotte Joko Beck, one of the most influential Western-born Zen teachers, she explores our “core beliefs” - the hidden, negative convictions we hold about ourselves that direct our thoughts and behavior and prevent us from experiencing life as it is. Wryly humorous and relatable, Beck uses powerfully clear language to show how our lives present us with daily opportunities to move from thinking to experiencing, from compulsivity to confidence, and from anguish to peace.

How to maximize calm, joy, and fulfilment - Keep reading to learn the secret to a meaningful life Do you struggle to accept the uncertainty of your future? Are negative emotions hard for you to handle? Do you want to learn how to let go of things you can’t control and embrace the beauty in what you have? If you said YES to any of these questions, then it’s time to start walking the stoic path. Stoicism is an ideology that has been praised by many — and for good reason. Stoicism means embracing positivity, strengthening self-control, boosting happiness, and rewiring your mind to be ...

From the beloved author of Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind comes a new book of teachings on the essence of Zen practice "I felt a burden being lifted from my shoulders just by reading this remarkable book." —Oliver Burkeman “Our way of sitting is for you to become yourself.” In this...

4 JAPANESE CONCEPTS TO TRANSFORM YOUR STATE OF MIND - “Unleashing Secrets Of Ancient Japanese Wisdom To Transcend Your State Of Mind And Create Lasting Mental Change”Do you want to live a peaceful and stress-free life, but don’t know how? Do you want to complete more work in less time? Do you hear everywhere about the benefits of a Zen state of mind, but you just can’t figure out how to achieve it? If your answer is Yes, then this book is exactly what you are looking for. In this book, we will discuss four Japanese concepts derived from ancient Zen principles. These concepts are ...

Jan Chozen Bays, MD - physician and Zen teacher - has developed a series of simple practices to help us cultivate mindfulness as we go about our ordinary, daily lives. Exercises include: taking three deep breaths before answering the phone, noticing and adjusting your posture throughout the day, eating mindfully, and leaving no trace of yourself after using the kitchen or bathroom. Each exercise is presented with tips on how to remind yourself and a short life lesson connected with it.

Lucidly and beautifully written, Peace Is Every Step contains commentaries, meditations, personal anecdotes, and stories from Nhat Hanh's experiences as a peace activist, teacher, and community leader. It begins where the listener already is - in the kitchen, office, driving a car, walking - and shows how deep meditative presence is available now.

"Timeless Zen wisdom to calm the mind, heal the heart, and transform your life." “To hold on is to suffer. To let go is to be free.” What if the key to peace, clarity, and true happiness has been within you all along? The Zen Way Stories: Timeless Wisdom to Ease Suffering and Cultivate Inner Peace is a transformative journey into the heart of Zen, offering timeless stories and profound insights to assist you in skillfully and gracefully navigating life's obstacles. Through captivating Zen parables, thought-provoking reflections, and simple yet powerful practices, this book reveals how ...

This inspiring meditation on the intersection of science, nature, and spirit shows readers how to deepen their connection to the natural world. In Rooted, cutting-edge science supports a truth that poets, artists, mystics, and earth-based cultures across the world have proclaimed over millennia...

A Heart Blown Open chronicles the extraordinary journey of Zen master Jun Po Denis Kelly Roshi, whose life landed him in prison long before he landed in a monastery. Experience the successes and failures that led him to found an entirely new form of Buddhism called Mondo Zen. Starting from an abusive and alcoholic home in Wisconsin, Kelly becomes a major force in the counterculture of the 1960s and one of its biggest manufacturers of LSD. He ends up on the run for five years before serving time in a federal prison, and then goes on to spend six years in a Zen monastery. In his fiftieth year...

Bodhidharma is the enigmatic figure credited with bringing Zen Buddhism from India to China. Surrounded by legend, myth, and misunderstanding, he is often quoted—but rarely understood. This book offers a clear, grounded exploration of who Bodhidharma was, what he taught, and why his ideas still matter today. Rather than presenting Zen as vague mysticism, this work examines Bodhidharma through history, philosophy, and practical insight—separating fact from legend while preserving the depth of his teachings. In this book, you will discover: The historical origins of Bodhidharma and early ...

Shunryu Suzuki, author of the beloved classic Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind, is lovingly remembered as one of the greatest spiritual teachers of the 20th century - whose legacy is felt in every facet of American Zen. This monumental biography of Suzuki, written and read by his student David Chadwick, weaves together a rich tapestry of stories and memories of Suzuki’s students, family, and friends. In this updated and revised audiobook edition, Chadwick also offers rare excerpts from archived recordings of Suzuki’s teachings in the great Zen master's own voice.

The Zen Habits Handbook for Life is a compilation of Leo Babauta's best articles on living from a Zen Habits perspective. What will this book teach you to do? Basically the same things that Zen Habits aims for overall: how to simplify your life, how to live a happier life, how to be more productive with less stress, how to achieve your dreams. The book includes chapters on decluttering, single-tasking, eliminating nonessentials, planning your day, clearing your inbox, getting motivated, cultivating compassion, boosting self-confidence, living consciously, and much more!

Stories have shaped civilizations, inspired revolutions, and sparked personal transformations. They still have that power today. I was always captivated by stories when I was a child. In school we had a class called “Moral Science,” and there was one teacher, who made it unforgettable. I can still picture his white robe and the sparkle in his eyes as he brought each tale to life. I may not remember algebra or history equations, but I carry with me the values he taught, such as waking up early, being kind, staying punctual, speaking politely, asking questions, and so much more. Surely ...

“A warm, profound and cleareyed memoir. . . this wise and sympathetic book’s lingering effect is as a reminder that a deeper and more companionable way of life lurks behind our self-serious stories."—Oliver Burkeman, New York Times Book Review Drawing on decades of personal and...

Your Ultimate Kyoto & Osaka Travel Companion! Discover Japan’s cultural soul and urban heartbeat—without the stress, confusion, or wasted time. Whether it’s your first trip or you’re coming back for more, this guide is your key to unlocking two of Japan’s most iconic cities. From Kyoto’s timeless temples to Osaka’s neon-lit streets, from quiet tea houses to buzzing food stalls—this book takes you straight into the real Japan, where ancient tradition meets electric modernity. 📖 Inside This Guide, You’ll Find: ✔ Kyoto’s Spiritual Wonders – Walk through Fushimi ...

Zen monk Santoka Taneda (1882 - 1940) is one of Japan's most beloved modern poets, famous for his "free-verse" haiku, the dominant style today. This book tells the fascinating story of his life, liberally sprinkled with more than 300 of his poems and extracts from his essays and journals - compiled by his best friend and biographer Sumita Oyama and elegantly translated by William Scott Wilson.