Think Zen is soft music and scented candles? This absolutely fantastic book turns up the lights and illuminates some of the most profound aspects of the ancient philosophy. Drawing on decades of experience in Zen and the martial arts, Ernest Cadorin explains the principles and practices of Zen through compelling stories and brilliant interpretations. Whether you are seeking to improve your mental focus, or just trying to experience more in life, this delightful book is a must-have item for your personal-development toolbox.
The Test
The Stream
The Wooden Sword
The Two Arrows
The Farmer
The Woodsman
The Power of Parables
Stay Active
Don’t Forget to Breathe
Cultivate Discipline
The Arrow of Time
Everything Zen?
Glossary
Recommended Reading
References
"Living in the moment does not mean forgetting about the past or ignoring the future. It means drawing on our past experiences and keeping the future in sight as we put all of our energy into the present."
"We are evolutionarily hard-wired to prioritize negative stimuli because of the survival advantages this gives us. Evolution is blind, and it doesn't necessarily care about our happiness. That's up to us."
"Greater awareness brings about a greater appreciation of the people, places, and things in our lives. The more observant we are, the richer our daily experiences become."
"When we are aware and sensitive to what's happening, we can take steps to make things better."
"We are creatures of habit, and leveraging our habitual tendencies is one of the best ways to develop discipline."
"When we are active, we become stronger and more energetic. This, in turn, makes us more positive and self-confident. It's a powerful cycle."