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Overview
This inspirational and informative book places the ancient wisdom of Zen Buddhism in a modern, everyday context, showing how it can influence every aspect of our lives, from self-awareness to the aesthetics of home and garden.Zen Buddhism is a spiritual practice that impacts how we view ourselves and one another, as well as our environment. It is an awakening of our senses that enables us to see the world from a different perspective. As a way of life, Zen is growing in popularity, and this book demystifies the age-old Zen tradition, explaining how an understanding of Zen can transform our lifestyle.
Michael Paul, who has practiced Zen Buddhism for over twenty-five years, covers many facets of the subject in his clearly written text, including the meaning of Zen, Zen living and practice for every day, and Zen art forms. He also covers Zen in the home, describing the lifestyle it evokes—clarity of expression and a bold way of decorating resulting in pared-down simplicity. Similarly in the garden there is a minimalist landscaping style using plants that provide not only color, but also shape and form. Supplementing the text are evocative color photographs, specially commissioned for this book, that convey the spirit Zen. All those seeking simplicity, peace, and harmony in their lives and surroundings will find this book intriguing.
Other Details: 175 illustrations in full color and black-and-white 160 pages 8 1/2 x 8 1/2"
appreciation of the Japanese for the natural world all combined to give Zen its essential affinity with nature. From the outset, Zen scholars recognized
that nature and human creativity were synonymous. The two were considered part of the natural order of the universe - and it was through nature's intense images that many Zen-inspired artists sought to express its living energy, inspiration and wisdom. For in Zen, art that depicts nature is considered an affirmation of life.
The Zen masters understood that nature lives in us and that we live in nature. For them nature was the "greatest cathedral," and they strove through their work to open our eyes to the magnificence of the universe so we would revere and respect it for all time. In this age of environmental destruction, this book, in its own small way, endeavors to continue the mission of these ancient artists by encouraging a greater understanding of Zen's asceticism and by advocating its innate relationship with nature.
Through my photographs on the following pages I have attempted to see beneath the surface in order to capture the "spirit of Zen" and illustrate its sometimes elusive and abstract nature. These images are designed to go straight to the centre of the object to reveal its inner beauty and truth. Through my words I have tried to explain, in the simplest terms, the essence of Zen and its fundamental convictions. But be aware that this is not intended as a definitive work on this subject. There is a wealth of literature that can explain more fully its intimate workings and wisdom. And above all, in your search for enlightenment, keep in mind the Zen axiom that the real truth can often be written about but never properly expressed. Instead, it must be directly experienced.
It is therefore my hope that when you open this book you will also open your mind. For it is my deepest wish that the images and words in this book inspire you to take a look at the world from a different viewpoint and in time you will discover the riches and rewards of living Zen.
Synopsis
This inspirational and informative book places the ancient wisdom of Zen Buddhism in a modern, everyday context, showing how it can influence every aspect of our lives, from self-awareness to the aesthetics of home and garden.
Zen Buddhism is a spiritual practice that impacts how we view ourselves and one another, as well as our environment. It is an awakening of our senses that enables us to see the world from a different perspective. As a way of life, Zen is growing in popularity, and this book demystifies the age-old Zen tradition, explaining how an understanding of Zen can transform our lifestyle.
Michael Paul, who has practiced Zen Buddhism for over twenty-five years, covers many facets of the subject in his clearly written text, including the meaning of Zen, Zen living and practice for every day, and Zen art forms. He also covers Zen in the home, describing the lifestyle it evokes—clarity of expression and a bold way of decorating resulting in pared-down simplicity. Similarly in the garden there is a minimalist landscaping style using plants that provide not only color, but also shape and form. Supplementing the text are evocative color photographs, specially commissioned for this book, that convey the spirit Zen. All those seeking simplicity, peace, and harmony in their lives and surroundings will find this book intriguing.
Other Details: 175 illustrations in full color and black-and-white 160 pages 8 1/2 x 8 1/2"
appreciation of the Japanese for the natural world all combined to give Zen its essential affinity with nature. From the outset, Zen scholars recognized
that nature and human creativity were synonymous. The two were considered part of the natural order of the universe - and it was through nature's intense images that many Zen-inspired artists sought to express its living energy, inspiration and wisdom. For in Zen, art that depicts nature is considered an affirmation of life.
The Zen masters understood that nature lives in us and that we live in nature. For them nature was the "greatest cathedral," and they strove through their work to open our eyes to the magnificence of the universe so we would revere and respect it for all time. In this age of environmental destruction, this book, in its own small way, endeavors to continue the mission of these ancient artists by encouraging a greater understanding of Zen's asceticism and by advocating its innate relationship with nature.
Through my photographs on the following pages I have attempted to see beneath the surface in order to capture the "spirit of Zen" and illustrate its sometimes elusive and abstract nature. These images are designed to go straight to the centre of the object to reveal its inner beauty and truth. Through my words I have tried to explain, in the simplest terms, the essence of Zen and its fundamental convictions. But be aware that this is not intended as a definitive work on this subject. There is a wealth of literature that can explain more fully its intimate workings and wisdom. And above all, in your search for enlightenment, keep in mind the Zen axiom that the real truth can often be written about but never properly expressed. Instead, it must be directly experienced.
It is therefore my hope that when you open this book you will also open your mind. For it is my deepest wish that the images and words in this book inspire you to take a look at the world from a different viewpoint and in time you will discover the riches and rewards of living Zen.