Shunmyo Masuno's book and essential teachings

[Jundo]

Just a note that i am almost finished reading this book, and it really is quite good. Thanks to those who recommended it.

i will be back with a full review soon. We will use it in some way around Treeleaf i think.

Gassho, J

STLah

[Doshin]

Just a note that i am almost finished reading this book, and it really is quite good. Thanks to those who recommended it.

i will be back with a full review soon. We will use it in some way around Treeleaf i think.

Gassho, J

STLah

Look forward to your thoughts. I have it on nightstand and read a few chapters each night

Gassho
Doshin
Stlah

[Meitou]

Look forward to your thoughts. I have it on nightstand and read a few chapters each night

Gassho
Doshin
Stlah

Same here; it's a simple but nourishing read, a lovely companion.
Gassho
Meitou
Satwithyoualltoday lah

[Kotei]

I just ordered the book, too.
Thank you for mentioning.

Playing with japanesque gardens myself, I know some of his garden designs from garden related publications.
His thoughts about Zen and Japanese Gardens are very inspiring to me.

Gassho,
Kotei sat/lah today.

[Jundo]

JUNDO REVIEW: The Art of Simple Living: 100 Daily Practices from a Japanese Zen Monk for a Lifetime of Calm and Joy by Shunmyo Masuno

This is a wonderful, wise and unique book. The Soto Priest and noted Japanese garden designer, Shunmyo Masuno, has put together 100 little lessons (each one is less than a page long), stories and tiny practices to bring a drop of Zen Wisdom and Compassion to our day (e.g., "plant a single seed, water it, and watch it closely each day as it grows" or "don't throw away, and completely repurpose, something you were about to toss in the trash.") Most of the practices take no time at all, can be done only once, or now and then, or as a permanent habit, and are very simple.

Will it be life changing? Well, it will change this one moment, and lead you to notice and experience aspects of life that might have slipped by you in our daily hustle and bustle. It is about slowing down, appreciating the small things, accepting the ups and downs of ordinary life a little bit more. I think that such small drops of change and stillness will have a positive and cumulative effect, yes. Each small practice or insight adds to bigger changes in our hearts. (Do make it a habit to say "thank you" when life hands you something even unwelcome, do try to really listen to a friend or stranger for a minute although you are otherwise distracted).

He does not mean for us to do all 100 practices each day, but maybe some only once, some now and then, and some might really stick to us and become a regular part of life. Try them and see.

For that reason, in a few weeks, I think we will begin a "Simple Living" Circle here at Treeleaf, similar to our art, sewing and Oryoki circles, for folks who might wish to get together and go through the exercises as a group, sharing their experiences. I am thinking that the exercises are so small, simple and not time consuming (maybe a minute or so for most), that we could do a couple each week, thus moving through the book's 100 pages as a one year cycle. When it opens, the group will be here:

"Simple Living" Practice Circle
https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/foru...ractice-Circle

I also have added the book close to the top our Treeleaf recommended Zen book list, with a recommendation for beginners and everyone.

SUGGESTED BOOK & MEDIA LIST for TREELEAF SANGHA

https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showthread.php?5711-SUGGESTED-BOOK-MEDIA-LIST-for-TREELEAF-SANGHA

So, I recommend the book to everyone. Although it will not revolutionize the world, it may revolutionize this single moment for you, or corners of your life. I invite you to join our "Simple Living" Circle when that starts in a couple of weeks.

Gassho, J

Ps - The book seems to be available as "Zen your life: Kleine Veränderungen mit großer Wirkung" in German. It seems to also be available in English under the alternative title, "Zen: The Art of Simple Living."

[Meitou]

Wonderful initiative Jundo, count me in.
Gassho
Meitou
Satwithyoualltoday lah

[Washin]

Thank you, Jundo. I will be there.

Gassho
Washin
just sat

[Kotei]

The book arrived and I am happy digesting it in the way you described.
Thank you Jundo.

Gassho,
Kotei sat/lah today.

[Doshin]

A good way to approach this gem. I will follow along.

Gassho
Doshin
St

[Tai Do]

Thank you, Jundo. Another great practice suggestion for the Sangha. I’ll look for the book and begin with you all as soon as I can buy it.
Gassho,
Mateus
Sat/LAH

[Gero]

Please count me in. My bookstore will have it ready on Wednesday.
Thank you!


Gero (sat today and lah)

[Seibu]

I'm ordering the book as well so I can join too.

Gassho,
Jack
Sattoday

[Washin]

Today my book arrived and I'm ready to follow along too.

Gassho
Washin
sattoday

[Jundo]

Our "Simple Living" Practice Circle is now open ... please stick in a toe or dive in ...

https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showthread.php?17020-Welcome-to-Simple-Living-Chapters-1-and-2

Gassho, Jundo

STLah