Discover Zen: A Practical Guide to Personal Serenity

by David Fontana

The latest title in our highly successful mind, body and spirit series, Discover Zen is a beautifully illustrated and inspiring guide to this ancient Asian philosophy. The straightforward text and over 30 step-by-step exercises guide the reader thorough classic Zen practices, such as meditation and understanding koans (puzzling parables) as well as sensuous rituals like creating a Zen rock garden, writing haiku poetry, or performing a tea ceremony. Delicate illustrations and quotations from the great Zen masters encourage contemplation. Although it is a movement of Buddhism, Zen principles are complementary to any system of belief. Zen techniques offer a respite from the stress of daily life, provide a healthy outlet for emotions, and promote spiritual growth and understanding. By teaching us to live in the moment, Zen infuses serenity into every aspect of life.

Genres: Nonfiction, Buddhism, Philosophy, Self Help

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

David G.J. Fontana FBPsS was a British psychologist, parapsychologist and author. He was Professor of Psychology at Cardiff University. He was also visiting professor at Liverpool John Moores University and the University of Algarve.

Reviews

[Jerry Wall]

What is it that lives in the silence between thoughts. p. 33
There is final freedom from the limitations of self and the cycle of death and rebirth. p. 34
ten great precepts p.106
The three pure precepts 1. Refrain from evil. 2. Do only good [in yur inner life -- thoughts, meditation] 3. Do good for others [in your outer life -- show compassion, avoid violence, and so on] p. 106
. . . the Zen mind demands that we say what we see, not what we think we see. p. 110
Bankei's wisdom: novice among many steals and rest of group asked that he be expelled from group.
Master Bankei says our brother does not yet know the difference between right and wrong. If he leaves who will teach him if I do not? You all may leave if you wish, he stays. p. 119
Joy in the morning, sleep at night -- what else? * * * When an ordinary man gains knowledge he is a safe; when a sage gains understanding, he is an ordinary man. Zen saying. p. 132

life itself is the ultimate koan. p. 133
Master and novice study together all day into the night. The novice retires and returns saying to the master that the hall is dark. The master says take this candle. The novice takes the candle to retire and the master snuffs it out.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

In our fast paced world, this book is wonderful for taking a meditative approach throughout the day. For anyone who has been curious about Zen Buddhism, this is a great start for learning about its practices. From Zen sayings, to Zen painting, and flower arranging it provides some great slices for relaxation.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good basic introduction to Zen practice. I recommend reading a chapter per week to give one time to absorb, contemplate and put into practice what is read. It's a resource for those looking for a brief overview in order to determine if further study is desired/warranted given its inherent disciplined approach to spirituality.

[Daishin 寺]

Teniendo en cuenta que zazen es una práctica compleja y difícil de definir, que busca una práctica cotidiana y lucha con los elementos que establecen el tiempo y el momento presente, sí, nos hace falta el trabajo del boddhisatva ya más hecho cuerpo.

#Tecnología #Jātakas #Medicina #BuenosHábitos #Ejercicios #Poderes

[One · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. It was interesting to read, even if a few things were a bit confusing, but overall it was interesting. I also liked the Zen drawings throughout the pages.

[Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

A touch over two years of slowly working through this book and I know now (I knew a while back) that I am not cut out to be a Buddhist. However, there are some amazing take-aways from the text, regardless. The sections on meditation, and some of the koans have helped me in my quest for more balance and self-understanding.

[Chaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

very good introduction to the origins or zen... actually mentions shaolin!

[Jon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great introduction to Zen Buddhism and ways in which it may be applied to life in the West.

[Jordan Kinsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read it. I filed it away in my mind. Moving on...

[Brandon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grade: 89% / 'B+'

[Melinda Doucette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. I read it probably about 5 years ago or more and I would like to look at it again one day. I remember this book having particular beautiful pages.

[Kevin Davis]

Enlightening

[Jeanne Daly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great introduction to Zen and a good starting point.