Zen for Druids: A Further Guide to Integration, Compassion and Harmony with Nature

by Joanna van der Hoeven

The teachings of Zen Buddhism combined with the earth-based tradition of Druidry can create a holistic way of life that is deeply integrated with the seasons, the environment and the present moment. In soul-deep relationship we can use the techniques and wisdom from both traditions to find balance and harmony within our own lives. In this text we explore the concepts of the Dharma (the Buddha's teachings) and how they relate to the wisdom of the Druid tradition. We also look at the Wheel of the Year in modern Druidry with regards to the Dharma, incorporating the teachings into every seasonal festival in an all-encompassing celebration of nature. We explore meditation, mindfulness, animism and integration with nature, learning how to find sustainable relationship in the work that we do, opening our souls to the here and now and seeing the beauty and wonder that enchants our lives in every waking moment. Step into a new life, fully awake and aware to the beauty of the natural world.

Genres: Spirituality, Buddhism, Paganism, Philosophy

144 pages, Paperback

Published October 28, 2016

About the author

Joanna van der Hoeven was born in Quebec, Canada. She moved to the UK in 1998, where she now lives with her husband in a small village near the coast of the North Sea.

Joanna is a former Trustee of The Druid Network. She has studied with Emma Restall Orr and the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids. She has a BA Hons English Language and Literature degree.

She is currently enjoying writing fiction, and her Witches of the New Forest series has been wonderfully received.

Reviews

[January Gray]

Loved this book. It finally helped me understand the connection we have with nature.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good explanation of the similarities of Druidry and Zen Buddhism

I enjoyed this book which outlined the similarities between Druids and Zen Buddhists. As a follower of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh it helped that the author relied much on his philosophy. As a Zen Buddhist, I discovered the similarities when I took a course on Druidry. There I discovered, at least where nature is concerned, Zen and Druidry share a lot of traditions just with different names. Thich Nhat Hanh's Plum Village tradition of Zen Buddhism holds nature in the highest regard. We commit to do no harm to nature and consider Mother Gaia a Bodhisattva to whom we pay tribute to in various ways on a regular basis. It was nice to find, in the author, someone else who has noticed the connections. Now I don't feel so alone and consider myself a Zen Druid.

[J. d'Merricksson · Rating 5 out of 5]

**This book was reviewed via Netgalley**


Van der Hoeven’s Zen for Druids is her second book focuses on combining the nature spiritualism of Druidry with the teachings and tenets of Buddhism. She makes a note that the reader should have read the previous Zen Druidry before reading this one. I would disagree, and say that a familiarity with either Druidry or Zen is sufficient. I have passing knowledge of Zen, and a strong knowledge of Druidry, and had no difficulty in understanding and integrating the text material.


There are five different parts, with various subheadings. Each subheading has questions for the reader to consider, and some have exercises. The first covers the basic precepts of Zen Buddhism. The second looks at the pagan Wheel of the Year, tying one aspect of the Eightfold Path to each of the eight High Days (Solstices, Equinoxes, and the four Celtic Fire Festivals of Samhain, Involved, Beltane, and Lughnasadh). The third and fourth parts focus on meditation and mindfulness practices, and how Zen aspects of these can tie to Druidry. The fifth, and last, looks to fully integrating all of these teaching into a whole practise.


I found this book fascinating. van der Hoeven explained the Zen teachings in such a way that I understood them better than any other books on the subject I've read this far, making it seem more obtainable a goal than its ever seemed before. I may take the Wheel of the Year challenge, adapting as needed to my circumstances. I've been wanting to rekindle my Druid practise, and integrate it with my Rokkatru beliefs.


📚📚📚📚📚 Highly recommended for any with an interest in adding Zen practise to their Druidry. Also, for a good, concise overview of Zen teachings.

[Dawn Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zen for Druids A Further Guide to Integration Compassion and Harmony with Nature by Joanna Van Der Hoeven

145 Pages
Publisher: John Hunt Publishing / Moon Books
Release Date: November 25, 2016

Nonfiction, Religion, Spirituality, Health, Mind, Body, Spirit

The book is divided into the following chapters.

Part one: Druidry and the Dharma
Chapter One: The Three Treasures
Chapter Two: The Four Noble Truths
Chapter Three: The Five Precepts
Chapter Four: The Eightfold Path
Chapter Five: The Sixteen Bodhisattva Precepts

Part Two: The Wheel of the Year
Chapter Six: Samhain
Chapter Seven: Winter Solstice
Chapter Eight: Imbolc
Chapter Nine: Spring Equinox
Chapter Ten: Beltane
Chapter Eleven: Summer Solstice
Chapter Twelve: Lughnasadh
Chapter Thirteen: Autumn Equinox

Part Three: Meditation
Chapter Fourteen: Mindtraps
Chapter Fifteen: Preparation, Posture and Basic Meditation

Part Four: Mindfulness
Chapter Sixteen: Mindful Mondays and the Present Moment
Chapter Seventeen: Animism and the Present Moment

Part Give: Integration
Chapter Eighteen: Ego, the Self and Identity
Chapter Nineteen: Awen and Relationship


This book is based on the tenets of Buddhism and Druidry. She mentions that if any part of the book does not resonate with the reader, to just flip the page and continue. The author has a relaxing reading style. I felt at peace as I was reading this book. Her words made so much sense to me. It is so natural to blend the two religions. If you are Buddhist or Pagan, you will enjoy reading this book.

[Ionia · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you, like me, are interested in spirituality, but are undecided exactly what you believe, this book is a great place to continue reading and learning. This book delves into the concepts of the Dharma, and explains in an easy to understand manner what these teachings mean and how they can relate to Druid tradition.

I love the concepts of harmony with nature, and it is a big part of my fledgling belief system, so this was an ideal book for me. The author gives you a lot of positive reinforcements throughout her writing and helps you to see that you can turn negative forces in your life into positive things. The writing is beautiful and uplifting and made me want to learn more about these things and share them with others.

I would certainly recommend this book to others looking to expand their knowledge on these topics. This book not only teaches you, but us also interesting to read. Great job by the author.

This review is based on a complementary copy from the publisher, provided through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

[April Harvey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to review this book because it spoke to a part of me that I haven't been in touch with in a long time. I studied philosophy in college and enjoyed it so much that I actually earned enough credits that it could have been a minor. The part that always struck a nerve with me was learning about Buddhism. I remember it was a little hard to understand in the beginning. This book breaks down so many of the concepts and principles in an easy to understand method. It rekindled my need to revisit these beliefs and put them back into practice in my own life and with the addition of Druid beliefs I am even more inspired.

[Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This works for me.... I don't see how Druids and Buddhism go together, as little is actually know of druidism.... But I suppose any self help book is bound to be helpful to someone! I do believe New Age and Buddhism go together very well , as can neo-paganism, so this book has it's up side! I did think it was well written and an uncomplicated guide to making your life better and happier. I know quite a few people who would enjoy this book and will probably either recommend it or purchase it as a gift.

I received a Kindle ARC in exchange for a fair review from Netgally.

[D.J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book describes Zen Buddhism and Druidry, comparing and discussing the two ways of being. There is much information to contemplate and apply to your own life as desired. There is a sense of peace that emanates from each page of the book.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher on Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This meshing of zen buddhist and druidic principles is both intuitive and beautiful. An amazing and well written book.

Received for a fair and honest review

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good.

[Erik Steevens · Rating 3 out of 5]

a rather short but helpful explanation of how to make your daily life much better