Now and Zen: Notes from a Buddhist Monastery: with Illustrations

by Eiyû Murakoshi, Meredith McKinney (Translator)

'In Japan we have an expression, 'Float like Cloud, Flow like Water'. Its meaning to live free and unconstrained'In this short introduction to Zen Buddhism, a practising Japanese monk shares the many lessons he has learned from life inside a temple.With charm and humour, he guides us through everything from meditation to tea-drinking ceremonies, the meaning of koans to preparing Zen food. Accompanied by the author's own illustrations, this book invites you to change your perception through the wisdom of monastic life.

Genres: Buddhism, Religion, Nonfiction

102 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 27, 2020

Reviews

[Kid · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gentle and also a hilarious introduction to Zen Buddhism and life in monastery. The lightheartedness of author’s writing style really makes it more relatable to us normal people. Highly recommended if you’re interested in Zen Buddhism. Of course, this book has flaws, so it might not be your cup of tea. But I really enjoyed reading it.

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learnt so much on this informal and brief introduction to Japanese Buddhism from the Zen (Rinzai) teachings, was just right not to get overwhelmed, and left me pondering.

[9K2MX · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is not informative and reads like a bad comic strip of the a person that is not very good at being a monk. All your going to get are, a basic outline of the schools and a touch of background on the history (look it up on line and get better insight) and maybe some terms and a general description of what that term may mean. If the following sentence makes sense to you (not from the book, but follows some of the logic, similarly) :" my teacher told us that mind over matter, and that the body should always endure, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger right? So with courage I picked up a scolding caldron with my bear hands and got very bad burns that day!. Any way the point is not to let fear control your life, and be brave". Then you may like picking up this long winded collection of dribble. - illustrations are cute though.

[Tibor Bende · Rating 4 out of 5]

A light introduction to the spiritual and material life in a Zen (Rinzai) temple. It is light as it gives an overview that even laymen can follow and light in its humour as leads into this world while it stays relatable. In the end also this book is kō.

[Chloegeo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t think i would do well in the dojo. Too many situations where the monks are like i have a secret but im not gonna tell you, figure it out yourself.

[Jessie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Light, easy read. Fun pictures. Down to earth, like youre just having a chat. Have more questions tho

[Winnie Lim · Rating 4 out of 5]

really appreciated the illustrations and the mundaneness.