Zen Rohatsu

by Nora D'Ecclesis

Zen Rohatsu is the A to Z of Zen, as it is the backstory of why we meditate, live mindfully and have a spiritual practice. The Zazen Meditation combines the practice with mind and body from a 2,700 year old philosophy. It informs us of the potential enlightenment from suffering that historical Buddha experienced while sitting under a fig tree in ancient times. Meditation keeps us in the present with focus, equanimity and stress management. Rohatsu is a spiritual practice of meditative zazen that occurs on the eighth day of the twelfth month on the Gregorian calendar. The meditation sessions, which focus on Zazen Meditation rather than scriptures or rituals, are celebrated for seven days in advance of December 8th by Zen practitioners all over the world. The Rohatsu days and nights are replicated enactments of how we think historical Buddha from the Shakyamuni tribe achieved enlightenment. It includes a look at why Buddha sat in front of that banyan fig tree known as a peepul tree in Bodh Gaya in India.

Zen is but one branch of the Buddhist tradition that emerged as a result of those eight days, many years ago before written word. This is the story of how the concept of Buddhist enlightenment emerged from the Buddha’s days on earth. Rohatsu is unique to Mahayana Zen — Japanese Zen which celebrates the Rohatsu experience. It is an introduction to the spiritual practice. We learn from the historical perspective in this book of what motivated Siddhartha’s experience and the men and women who ultimately expanded it globally to share the core concepts. Buddha was a man, not a deity, who found his enlightenment and set his path, avoiding suffering by controlling his thoughts and desires. Buddha always replied, according to ancient verbal communications, “I am awake.”

63 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 31, 2022

About the author

Nora D’Ecclesis is an American bestselling non-fiction author and Haiku poet. Her international #1 bestseller “The Retro Budget Prescription” held the top kindle book downloads in business/self help for over a year. Nora is a graduate of Kean University of New Jersey with post graduate degrees in administration and education. She has a long history of presenting events, retreats and seminars focused on wellness and stress reduction techniques.

Nora’s published non-fiction include Amazon #1 bestseller “Haiku: Natures Meditation” and paperbacks/ebooks on topics such as time management, guided visualizations, gratitude/equanimity, journaling and zen meditation.

In June, 2017 she added novelist to her list with the publication of “Twin Flame” written with her Co-Author, William R. Forstchen who is a New York Times #1 bestselling novelist. Twin Flame is a novella about a man meeting, courting and marrying his soulmate. Nora defines the holistic concept of twin flames in relationships. It is a blending of views about faith, love and perseverance from a universal spiritual perspective. The narration includes insights from Nora’s expertise in Zen, Meditation and Reiki. The book embraces the concept that there is a higher plan for everyone and that twin flames are created long before birth.

Reviews

[Denise Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bodhisattva's and Saints


The use of the celebration of Rohatsu is a fascinating approach to better understanding how Siddhartha Buddha formulated his middle path, for a more spiritual life. The author’s unique approach to taking us back to those early days of zen are done in a well written and chronological sequence that answers the questions on the practice of zen meditation. 

Jizo and the other Buddhist saint like bodhisattva's in that chapter were fascinating. After hearing Dr. D’Ecclesis lecture on the subject of multicultural mindfulness at the International B.I.H. I have enjoyed reading her books and this one is by far outstanding. It is a must read for many of us who have high levels of stress and few hours of free time in the day which is probably best spent in a meditative practice.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book seeks to answer the question of why do we meditate and how it might be helpful. Examples of meditation are included in the book, and there is a discussion on how to use mala beads. I enjoyed learning about key figures in the history of Buddhism, starting with Siddhartha Gautama Buddha's journey to enlightenment.

I do wish there was a longer section on the author's personal connection to Buddhism and experiences over the years. But the positives are many in this read, so I give it 4 out of 5 stars. I was gifted the softcover version of this book in return for an honest review.

[Diana Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Universal Appeal Not Esoteric

Zen Rohatsu is a clear and concise perspective on why we meditate using historical buddha as the primary source and more importantly why we should meditate. Nora's chronological depiction of how it all started, using the backstory of one zen holiday called Rohatsu informs us by simplifying the practice and path. I recommend this book to everyone either beginner or advanced interested in meditation who want less stress and a more spiritual life.

[Michael Froilan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book. I will be revisiting it for sure. Infinitely recommend! :)