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Zen Seeds: 60 Essential Buddhist Teachings on Effort, Gratitude, and Happiness
From a living treasure of Japanese Zen, an inspiring collection of teachings about the power of Buddhist practice to help you transform suffering and touch the marrow of your life.
In this sparkling collection of teachings, Japanese Zen master Shundo Aoyama Roshi offers an entry to the authentic practice of Zen Buddhism. Or, rather, she offers a myriad of entries—for Zen Seeds , as its title suggests, is comprised of brief chapters meant to plant seeds of wisdom and compassion in readers. Ranging from classical Zen sources, such as the teachings of Dogen and the encounter stories of the koans, to anecdotes from Aoyama’s fascinating life and from those of her many students, the book paints a profoundly compelling portrait of the transformative possibilities of Zen. A pioneering female leader in the Soto Zen school, Aoyama Roshi demonstrates the power of practice for anyone seeking to lead a life of greater conviction and spiritual nourishment.
In this sparkling collection of teachings, Japanese Zen master Shundo Aoyama Roshi offers an entry to the authentic practice of Zen Buddhism. Or, rather, she offers a myriad of entries—for Zen Seeds , as its title suggests, is comprised of brief chapters meant to plant seeds of wisdom and compassion in readers. Ranging from classical Zen sources, such as the teachings of Dogen and the encounter stories of the koans, to anecdotes from Aoyama’s fascinating life and from those of her many students, the book paints a profoundly compelling portrait of the transformative possibilities of Zen. A pioneering female leader in the Soto Zen school, Aoyama Roshi demonstrates the power of practice for anyone seeking to lead a life of greater conviction and spiritual nourishment.
- GenresBuddhismSpirituality
152 pages, Paperback
Published August 6, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
October 2, 2019
Short selections by a wise Soto Zen wisdom teacher. One of the impressive qualities of the book is Aoyama's meekness: one feels her humble-heartedness, with insight to see her own shortcomings in light of her ideals. She demonstrates for us a faithfulness that is never complete, always on the Way. The selections are practical guides for embodying the Dharma in daily life, wise pointers universally applicable, like all wisdom, so that Buddhists and non-Buddhists can receive and enjoy inspiration and direction here for living a sane, compassionate life.
June 5, 2019
This is excellent. It's short but packed with wisdom and reminders. The book description mentions "spiritual nourishment" which is apt. Highly recommended.
It is an honor to receive the ARC for review!!
It is an honor to receive the ARC for review!!
January 15, 2020
Zen Seeds by Shundo Aoyama is a collection of 60 short lessons on the blessings Buddhism can bring to your life. Shundo entertains and enlightens with stories from her own life, as well as classical teachings, and koan teachings. She presents these lessons in an easy and engaging fashion that made me view Buddhism in a less pessimistic light than previously. My usual impression of the philosophy is dour, and in itself pessimistic. This book really showcases the gratitude aspect, and in seeing all people as one.
***Many thanks to the Netgalley & Shambhala Publications for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
***Many thanks to the Netgalley & Shambhala Publications for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
March 9, 2020
Zen Seeds provides 60 short essays for us to reflect on and use to become better human beings, more connected with each other and ourselves than before. Its simple, yet practical and timeless advice is needed now more than ever with the quickening of society's pace and its advice is useful for anyone struggling to find the Zen in their life.
Many thanks to the Netgalley & Shambhala Publications for the advance copy.
Many thanks to the Netgalley & Shambhala Publications for the advance copy.
September 21, 2020
A collection of short teachings by a Japanese female Zen master and teacher. I gained so much from reading this. It was insightful, warm, humble and beautifully written. I've long been fascinated with all things Zen, and this gracefully conveyed what makes it so appealing and enlightening. This book provides a real insight into what Zen Buddhism is and isn't, and I can see myself returning to it frequently in the future.
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July 22, 2023This book presents some deeply thoughtful anecdotes, but also comes from the perspective of a type of buddhism far more severe - and far more appreciative of being put through distress - than I could ever agree with.
December 22, 2023
author’s attitude can feel a little short sighted at times (dead bug on the vegetables story.. normally I’d pick it off too as to not embarrass the host but the phrasing was a bit ego-ful, may just be translation differences).. generous at others
June 10, 2019
Zen Seeds is a great short book, packed with interesting and useful wisdom. This would be a good book to keep in your table. Well written.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews