Compendium 34 — Zen: The Art of Simple Living
"The essence of Zen is in the beauty of simple things. There is beauty to be found in things that are stripped of everything that is unnecessary and that are without ornamentation." — Shunmyō Masuno
📖 Brief Overview
Zen: The Art of Simple Living is a concise and insightful book by Shunmyo Masuno, a Japanese Zen priest and garden designer. The book explores the principles of Zen philosophy and provides practical wisdom for leading a simpler and more fulfilling life in the midst of modern complexities. Masuno emphasizes the importance of mindfulness, simplicity, and living in the present moment.
The author offers a series of 100 brief, yet profound, reflections and practical tips that draw inspiration from Zen teachings. These insights cover various aspects of life, from daily routines to relationships, encouraging readers to embrace simplicity, appreciate the beauty in ordinary moments, and cultivate a sense of inner peace. Masuno's guidance is often rooted in the Japanese aesthetic, highlighting the elegance of minimalism and the harmony found in nature.
Zen: The Art of Simple Living serves as a guide for those seeking a more meaningful and balanced existence. It gently nudges readers to declutter their minds and surroundings, fostering a mindful approach to living. Whether addressing the importance of gratitude, the value of patience, or the impact of our daily habits, Masuno's reflections offer a roadmap to a simpler and more enriched life through the lens of Zen wisdom.
💡 Ten Big Ideas
1. Simple living
Consumption is a hallmark of the Western world. The age of information is upon us, a time when everything is available in abundance. Companies hire large teams to create ads that force us to accumulate. Our attention is their oxygen. Practising Zen is going against the grain. It's saying no to advertisers and yes to ourselves. Zen advises living a simple existence in every domain, stripping each aspect of life to the essentials. Simple, intentional, purposeful, choose the definition that works best for you. The idea is to have what you consider enough and no more.
"When things aren’t going well, we tend to think we are lacking in something. But if we want to change our current situation, we should first part with something before we look to acquire something else. This is a fundamental tenet of simple living."
"Living simply means, for instance, that the mug you use every day for coffee is a mug that you really like – one that you take good care of and that you will use for a long time. Acquire only good things that will truly be needed. A lifestyle of simplicity is the fundamental practice that will hone the mind."
2. Zazen meditation
The book emphasizes finding time to be alone with your thoughts and to sit quietly in nature. Zazen is a meditation practice that originates from Zen and is a chance to sweep the detritus from your mind. Meditation has many schools of thought. Zazen is the art of becoming aware of your thought patterns and bringing yourself into a state of inner peace.
"For zazen, first we assume the correct posture, next we focus on our breathing, and finally we steady our mind. Once we arrange all three of these things, then we begin to practise zazen. Try sitting zazen: empty your mind and allow your thoughts to float up and then drift away."
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