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Zen: The Art of Simple Living

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Zen: The Art of Simple Living

By: Shunmyo Masuno, Harry Goldhawk, Zanna Goldhawk
Narrated by: Adam Sims
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About this listen

Penguin presents the audiobook edition of Zen: The Art of Simple Living by Shunmyo Masuno, read by Adam Sims.

Relax and find happiness amid the swirl of the modern world with this internationally bestselling guide to simplifying your life by a Japanese monk who embodies the wisdom of Zen.

Drawing on centuries of wisdom, renowned Zen Buddhist priest Shunmyo Masuno applies the essence of Zen to modern life in clear, practical, easily adopted lessons - one a day for 100 days. Discover how:

* Lining up your shoes after you take them off can bring order to your life
* Putting down your fork after every bite can help you feel more grateful for what you have
* Spending time barefoot can strengthen your body
* Planting a flower and watching it grow can teach you to embrace change
* Going outside to watch the sunset can make every day feel celebratory

In Zen: The Art of Simple Living, you will learn to find happiness not by seeking out extraordinary experiences but by making small changes - to what you do, how you think, how you interact with others and how you appreciate the present moment. With each task, you will open yourself up to a renewed sense of peace and inner calm.

 Alternative & Complementary Medicine Buddhism Meditation Personal Development Philosophy Spirituality Stress Management Happiness Wisdom

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Critic reviews

Brings the spirit of Zen Buddhism to everyday life . . . 100 snack-size Zen activities you can do daily to add more calm to your life
Full of the simplest yet richest rituals to adopt in order to live a long and happy life, this book of wisdom is a soothing balm of peace for anyone living in the busy modern world
Does for mental clutter what Marie Kondo has done for household clutter: pare down and simplify . . . A bestseller in Japan, this will certainly resonate with fans of Zen practice, or those simply looking to declutter a busy mind
A pretty book to dip into for insights into a Japanese mindset
With clear, practical and easy-to-follow lessons - one a day for 100 days - renowned Buddhist monk Shunmyo Masuno draws on centuries of wisdom to show you how to apply the essence of Zen to modern life
You don't have to be into Japanese Zen Buddhism to appreciate this very prettily illustrated book of concise and nonjudgmental life lessons. It doesn't require long reading times - the bitesize paragraphs are perfect as quick bedtime reading or as an anti-anxiety boost first thing in the morning.
Zen is one of the most beautiful books I've bought. I finished reading it with a renewed sense of peace . . . I can guarantee that after reading this, your heart will feel lighter and you'll feel alive with a warm, refreshing energy
All stars
Most relevant
I hope to relisten to it again and again it reminds you that life is fleeting, and it's more important to enjoy each moment, instead of chasing a destination

it was a beautiful and motivating read.

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An enriching and soothing listen. Occasionally strange logic (perhaps some of the 100 points needed further elaboration, as each is brief), but this is a well of healthy and easily-understood wisdom.

Well worth listening to

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This is probably one of the best summaries of the Japanese branch of Zen Buddhism I've ever read.

Brilliant and to the point

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Refereshing, uplifting and enlightening. A book for every household. Easily digestible and perfect for picking up when feeling a little blue or anxious. A great reminder of the profound beauty in the simple things in life. Thank you

Absolute gem

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Fantastic source of wisdom, clear, practical and enjoyable. This is a book that I will listen to many times.

Fabulous gem

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