This is a beginner's book written by a Zen monk (not a Zen master) who is practicing Japanese Zen Buddhism. If you want to learn Zen on a deeper level, it is best to personally experience it.

It is also beneficial if you meet a real Zen master. YKOriginally, this book was created to answer tourists' and guests' recurring questions about Zen, Japan, and life itself.

But this book is also meant for individuals who are interested in exploring other ways of thinking, in this case, the Zen life. I designed it in a way that is as if you are directly talking to the monk, and capture the essence of each lesson using straightforward language and an easy-to-read style since most of the visitors are non-Japanese and/or non-native English speakers, too.

This book won't promise anything especially that it will heal your past or help you secure your future. It is just one of the thousand if not a million ways to understand life and yourself.

It is composed of the most personal beliefs and experiences (and even contradictions) of Yodo san after a decade-long of being a Zen monk and a Zen retreat house owner. Like what he always says during the dinner at the retreat house, it's a never-ending process, a life-long journey for you to practice and understand your inner self better.

Let's take our time, one day at a time. AATABLE OF CONTENTSChapter 1: “No Separation” & “Just Now” Lesson 1: No, Hierarchy, Everything is Important! Lesson 2: Nature, Season Lesson 3: Sutra Copying, Chanting Lesson 4: Present Lesson 5: Everyday is your Birthday!Chapter 2: The “Right View” Lesson 6: Too Much Knowledge, Too Much Worry Lesson 7: Observe and You Will Realize Lesson 8: Four Marks of Existence Lesson 9: Emotions Lesson 10: Life Chapter 3: Meditation Lesson 11: Samatha & Vipassana Meditation Lesson 12: How to Do Zen Meditation (posture)? Lesson 13: How to Do Zen Meditation (breathing)? Lesson 14: How to Do Zen Meditation (mind)? Lesson 15: Nanso no Hou Chapter 4: Continue Lesson 16: Long Time Lesson 17: Skills & Talents Lesson 18: Process Lesson 19: No Guide Lesson 20: Don’t Rush, Learn to Wait Chapter 5: Traditional Japanese Culture Lesson 21: Relax, Stay Calm Lesson 22: Cleanliness Lesson 23: Minimalism, Simple Life Lesson 24: Relationship Lesson 25: Trust Your Master / Teacher Chapter 6: Throw away everything! Lesson 26: Balance Lesson 27: Find Community Lesson 28: Just Do It! Lesson 29: Find ‘Real Life’ Lesson 30: Throw Away Everything!.