IF YOU SEEK IT YOU CANNOT FIND IT
is a well known Zen Buddhist saying that most people would consider contradictory or nonsensical. Those that practice Zen seriously know it as a fundamental truth that will free you from a very narrow viewpoint. The goal of this book is to unsettle your mind, expand your view, and change your perspective. Inside you will find >>>>
• Zen meditation instructions including various postures
• Using your breath as a tool to stay in the moment
• Zen quotes from masters and others
• A short story illustrating a Zen Buddhist principle
• A Zen comic strip for your viewing pleasure
Targeted Age Group:: young adult to adult
What Inspired You to Write Your Book?
The primary reason for writing this book is that ordinary people will buy it and I will make some money. That is the honest answer and it may sound mercenary and even selfish but it is honest. One of the traits that is developed after many years of practicing Zen meditation is the ability to be honest especially with oneself.
The second reason is a genuine hope that someone will read this book and it will inspire them to begin a Zen meditation practice. Zen has absolutely changed my life in many, many positive ways and it began with a book that I read almost 40 years ago. Knowing that my book may be the catalyst for someone’s journey of discovery is pretty inspirational.
How Did You Come up With Your Characters?
nonfiction
Book Sample
Ok, so now let’s say we have a problem with our expectations and disappointments. I thought the Buddha said, “All things are perfect exactly as they are.” Well both these statement are true. We have problems and everything is perfect. Wow, that is more like it! We finally have a Zen saying that we can all support wholeheartedly. I can already see the bumper sticker. What you must understand is that it is not the problems that are the problem but it is all of our aversions and attachments that we pile on top of the problems that are the problem. This is why we sit and meditate so we can eliminate the aversions and attachments and then we can see the problems clearly. We can directly confront the problems with wisdom and compassion and we can either solve the problems or more likely we will see the problems as perfect exactly as they are.
WE HAVE PROBLEMS AND EVERTHING IS PERFECT! bumper sticker
About the Author:
Throughout my life the subjects that interest me have been varied and eclectic. My Mom taught me how to crochet and my Dad taught me how to shoot clay pigeons with a shotgun. I like high tech stuff and I built a Tesla coil once that scared anyone who got too close to it. I was employed in the tech world for many years but that is behind me now. Zen meditation is important to me and I believe it has fundamentally changed my life for the better. Right now I am an artist/author but I was solely an artist before I became an author. I make art mostly for my own enjoyment and as a creative outlet. I am approaching writing from a slightly different angle. Of course writing is a creative craft also but most of the books that I write are more about being informative and less about being strictly artsy. I do strive for quality and style just like I do in my other artistic endeavors. Ultimately I am trying to provide an informative, enlightening product that is also entertaining and fun to read. I hope you agree. Thanks. Rich Leyden
Links to Purchase eBooks
Link To Buy Zen to Order Volume 2 On Amazon
