
Engaging Storytelling: The core of the book lies in its collection of Zen stories, often presented as anecdotal scenarios involving masters and students. These stories are engaging and thought-provoking, offering a break from the more theoretical aspects of self-help literature. They provide concrete examples of how Zen principles can be applied to everyday situations, making the concepts more relatable and digestible.
The Zen Mirror: Stories & Teachings to Guide You to Inner Peace, Positive Thinking, and Mindfulness. The author thoroughly explains the seven Zen principles, each accompanied by a story that resonates with its true meaning. When integrated into everyday life, these principles can transform our mindset and lead to a more mindful, compassionate, and fulfilling life. For instance, if we approach our tasks, challenges, and interactions as if we are doing it for the first time, we will fulfill the 1st principle, Shoshin, by meditating and focusing on openness. The second principle is Zanshin, where we practice mindfulness, noticing detail, and giving our full attention. The third principle, Mushin, is a flow state where action and awareness merge. The fourth principle, fundoshi, signifies our grounding, deep breathing, and steadfastness against chaos. We maintain our center. Our fifth principle is to declutter, self-reflect, and resonate with authenticity. In our sixth principle, kasha, we express gratitude by journaling and expressing appreciation, and finally, in the seventh principle, Sejaku, we dedicate our time to stillness. A lifelong practice of all 7 Zen principles, shown in layman's and Buddhist terms, could positively impact our lives. I enjoyed reading this book. It is excellent to refer back to.
The Zen Mirror: Stories & Teachings to Guide You to Inner Peace, Positive Thinking, and Mindfulness. The author thoroughly explains the seven Zen principles, each accompanied by a story that resonates with its true meaning. When integrated into everyday life, these principles can transform our mindset and lead to a more mindful, compassionate, and fulfilling life. For instance, if we approach our tasks, challenges, and interactions as if we are doing it for the first time, we will fulfill the 1st principle, Shoshin, by meditating and focusing on openness. The second principle is Zanshin, where we practice mindfulness, noticing detail, and giving our full attention. The third principle, Mushin, is a flow state where action and awareness merge. The fourth principle, fundoshi, signifies our grounding, deep breathing, and steadfastness against chaos. We maintain our center. Our fifth principle is to declutter, self-reflect, and resonate with authenticity. In our sixth principle, kasha, we express gratitude by journaling and expressing appreciation, and finally, in the seventh principle, Sejaku, we dedicate our time to stillness. A lifelong practice of all 7 Zen principles, shown in layman's and Buddhist terms, could positively impact our lives. I enjoyed reading this book. It is excellent to refer back to.
The Zin Miror is refreshing. In a world that is often rushed and details overlooked, author Kai T. Murano gives readers permission to slow down and taste life. I gained understanding that Zin is a way of living and experiencing life that I can aspire to, especially the taking time to develop relationships without preconceptions. I love the idea of being a part of re-discovery and an openness. I loved this book!
'The Zen Mirror: Stories & Teachings" by Mr. Murano is a clear and helpful guide to understanding and practicing Zen philosophy in everyday life. The book is well-organized and easy to follow, making it a great choice for both beginners and those familiar with Zen. Each chapter focuses on a different Zen principle, and provides background information, practical advice, and exercises to help you apply these ideas to your daily routine. The author's writing is engaging, and the stories included help bring the teachings to life. This book is perfect for anyone looking to live more mindfully and find peace in the midst of life's chaos. It's a must-read for those wanting to add more calm and purpose to their lives.
THE ZEN MIRROR, was a very interesting and well written. This was my first time being introduced to Zen. I found it very interesting and informative. It went over the 7 fundamental Zen principles and explained each one very well. It also used several stories to explain each principle very well. This book is excellent in describing all the different principles of Zen. I am glad that I read it for it has definitely expanded my knowledge of Zen and give me a real understanding of it. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to learn about Zen.
This book offers a clear and insightful introduction to the practice of Zen. Before reading it, I knew little about Zen, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that many of its concepts have universal appeal. The Zen principles discussed are simple yet profound, emphasizing the importance of living in the moment with peace and clarity. One principle that particularly stood out to me was Shoshin—Beginner’s Mind, which encourages approaching life with curiosity and openness as if seeing everything for the first time. The book's introduction sets a calm, reflective tone, making it a valuable resource for both newcomers and experienced Zen practitioners alike.
There is so much good and positive to be said about this book I hardly know where to begin. The author is articulate, erudite and incredibly knowledgable about his subject. The structure of the book is straight forward and yet, sophisticated in a way that will not intimidate a novice taking her or his first dive into the study of Zen philosophy. The anecdotal stories are wonderful and instructive, the practical exercises informative with plenty of insights for application of the seven Zen principles to everyday life. As a writer, I found so much practical application for what I learned in this book that I can apply to my own work. This book belongs on the shelf of every person serious about finding a more peaceful, insightful, mindful and creative way of living in this mess of a world in which we find ourselves. Kudos to Mr. Murano. Beside being an authoritative study of Zen practice, his prose are eloquent, sentence structures and composition make the reading pure pleasure. The book is edited correctly with proper grammar and excellent vocabulary. Buy this book! You will never regret it.
I found this book to be a great informative book on what practicing Zen means. I didn’t know much about Zen before reading the book and was surprised to realize many of the concepts are universal. The author breaks down ancient wisdom to clear, engaging lessons, especially the concept of Shoshin, which teaches us to approach life with fresh curiosity. If you’re looking to reduce stress and improve your daily routine and also just learn some ancient wisdom with practical advice and approachable style I think this book is a valuable resource.
The Zen Mirror offers a thoughtful and accessible approach to Zen principles, seamlessly integrating ancient wisdom into modern life. The book's mission to demystify Zen, paired with practical exercises and reflection questions, makes it an invaluable companion for anyone seeking balance, mindfulness, and personal growth. The introduction sets a tranquil tone, inviting readers to explore Zen as a philosophy and daily practice. It is an excellent resource for both beginners and seasoned practitioners of Zen.









