Zen and Happiness - by Joshua R Paszkiewicz (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Hone your Zen practice and harness joy

Life is filled with thrilling highs, crushing lows, and everything in between. But often, we spend too much time planning for and reacting to our experiences, rather than simply "being" in them. This thoughtful guide shows you how to integrate Zen traditions into your daily life so you can focus on letting go, being present, and finding bliss in the moment.

What makes this a standout among Zen books:

• Get an insight into Zen--Learn about the foundations of Zen as you delve into its Buddhist roots, investigate a beginner's mind, and gain greater awareness of how the practice spurs self-reflection.
• Redefine happiness--Through the lens of Zen Buddhism, see how mindfulness observations can help you achieve greater contentment.
• Develop a practice--Discover a range of exercises to help you put the principles of Zen into practice, from mindful eating to walking meditations.

Cultivate happiness through regular Zen practice with help from this insightful guide.

Review Quotes

"Zen and Happiness is a wonderful guide to beginning or refining a Zen meditation practice. It has something for everyone who wishes to become more aware and fulfilled in work, recreation, and relationships. The combination of historical references, practical information, and personal stories make it unique in Zen literature." --Al Rapaport, roshi, spiritual director of Open Mind Zen International

"Dr. Joshua Paszkiewicz has given us a beautiful gift. There has never been a time in human history when accessing the tranquility and quiescence produced by correct meditation practice has been more necessary. Joshua (aka Zen Master Deok Shim) displays a marvelous talent for expressing the core teachings of the Buddha as well as select insights of prominent teachers throughout the centuries, and presents them in a simple and well-ordered manner. The time-honored and simple techniques presented in this book are a guidepost to keep us centered. If utilized and practiced on a daily basis, they are sure to provide the reader with the necessary tools to maintain a clear life direction, one that is poised to meet the oftentimes troubling and daunting aspects of 21st century life." --Zen Master Ji Haeng, abbot and guiding teacher of the Zen Center of Las Vegas

"Joshua Paszkiewicz is one of the young generation of Zen teachers in the West. Zen and Happiness offers a delightful and subversive introduction to Zen. Along with the basics, he unfolds the many dimensions of happiness. A good read, informative, and inviting." --James Ishmael Ford, author of If You're Lucky, Your Heart Will Break and Introduction to Zen Koans

"Joshua's presentation of Zen is an accessible and invigorating introduction for the beginner and an excellent tool for exploring and expanding your relationship with your practice for the adept. If you need to open the windows and refresh your practice or are just getting started, Zen and Happiness is just the guide you need." --Venerable Dr. Thich Hue Hai, monk and chaplain

"Zen masters may be able to personally guide their students toward happiness, but few masters are also able to convey such guidance to those they have never met by writing a book. Dr Paszkiewicz is such a master, celebrated internationally, and his Zen and Happiness is such a book. This book not only recalled and refreshed the practice I then began, but enhanced and deepened my appreciation for how the Zen presented in this book can be of enormous help to so many others." --The Rev. Dr. Vern Barnet, founder & minister emeritus of the Center for Religious Experience and Study - CRES, and author of Thanks for Noticing: The Interpretation of Desire

About the Author

JOSHUA R. PASZKIEWICZ is a multi-religious cleric and scholar who trained in Zen traditions in Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. He's also taught Zen around the world and served as an official delegate to the first White House-US Buddhists Leaders Conference as well as the United Nations' International Day of Vesak. Additionally, Joshua maintains a practice of spiritually integrative psychotherapy and teaches traditional life protection arts. To learn more, visit DRJRP.com.