Everything is Zen: A personal view of the Spiritual Practices of Japan
About this audiobook
dear reader,
i wanted to take a moment to share some personal thoughts and reflections on my book, “everything is zen: a personal view of the spiritual practices of japan.”
as i wrote this book, i was keenly aware of the zen principle of “wabi-sabi,” which celebrates the beauty of imperfection, transience, and simplicity. this principle reminds us that there is a deep and abiding beauty in the imperfect, the unfinished, and the flawed. it invites us to embrace the natural cycles of birth, growth, decay, and death, and to find joy and meaning in each moment, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant.
in writing this book, i sought to embody this principle of wabi-sabi by allowing the imperfections, rough edges, and unfinished aspects of my writing to shine through. i wanted this book to be an honest and authentic expression of my own journey with zen, rather than a polished and perfect presentation of a set of teachings.
i hope that this approach resonates with you, the reader, and that it encourages you to embrace your own imperfections, and to find beauty and meaning in the unfinished and the imperfect. i hope that my book has served as a catalyst for your own exploration of zen and that it has inspired you to continue on your own path of self-discovery and spiritual growth.
finally, i want to express my sincere gratitude to you for taking the time to read my book. writing is a deeply personal and vulnerable act, and it is a true honor to have my words and ideas received with openness and curiosity. thank you for sharing this journey with me, and i wish you all the best on your own journey through life.
your candahashi
About the author
dear readers, i am hermann candahashi, an author. the unique blend of tradition and modernity that japan offers has always fascinated me and has now become the main subject of my writing. my love for japanese culture began in my early teens.
an avid reader of japanese literature myself, i have always been drawn to books that provide insight into asian cultures. japanese literature has been an important source of inspiration for me, and i have spent countless hours reading japanese authors such as haruki murakami, yukio mishima and natsume soseki, kobo abe, and others. their works have given me a deeper understanding of japan’s complex history and culture and help shape my own writing.
in addition to literature, i am also passionate about japanese cuisine. from the delicate flavors of sushi to the rich broths of ramen, japanese cuisine is a work of art. the care and attention to detail that goes into every dish has always fascinated me. i spent years studying and experimenting with japanese cuisine, and eventually even wrote my own cookbook celebrating the beauty and flavors of japanese food.
as an author, i want to bring the beauty and complexity of japanese culture and cuisine to life through my words. i hope to inspire you, the reader, to explore and appreciate the richness of this amazing country for yourself, and to share my passion for japan through my writing.
my books do not claim to be scientific or even complete. rather, i would like to bring you closer to a very special country and its people, their customs and traditions in a relaxed and entertaining way. should i succeed in this, i would have achieved my goal.
last but not least, it’s time to thank a woman whose love i’ve enjoyed for years and without whose inspiration and perseverance my books would have remained mere ideas. she is my inspiration and strict critic at all times. i am grateful to have you. without you, this would not be possible!
thank you for taking the time to learn more about me and my work. i look forward to sharing my stories and insights with you.
your candahashi
