Introduction to The Modern Zen Life of Calm, Spirituality and Success”


The Power of Basics

The Power of Basics

How can we experience self-mastery and success by applying Zen principles?

World Teacher and Happy Science CEO Ryuho Okawa has released a new publication, “The Power of Basics: Introduction to the Modern Zen Life of Calm, Spirituality and Success.” This timely publication explores the principles of Zen Buddhism in a manner that can be applied to contemporary lifestyles. Unlike many other recent books about Zen Buddhism, “The Power of Basics” focuses primarily upon practical guidance that may be put into use immediately; rather than presenting itself in a grandiose fashion, it is instead a highly constructive and accessible work to the layman and spiritual practitioner alike.

Two concepts explored at length in this work are “the power of basics and the time of silence.” The essential concept behind the power of basics is that mastery in any area of life, be it work, business, meditation or otherwise, is achieved by mastering the basic tasks that form the foundation for said area. It can be difficult, especially in a contemporary society that often encourages instant gratification, to maintain the discipline necessary to master the basics. However, if such discipline can be maintained, mastery is the inevitable consequence. Throughout the book myriad examples are provided in order to explain this concept thoroughly and provide methods of putting it into practice.

The time of silence is a concept that has become lost to many people in contemporary civilization. One form of taking time for silence involves allowing oneself time for religious practice and devotion, as well as, and importantly, self-reflection. Another form of taking time for silence involves setting aside some time each day to study and learn something new. It is easy and fast to read concise information on the internet, but the extent to which this alone can produce genuine knowledge and wisdom is ultimately limited.

It is easy to become caught up in the fast-paced lifestyle of the modern world, but, as Okawa explains, it is nonetheless very possible to find time for silence. The key to this often exists in willfully reducing the distractions that one engages in. Excessive use of the internet, for example, can easily become a distraction, and one that few contemporary people can proclaim to be free of. The same can be said of watching television shows and movies. There is nothing inherently wrong with those things, but Okawa provides unique methods for how their use can be tempered so as to allow more time for personal development, even in the midst of a very busy schedule. Such applies even to those who may work several jobs and have a family; no situation is too busy that a time for silence cannot be found within it.

The latter half of “The Power of Basics” addresses matters such as remaining relevant in a competitive world and methods for developing an executive mindset. Okawa explains that even, and especially, the most successful people struggle daily to maintain their place in society, and provides methods that assist the reader in doing precisely this. Okawa uses examples from his own organization, Happy Science, to illustrate what positive and negative management styles may look like, and likewise provides advice as concerns how businesses can maintain a highly functional standard of order and operational success.

“The Power of Basics” is a truly unique contribution to the world of Zen Buddhist literature in that it is targeted towards regular people who experience regular difficulties in life. This work is appealing to a broad variety of readers, and can be very beneficial for those who feel overwhelmed or “burnt out” by the pressures of contemporary life. Pick up a copy of “The Power of Basics” today and learn how to live a calm and focused life that balances spiritual truth with material success.

The Power of Basics” is available at all major bookstores nationwide and online retailers, including Barnes & Noble and Amazon.

For in-depth commentary on the works of Ryuho Okawa, please listen to the Okawa Book Club podcast now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music.

IRH Press USA

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