This Truth Never Fails
A Zen Memoir in Four Seasons
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- $9.99
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- $9.99
Publisher Description
This Truth Never Fails is a playful yet well-grounded narrative of a year in the life of an unusual Zen master. Far from the silent and detached stereotype of Zen teachers, Rynick writes with disarming humor, offering both the struggles and the joys of ordinary life as opportunities for insight. Anyone looking for inspiration to bring a simple spiritual awareness into their daily lives, and also those interested in finding ways to more deeply integrate faith (in any tradition) with practice will find this book reassuring and encouraging.
This book appeals to the broad "mindfulness" and "general spirituality" audiences that transcend any one formal tradition. Leaning toward Anne Lamott's humor, universal spirituality, and Mary Oliver's love of the natural world, Rynick's writing bypasses Zen theory and doctrine. Simple, clear prose illustrates, vividly, an insightful and tender appreciation of ordinary life as the Way itself.
Includes a brief "study guide for further inquiry" offering opportunities for personal reflection and exploration on themes touched on in the book.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Writing in the spirit of Zen, Rynick reflects on daily life amid the change of the seasons. A Zen teacher and Universalist Unitarian, the author explores nature as well as his own life in the context of establishing a Zen temple in Massachusetts. "hat is most precious and sacred is right here," he writes. "ll we have to do is turn towards it." This short book features keen observations and a gentle charm; Rynick shows an ability to find grace in the smallest detail. Brief essays look at the intricacy of living things, the rewards of family and community, and ongoing efforts to find peace in a busy life. In one musing he sums up with remarkable brevity a central dilemma of writers. Some of Rynick's observations slip into the clich d ("I have no clue how I do what I do"), and he can get carried away with his conceits, but this writing in a crowded field of Buddhist-inspired reflections is served well by its simplicity.
