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