The discipline of Zen stems from an immense respect for life. Learning Zen means finding ourselves, finding ourselves means forgetting ourselves, forgetting ourselves means discovering our primordial nature, our peace.

This book contains the theory and exercises for Zen, written in a remarkable way. The life of Taishen Deshimaru, the Japanese Zen master, was fascinating. The son of a Samurai, he fought in World War II and narrowly escaped execution. He was actively involved in the rescue of the hardest-hit populations, which he would pay for with his life.

When his master, Kodo Kawaki, on his deathbed, asked him to spread Zen outside of Japan, Deshimaru set off for Paris where he eventually became recognized as the head of the Zen tradition in Europe.

In this small but particularly rich book, one can find (whether a beginner or someone who has been practicing for a while) the essence of the teaching of the great master, as well as answers to questions that arise at any point along the Zen path.

In an era where everything Eastern seems to become a spiritual trend, this book provides essential advice and guidance for applying the spirituality of Zen into one's life.