Fabulous Reads: Tackle anxiety, stress with Japanese priest

Don’t Worry: 48 Lessons on Achieving Calm, Shunmyō Masuno, Penguin Random House, ISBN: 9780241551820

IF you’re trying to worry less, then this book, written by Shunmyō Masuno, a renowned Zen Buddhist priest, is for you.

The book is chock full of sage advice that, at first glance, might seem oversimplified or obvious. However, there is a reason these nuggets of wisdom have become cliché – they often ring true. It is stuff that we need reminding of – especially in this day and age when we barely have time to stop and breathe.

I would just like to add an early disclaimer that I do not believe this is a book for anyone who might battle depression, severe anxiety or any form of mental health issue. I would advise those individuals to approach a specialist.

I also feel that is important to emphasise that never in the history of self-help books has just reading them changed a person’s life. And this one is no different. I strongly believe that you will only find the book beneficial if you make the effort to incorporate each of these teachings into your daily life.

After all, Buddhist monks spend years practising their teachings, which aim towards enlightenment. In fact, in the book, Masuno emphasises that ‘Zen prizes practice above all else’.

This book provides a rudimentary introduction to the Zen lifestyle, and it does not go deep into the Buddhist teaching and scriptures – although our priest often references famous Zen masters, including Dogen Zenji and Zhaozhou – and presents the lessons in layman’s terms with relatable, everyday scenarios.

Some of my favourite zengos (Zen phrases or sayings) include: Change the great earth to gold – which means that you should always make the best and do your best in every situation – which then also links onto another zengo: Dwell in the breath which, quite literally, means to live in the moment.

I will be keeping this book, with its incredibly beautiful illustrations, next to my bed, to ensure that I am practising them every day – Mariclair Smit 4/5 stars

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