Zen Rohatsu is the backstory of why we meditate, and the A to Z of zen living. It details the origin and benefits of living mindfully with a spiritual practice. It is written for all to enjoy as lay practitioners, is not esoteric, and offers simple meditation and mindful practice techniques. The Zazen meditation combines the ethical path with mind and body from a 2,700 year old philosophy. Historical Buddha, Siddhartha, was raised in an ostentatious palace but left it to better understand the meaning of life including the suffering of those ill, old and less fortunate. His conclusion was neither the extreme affluence nor the ravages of poverty but rather a striving to end suffering by following a more moderate middle path. It informs us of the potential enlightenment from suffering that historical Buddha experienced while sitting under a fig tree in ancient times. Meditation keeps us in the present with focus, equanimity and stress management.
Rohatsu is a spiritual holiday of meditative zazen that is celebrated on the eighth day of the twelfth month on the Gregorian calendar. The holiday of Rohatsu is the story of a man, not deity, who informed us of how to enjoy better quality and quality of life 2,700 years ago but is very applicable in 2022. The meditation sessions, which focus on Zazen Meditation rather than scriptures or rituals, are celebrated for seven days in advance of December 8th by Zen practitioners all over the world. The Rohatsu days and nights are replicated enactments of how we think historical Buddha from the Shakyamuni tribe achieved enlightenment. The book includes a look at why Buddha sat in front of that banyan fig tree known as a peepul tree in Bodh Gaya in India.
Zen is but one branch of the Buddhist tradition that emerged as a result of those eight days, many years ago before the written word. This book is the story of how the concept of Buddhist enlightenment emerged from the Buddha’s days on earth. Rohatsu celebration is unique to Mahayana Zen, which celebrates the Rohatsu experience. It is an introduction to the spiritual practice. We learn from the historical perspective in Zen Rohatsu of what motivated Siddhartha’s experience and the men and women , including Christian missionaries like Loyola and Xavier, who ultimately expanded it globally to share the core concepts. Buddha was a man, not a deity, who found his enlightenment and set his path, avoiding suffering by controlling his thoughts and desires. Buddha always replied, according to ancient verbal communications, “I am awake.”
Zen Rohatsu published in June 2022 quickly rose to the top of the #1 bestseller categories in Amazon's Buddhist History where it sat side by side with Hermann Hesse, Siddhartha which was the motivational novel to Nora’s lifelong zazen practice.
Biography of Author: Nora D’Ecclesis is an American bestselling and award winning non-fiction author. Her international #1 Amazon Bestselling Audiobook "Spiritual Portals: A Historical Perspective" was published by Blackstone Audio. "Multicultural Mindfulness: Nourishing the Soul " is also a First Place Gold Winner in Spring, 2020 TheBookFest award. It tells the story of how people from many cultures all over the world, from Denmark's Hygge to Turkey and relaxing with tea near the Bosporus or walking the Cinque Terre in Italy, practice mindfulness. Her published non-fiction include bestseller "Haiku Natures Meditation” and paperbacks/ebooks on topics such as time management, personal cyber security password log, guided visualizations, gratitude/equanimity journaling and zen meditation. Nora was the Solo Medalist in Spirituality from the New Apple Literary Award in 2020. She added novelist to her list with the publication of “Twin Flames” written with her Co-Author, William R. Forstchen who is a NYT #1 bestselling novelist. Nora is a graduate of Kean University. She has a long history of presenting events, retreats and seminars focused on wellness and stress reduction techniques. She enjoys kayaking and hiking in the mountains of Pennsylvania and Maine. Nora lives with her family and wonderful dogs in a suburb of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
REVIEWS ON AMAZON.COM
Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2022
Zen Rohatsu is a clear and concise perspective on why we meditate using historical buddha as the primary source and more importantly why we should meditate. Nora's chronological depiction of how it all started, using the backstory of one zen holiday called Rohatsu informs us by simplifying the practice and path. I recommend this book to everyone either beginner or advanced interested in meditation who want less stress and a more spiritual life.
Silence in the midst of chaos…ethics as a spiritual practice
Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2022
I was moved by the concepts presented within the pages of this book. While reading, 3-4 pages continue to stand out to me…The Eightfold Path and the Ten Grave Precepts. Buddha’s “path to enlightenment“ is a true blueprint for living a moral, ethical and violent- free lifestyle. Could this possibly be the answer to quieting the chaos of today’s world? Should we be including these methods in our schools?
I highly recommend reading this book. You will not be disappointed!
Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2022
While many have heard of Buddha, they may not be familiar with the full story of his life. One of the offerings of this book is a fascinating insight into the origin of Buddhism and its central teachings and rituals. The descriptive, intricate details of the author's writing helps me place myself exactly where I presume she'd like the reader to go. Her passionate and insightful descriptions of how timeless practices from long ago spill into modern life keeps me intrigued with Nora's works, as each book is truly a gift.
