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The Monkey and The Way of Zen: A Transformational Journey in 28 Short Stories—Embrace Mindfulness, Overcome Overthinking, Let Go, and Find Inner Peace and Happiness (Buddhist Psychology Books) Paperback – May 7, 2025

by Serena Choo (Author)
4.8 out of 5 stars 164 ratings
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Discover 28 short stories from the simple philosophy of Zen to help you calm your mind and find peace, endorsed by Buddhist practitioners and mental health professionals.

⭐ Let Go of Overthinking, Make Peace with Uncertainty, and Find Freedom in the Present Moment ⭐

(No meditation retreats, rigid philosophies, or complicated teachings required.)

🌿 What if peace isn’t something you have to chase or figure out?

Come on a journey of wisdom, humor, and transformation with The Monkey and the Way of Zen. Through 28 engaging and lighthearted stories, you'll follow a restless Monkey as he searches for answers from a wise Master—learning unexpected life lessons along the way.

Feel lighter as you uncover:

🌀 The Master’s Unexpected Lesson On “Good” And “Bad”—And How It Can Help You Release Frustration Over Things Not Going “Your Way.”

🌀 The Monkey’s Frustration With Taking Two Steps Forward, One Step Back—And What He Realized That Can Help You Stop Feeling Stuck In Old Patterns.

🌀 The Strange Thing The Monkey Noticed About A Falling Cherry Blossom—And The Quiet Realization That Made Letting Go Feel Easier.

🌀 The Surprising Lesson The Monkey Learned When He Tried To “Fix” Himself—And The Unexpected Shift That Can Set You Free.

Why Readers Love This Book

✅ Short, calming stories you can listen to over coffee, before bed, or whenever you need a breather.
✅ Gentle, relatable insights that stay with you long after you finish the book.
✅ Written for modern readers by an author whose ancestors were royal Chinese scholars—where wisdom wasn’t just studied but lived.

No instructions on how to “fix” yourself. Just simple, Zen-inspired stories that shift your perspective—so life feels lighter, easier, and less exhausting.

Plus 5 EXCLUSIVE READER BONUSESto help you bring these life lessons into everyday life, including:

🎁 A quick guide to the core Zen teaching behind each story.
🎁 An intimate, final conversation between the Monkey and the Master—only available as a bonus.
🎁 Six beautifully designed mobile wallpapers with inspiring quotes to keep the insights close.

Imagine This…

🌿 Feeling calmer—even when plans unravel or emotions flare.
🌿 Smiling at everyday annoyances (yes, even that one coworker or traffic jam).
🌿 Moving through your day with mindfulness, presence, and lightness.

You don’t need to meditate for hours, memorize Zen teachings, or force yourself to stop overthinking.

“The Monkey and the Way of Zen is a gentle, insightful journey into the nature of mind and awareness. Through simple yet profound parables, Serena Choo invites us to see ourselves in the curious monkey and to walk beside the quiet wisdom of the master. This book is a beautiful companion for anyone exploring mindfulness, presence, and the art of letting go.”
— Noah Rasheta, author of No-Nonsense Buddhism for Beginners and host of the Secular Buddhism podcast

Sometimes, a simple story is enough.

Scroll up and “Add to Cart” now. Your inner monkey is waiting. 🐒🌿✨

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  1. Part of series
    Buddhist Psychology Books
  2. Print length
    151 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    May 7, 2025
  5. Dimensions
    6 x 0.38 x 9 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0954597486
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0954597481
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The Zen Monkey and the Lotus Flower: 52 Stories to Relieve Stress, Stop Negative Thoughts, Find Happiness, and Live Your Best
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From the Publisher

zen mindfulness self help mental clarity inner peace calming stories slow living stillness

This book isn’t just another “calm your mind” guide. It straddles that beautiful space between fiction and teaching, self-help and story, and simplicity and depth. Come on a journey of reflection, humor, and gentle transformation following a restless Monkey as he wrestles with big questions, learning unexpected life lessons along the way as the Master answers not with rules, but with presence. Part story, part teaching—these simple Zen fables gently shift your perspective without effort or instruction.

zen mindfulness self help mental clarity inner peace calming stories slow living stillness

Zen temple monkey master mindfulness

Let Go of Mental Noise

Ease that inner storm. Like the Monkey, you'll discover how simple realizations can quiet your racing thoughts and ease the pressure to figure everything out (Chapters 1, 5, & 21). A perfect companion for coffee breaks, quiet evenings, or any time your mind needs room to breathe.

monkey zen letting go overthinking peace stillness presence

Stay Present With More Ease

Discover how to stay grounded in uncertain moments and relax into life, even when things don’t go as planned (Chapters 10, 20, & 25). These quiet Zen moments stay with you, long after the last page.

monkey zen master life lessons letting go peace happiness

Feel Lighter By Doing Less

You won’t need to meditate for hours, memorize Zen doctrines, or second guess every life decision. Let simple moments of truth ease your mind and gently quiet your inner monkey. (Chapter 7, 9, & 23).

zen mindfulness self help mental clarity inner peace calming stories slow living stillness
zen mindfulness self help mental clarity inner peace calming stories slow living stillness

Editorial Reviews

Review

The Monkey and the Way of Zen is a gentle, insightful journey into the nature of mind and awareness. Through simple yet profound parables, Serena Choo invites us to see ourselves in the curious monkey and to walk beside the quiet wisdom of the master. This book is a beautiful companion for anyone exploring mindfulness, presence, and the art of letting go. - Noah Rasheta, author of No-Nonsense Buddhism for Beginners and host of the Secular Buddhism podcast

If you feel like contentment is always out of reach, this is the book you need. I found myself experiencing 'aha' moments from a single sentence. You'll highlight and reread this often. - Jennifer Brown, Licensed Professional Counselor and Adjunct Professor of Psychology, Charleston Southern University

This book creates a welcome gap of calm in our busy minds and lives. A truly valuable guide to stillness, reflection, and insight. - Katie Hickey, Buddhist Practitioner & Naturopath

A thought-provoking and highly stimulating look at life and how to live it in a calmer, less controlling, and stress-free way. Highly recommended! - The Wishing Shelf

In a fast-paced, over-stimulating world, there is an undeniable value in finding strategies to calm the mind and reframe old coping mechanisms. Through the powerful art of storytelling, Serena Choo gently introduces pearls of ancient wisdom to our hyperactive monkey minds, leading us through a journey of self-discovery and deep introspection. - Dr Pietro Emanuele Garbelli, Multi-Award-Winning Author of The Doctor's Voice and The Doctor's Future, speaker, Thriving Healthcare Consultant

Each story is a subtle meditation—a reminder that true change begins not by forcing the world to shift, but by seeing it clearly. - Sandra Scheinbaum, Ph.D., Founder and CEO, Functional Medicine Coaching Academy

A beautifully crafted book that gently guides readers to clarity, wisdom, and inner peace. In a world of constant motion, its wisdom helps cultivate mindfulness and balance. - Shunji Iwai, Ph.D. in Psychology, Executive Mental Health Practitioner, Director, Jijiok Counseling Office, Tokyo

With her gentle stories, Serena Choo encourages us to look inside and know that we're not set in stone, and that no matter what arises out of the blue in our lives we can look it in the eye, stay steady, and keep moving forward one step at a time. - Venerable Robina Courtin, Buddhist Nun and Teacher

About the Author

Serena Choo brings over 25 years of experience in personal transformation coaching, grounded in an earlier career in accounting and investment banking. A lifelong learner and storyteller, she blends practical tools with timeless wisdom to support meaningful change. She holds a BSc Honours degree, an MBA, and certifications in coaching, NLP, Human Design, and more. Her writing spans from evidence-based self-help-addressing anxiety, imposter syndrome, and emotional resilience-to gentle fables that offer quiet shifts in awareness. Shaped by her Chinese heritage and a lineage of scholars, her work honors both intellect and intuition. She once thought she'd stop formal studying after her MBA unless it was something like knitting, but that didn't happen. When not writing, she's baking, reading, enjoying good food with friends, or having long coffee chats with her husband.Visit her website at: serenachoo.com

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Sispara Hodford
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 7, 2025
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 151 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0954597486
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0954597481
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 9.9 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.38 x 9 inches
  • Part of series ‏ : ‎ Buddhist Psychology Books
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 out of 5 stars 164 ratings

About the author

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Serena Choo

Serena Choo

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Serena Choo is a lifelong learner, storyteller, and explorer of life’s deeper questions. With over 25 years of experience in personal transformation coaching—and a previous career in accounting and investment banking—she brings a rare combination of practical expertise and thoughtful insight to her work.

A polymath by nature, Serena draws from a diverse range of fields. With a BSc Honors degree and an MBA, and numerous certifications in the fields of coaching, Human Design, neuro-linguistic programming, Coaching From Spirit and more, Serena considers herself a lifelong student. Her writing spans from evidence-based self-help for navigating modern challenges to reflective stories that offer timeless wisdom and gentle perspective shifts.

Serena’s storytelling is also deeply personal, in honor of her Chinese heritage and a family lineage of royal scholars and officials. Through her varied works, she invites readers to navigate life with both clarity and compassion—meeting them exactly where they are and guiding them to what’s already within.

Serena has always been an avid reader. As a child, her favorite books were Enid Blyton’s Five Find-Outers and Dog mystery series. When not writing, you’ll find Serena immersed in books of all kinds, baking, enjoying good food with friends, or sharing coffee chats with her husband.

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
164 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book's stories intentional and relatable, with one noting each contains a single main lesson. Moreover, the writing style is approachable with simplicity and depth, making it an absolute delight to read. Additionally, the book provides meaningful insights and serves as an accessible introduction to Zen philosophy. Customers appreciate its calming effect, with one describing it as a "pause button for the soul," and the reflective sections at the end of each chapter enhance the reading experience.

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Story lengthCalming effectEnlightenednessWriting styleReadabilityBeautyPacingReflection
32 customers mention "Story length"29 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the length of the stories, finding them simple, intentional, and heart-warming, with one customer noting that each has a single main lesson.

"...Every single short story felt so intentional, relevant, and applicable to life - or perhaps what I can say is, to my life...." Read more

"...With The right Reader, This Could Actually make a Great Story and Teaching Book for kids and teens aged 8-12 and +!..." Read more

"...The short stories are simple yet deep, and each one shares a lesson through the Monkey’s journey that feels real and relatable...." Read more

"...Some of the stories were so short and simple, but they made me pause and reflect without even trying...." Read more

25 customers mention "Calming effect"25 positive0 negative

Customers find the book calming and peaceful, with a gentle and profound approach that helps quiet the mind. One customer mentions it's perfect for peaceful evenings.

"...This book helped me stop overthinking and start being more present. It’s like having a wise friend gently guiding you toward peace." Read more

"...These moments invite the reader to take a step back, think deeply about the message just conveyed, and consider how it might apply to their own life...." Read more

"...A book to read when there is time to reflect. Reminded a bit of “The Tao of Pooh.”" Read more

"...losing it and help you see the brighter side of life..it makes your mind calm and gives you at peace." Read more

20 customers mention "Enlightenedness"20 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's teachings powerful and meaningful, appreciating it as an approachable introduction to Zen philosophy.

"...Serena, I'm truly grateful to you for creating such a playful, empowering, gentle, enjoyable piece of art that has genuinely impacted my life for..." Read more

"...The right Reader, This Could Actually make a Great Story and Teaching Book for kids and teens aged 8-12 and +! Very Well written!..." Read more

"...Whether you're looking for light reading or meaningful insight, this book offers both. I highly recommend it." Read more

"...Just smile, bow, and walk the Zen path.” You are not your thoughts. Peace is available in this moment.,..." Read more

18 customers mention "Writing style"18 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style of the book, describing it as simple and accessible, with one customer noting it has no complicated teachings.

"...The Beautiful Etheric Blue and Spiritual Cover - The writing Style! - The Beautiful Zen Black and White Illustrations -..." Read more

"...Some of the stories were so short and simple, but they made me pause and reflect without even trying...." Read more

"...Though the stories are brief, they are thoughtfully written, engaging, and filled with a sense of humor...." Read more

"The Monkey and the Way of Zen is a beautifully simple, yet deeply resonant collection of short stories that invites reflection without preaching...." Read more

17 customers mention "Readability"17 positive0 negative

Customers find the book readable and delightful, with one mentioning it was the perfect follow-up to their previous reading.

"I think this is quite possibly one of the best books I've ever read...." Read more

"I found this book to be an absolute delight. Though the stories are brief, they are thoughtfully written, engaging, and filled with a sense of humor...." Read more

"...A wonderful read." Read more

"...read a book on, how to live in the present moment, this book was the perfect follow up...." Read more

15 customers mention "Beauty"15 positive0 negative

Customers find the book beautiful and thoughtful, with one mentioning its enchanting nature.

"...to you for creating such a playful, empowering, gentle, enjoyable piece of art that has genuinely impacted my life for the better!..." Read more

"Loved: - Everything about this book! - The Beautiful Etheric Blue and Spiritual Cover - The writing Style! -..." Read more

"The Monkey and the Way of Zen is a beautiful book that gently teaches you how to slow down, breathe, and let go of what you can’t control...." Read more

"...With a gentle approach to transformation. It is also aesthetically pleasing, well formatted...." Read more

13 customers mention "Pacing"13 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's pacing, with one mentioning how it gently teaches slowing down and reflecting, while another notes how it feels like a pause button for the soul.

"...I particularly loved the thought comments of the monkey that were highlighted throughout - those thoughts were spot-on as far as how so many of us..." Read more

"...I love how it made me pause… not just while reading, but even after. It’s not preachy or trying to “fix” you, but it shifts something...." Read more

"The Monkey and the Way of Zen is a beautiful book that gently teaches you how to slow down, breathe, and let go of what you can’t control...." Read more

"...of the stories were so short and simple, but they made me pause and reflect without even trying...." Read more

12 customers mention "Reflection"12 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's reflective content, particularly its powerful questions and personal sections at the end of each chapter.

"...The pause & reflect questions were also so powerful and thought-provoking...." Read more

"...All the Pause & Reflect Sections after Each Story! - The QR Codes and Free Gifts!..." Read more

"...I found myself smiling, reflecting, and feeling more at ease after each chapter...." Read more

"...show you how to deal with things without losing it and help you see the brighter side of life..it makes your mind calm and gives you at peace." Read more

Simple Cure for the “Busy Mind”
5 out of 5 stars
Simple Cure for the “Busy Mind”
Beautiful work of storytelling with lovely illustrations to enhance the readers experience. Truly thought-provoking! I’m one of those people who sometimes feel “trapped” by my busy mind - often feeling that no clear path or direction is visible or possible due to my wandering thoughts or perceived obstacles getting in my way. Can you relate? This little gem 💎 can be read in one sitting, yet I recommend you read only one or two chapters a day, taking the time to do the “pause and reflect” suggestions at the end of each chapter. As I proceeded, I could easily see myself as The Monkey 🐒 . The author has laid out simple, relatable messages through the stories such as The Art of Active Waiting and The Freedom of No Goals and The Stories We Weave (inside our own heads that might be completely off base) until finally the quiet arrives and the peace of mind emerges seemingly from “nowhere”. This would make a terrific gift 🎁 for someone you care about who is struggling with inner turmoil or anxiety. Maybe it’s YOU. Wishing you the Boundless Lightness of just Being. I’m looking forward to more from Serena Choo
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Solara
    5.0 out of 5 stars Eye-opening, relatable, playful, compassionate, and beautiful
    Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I think this is quite possibly one of the best books I've ever read.

    I absolutely loved the blend of playful story-telling with powerful teachings!! After pretty much every short story chapter, I would tell myself, "No, THIS one is my favorite!". Only to have that replaced with the following one haha.

    Every single short story felt so intentional, relevant, and applicable to life - or perhaps what I can say is, to my life. Addressing so many common everyday struggles in this lighthearted manner was just such a breath of fresh air and so enjoyable to take part in.

    The wandering monkey character is so relatable - I saw myself in him throughout the entire book! I particularly loved the thought comments of the monkey that were highlighted throughout - those thoughts were spot-on as far as how so many of us humans would likely react to a given situation, which provoked a sense of compassion and validation toward the monkey.

    The pause & reflect questions were also so powerful and thought-provoking. Taking the time to truly reflect on those brought about some beautiful insights for me; they've been invitations to slow down, take a breath, and be more intentional in certain areas in my life.

    Serena, I'm truly grateful to you for creating such a playful, empowering, gentle, enjoyable piece of art that has genuinely impacted my life for the better! And that I'm sure, without a doubt, has and will do so for so many others as well. There are a few people in my life I'm already planning on gifting this to! So much gratitude to you!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Clay Forest
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Stories! An Ingenious Way to Teach Zen
    Reviewed in the United States on May 1, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Loved:
    - Everything about this book!
    - The Beautiful Etheric Blue and Spiritual Cover
    - The writing Style!
    - The Beautiful Zen Black and White Illustrations
    - The main Character, The Monkey ( which in fact is Us and our Monkey Brain) moving through the Stories!
    - All the Plot Points that fit beautifully within the Buddhist Universe and The Universal Themes of Search of Identify and Self-Mastery.
    - The Evolution of the Main Character from Lost to Purposeful, no longer Wandering, Restless and Uncertain!
    - The progressive Level of Difficulty of Self-Mastery throughout the Stories!
    - How seamlessly the Stories Deal with How to be Zen about What You perceive, What You Think, The Events of Your Past, Your Body, The Opinions of Others, Stillness and Waiting, Serendipity, The Future!
    - All the Pause & Reflect Sections after Each Story!
    - The QR Codes and Free Gifts!

    My personal most favorite part from the stories happened right after The Monkey met the Master for the first time!

    "His mind immediately went into overdrive, replaying his meeting with the master the day before. It had all made sense then, but now, in the cold light of morning, he wasn’t so sure. His tail twitched as uncertainty crept in. What if that wasn’t even the real master?"

    It was Hilarious! and Profoundly touching to witness The Monkey starting to assimilate the Teachings of the Master without being aware of it!

    “Perspective shapes perception. The separation you see exists only from where you stand.”

    I know the book was Intended for an older audience but,
    With The right Reader, This Could Actually make a Great Story and Teaching Book for kids and teens aged 8-12 and +!

    Very Well written!
    Learn Zen in a Very Easy, Accessible and Fun Way!
    Highly Recommend! Read and Read Again!
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • LM1985 Tucson
    5.0 out of 5 stars Thought provoking
    Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This one got under my skin in the best way. Every story is short but somehow hits deep, like the kind of thing you think about randomly while making coffee or stuck in traffic. I love how it made me pause… not just while reading, but even after. It’s not preachy or trying to “fix” you, but it shifts something. The monkey is way too relatable—like, wow, same brain lol—and the Master’s responses are so simple but unexpectedly powerful. You’ll find yourself rereading certain lines just to let it sink. It’s written gently, without pressure to change your life overnight, and that’s exactly why it works. Perfect for reading from the hospital, actually—little mental breaks that spark big internal reflection. Quietly transformational. I’ll keep coming back to this.
    Helpful
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  • CJ White
    5.0 out of 5 stars Peaceful and Powerful in the Simplest Way
    Reviewed in the United States on June 4, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    The Monkey and the Way of Zen is a beautiful book that gently teaches you how to slow down, breathe, and let go of what you can’t control. The short stories are simple yet deep, and each one shares a lesson through the Monkey’s journey that feels real and relatable. I found myself smiling, reflecting, and feeling more at ease after each chapter. You don’t need to be a Zen expert to understand it, just a curious heart. This book helped me stop overthinking and start being more present. It’s like having a wise friend gently guiding you toward peace.
    Helpful
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  • Karrah
    4.0 out of 5 stars This book is a quiet companion for an anxious, overthinking mind.
    Reviewed in the United States on May 23, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I didn’t expect much from this book. I just thought I’d read a story or two before bed. But it was the other way around. The Monkey kind of reminded me of myself always overthinking, always trying to "fix" something. Some of the stories were so short and simple, but they made me pause and reflect without even trying. It’s weird how something so light can hit so deep like the cherry blossom story that made me tear up for no real reason, just because it made letting go seem… okay.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Roberto
    5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect for motivation
    Reviewed in Italy on April 29, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    A delightful anthology of twenty-eight short stories that gently lead you to inner peace and mindfulness. This book presents a novel strategy for overcoming overthinking and discovering freedom in the present moment, infused with wisdom and humor. Ideal for individuals seeking a soothing and motivational read.
    Report
  • DawnD
    5.0 out of 5 stars a lovely book to calm and ease the mind
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 29, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    The Monkey and The Way of Zen is such a lovely book of easy-to-read short fable-like stories, that explain 28 Zen principles, with exquisite illustrations throughout. It will help you make sense of the many mental stresses, insecurities, and conundrums that we face daily. The stories build on each other as you move through the book, showing that different perspectives and ways of thinking can drastically alter your perception of the initial problem.

    The Pause & Reflect sections at the end of each chapter, asks you to focus on the principle and where it may apply in your own life. A lovely opportunity to take self-time to think more about the Zen principle and how to use it in reality.

    The Monkey eloquently represents the racing, untethered mind that is often in stress, whilst the Master offers ancient knowledge and wisdom to help ease it into a more peaceful, calm state. I find it particularly useful to read before bedtime, to relax and empty the mind before sleep.

    And there’s more too… additional summary sheets for printout, wallpaper for mobile phones, meditations, an additional short story, and 5 short mindfulness practices… all help to keep these calming teachings in focus throughout the day.

    This book would make an ideal present for someone very special, or just as a valuable dip-in resource to keep handy for yourself. Such a lovely book to own.
    Report
  • Adam Carter
    5.0 out of 5 stars Love it
    Reviewed in Brazil on June 3, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Love this book, really enjoy it. Looks like it has a calming effect, these short stories brings us to a calmer world where we can have lessons for life. Really recomended to anyone looking for some light and soft content of wisdom.
    Report
  • BL
    5.0 out of 5 stars Gentle book with many great lessons on self improvement.
    Reviewed in Canada on May 8, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I am a huge fan of the traditional Zen books. They are so gentle yet thought provoking.

    Being a traditionalist, I was pleasantly surprised with this title ... a MODERN Zen story book.

    It applies that Zen gentleness and brings it from the past into the current day maintaining that gentle comfort.

    The book provides many stories to reflect on.

    My favorite was about the student who was balancing a rock on a stick.

    The main character of this book, the monkey student tried as well, but had trouble doing it because he was trying too hard.

    I play sports and trying too hard is always the gateway to a slump.

    I'll have this lesson to remind me for the rest of my life.
    Report
  • Sanchay
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Gentle, Uplifting Journey into Zen Wisdom
    Reviewed in India on May 28, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    The Monkey and the Way of Zen is a beautifully simple and calming collection of short stories, each offering a gentle life lesson through the eyes of a curious monkey and his wise teacher. The writing is clear and heartfielt, making deep ideas about peace, mindfulness, and self-awareness easy to understandeven for those new to Zen.

    Perfect for reading before bed or during quiet moments, the stories invite reflection without preaching.
    With touches of humor, warmth, and insight, this book helps quiet the mind, ease stress, and bring joy to the present moment. A delightful guide for anyone seeking calm, clarity, and a bit of everyday magic.
    Report