What happens if you apply Zen to the Celtic tradition of Druidry? It’s not something that would usually come to mind, though a book with that theme has just been published with neo-pagan specialists, John Hunt Publishing.
Druidry is a nature based religion that in recent years has been gaining in popularity. It seeks to make connections with the land and with ancestral spirits. In this it can be seen as part of the early animist/shaman religions that were worldwide before the Axial Age introduced more cerebral and ethically based practices.
So what would happen if you mixed Druidry with Zen? Something close to Shinto, one might imagine! Previous Green Shinto postings have dealt with the commonalities of Zen and Shinto, and how the two complemented each other in times past. One looks to nature, the other to inner nature. Both look to dissolve the ego and find in the mirror a pure reflection.
It was with great interest therefore that we heard of the publication of this new book, and we look forward to reading it. Should any of our readers have already taken a look at it, we’d be delighted to hear your feedback.
A Further Guide to Integration, Compassion and Harmony with Natureby Joanna van der Hoevenhttp://www.moon-books.net/books/zen-druidsThe teachings of Zen Buddhism combined with the earth-based tradition of Druidry can create a holistic way of life that is deeply integrated with the seasons, the environment and the present moment. In soul-deep relationship we can use the techniques and wisdom from both traditions to find balance and harmony within our own lives. In this text we explore the concepts of the Dharma (the Buddha’s teachings) and how they relate to the wisdom of the Druid tradition. We also look at the Wheel of the Year in modern Druidry with regards to the Dharma, incorporating the teachings into every seasonal festival in an all-encompassing celebration of nature. We explore meditation, mindfulness, animism and integration with nature, learning how to find sustainable relationship in the work that we do, opening our souls to the here and now and seeing the beauty and wonder that enchants our lives in every waking moment. Step into a new life, fully awake and aware to the beauty of the natural world.Joanna van der Hoeven is a Druid, Witch, best-selling author and teacher. She is the co-founder of Druid College UK. Joanna moved to the UK in 1998, where she now lives with her husband in a small village in Suffolk near the coast of the North Sea. Woodbridge Suffolk United Kingdom
Paperback
Published: October 28, 2016
ISBN: 978-1-78535-442-7
Price: $ 14.95 £ 8.99e-book
Published: October 28, 2016
ISBN: 978-1-78535-443-4
Price: $ 5.99 £ 3.99ABOUT JOHN HUNT PUBLISHINGJohn Hunt Publishing has published nearly 1500 titles since 2004. Subjects range from spirituality and philosophy to culture and politics in over 25 separate imprints, non fiction and fiction. www.johnhuntpublishing.com.
The circular Shinto mirror that ends where it begins
Leave a Reply