Book

The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down

How to Be Calm and Mindful in a Fast-Paced World

Haemin Sunim

Penguin Group (USA), 2017

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Editorial Rating

Recommendation

You don’t have to be a best-selling Zen Buddhist monk like Haemin Sunim to find peace and serenity in life. And you don’t have to turn your back on the material world and adopt a monastic existence. Sunim, born in Korea and educated in America, may have a more fully developed spiritual nature than most people, but he grounds his philosophical approach in reality: Accept life’s challenges, don’t flee from negative emotions, and define your own parameters for happiness and success. Sunim explains how to achieve contentment regardless of your circumstances. Everyone faces difficult challenges, he says – it’s how you deal with them that determines your happiness. Ultimately, the author asks you to practice mindfulness – to be aware of your thoughts and actions, and how you interact with people and the world. getAbstract recommends his advice as insightful, informative and comforting.

Summary

The World

People typically think that their minds are totally separate from the outside world and that there’s a distinct boundary between the two. But the Buddha teaches that the boundary is paper-thin and ultimately nonexistent. How you view the world – negatively or positively – is merely a projection of your mind. Your mind establishes your reality.

The world intrinsically is not good or bad, happy or sad; it simply exists.

Your view of the outside world depends upon your interests and what you care about. For example, living a busy life is usually a choice. The world does not care about your activities or responsibilities. You have the option of taking on fewer commitments. You don’t have to feel overwhelmed. A restful mind makes for a restful world.

Serenity

Contentment is the key to serenity. It enables you to appreciate the company of those around you. Contentment also allows you to accept your past. You can drop your baggage and acknowledge negative feelings such as anger, stress and irritation. Awareness of your feelings changes your perspective and allows you to examine your emotions from the outside...

About the Author

Haemin Sunim is a renowned Zen Buddhist teacher and writer. His book has sold more than three million copies and was a number-one bestseller in South Korea for 41 weeks.

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N. P. 4 years ago

Very informative and right on.
J. K. 4 years ago

Well worth your time
L. E. 4 years ago

Brilliant read absolutely love it