An inside look at Buddhist “boot camp” from a monk-in-training at
Japan’s strictest temple. When Kaoru Nonomura left his everyday
life in Tokyo to undertake a year of ascetic training at the Eiheiji
monastery, he had no idea what he was getting into. Like many people,
he believed that “zen” meant sitting quietly and calmly waiting
for enlightenment. What he discovered at Eiheiji was quite the
opposite. Enlightenment happens only after one endures the most
rigorous physical and mental training regimen, where every moment of
the day – and night – is regulated by a rigid set of rules. The
trainee must learn to accept total submission, including sleep
deprivation, a near-starvation diet, hours of agonizing seated
meditation, back-breaking physical labor, and severe punishments for
seemingly-minor infractions. Yet, Nonomura tells of his experiences
with great warmth and humor. He introduces us to his fellow trainees,
and talks about how these friendships helped strengthen his resolve to
stay on the path to a more spiritual life. EAT SLEEP SIT is both a
very personal story and an introduction to the teachings and practices
of Zen Buddhism. Readers will come away feeling inspired and full of
admiration for Nonomura’s courage in embarking on this journey.
To find out more about EAT SLEEP SIT and other outstanding Kodansha
books on Eastern religion and philosophy, go to:
www.kodanshausa.com/category/oriental-philosophy-religion-spirituality/
