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Kokoro

Japanese Wisdom for a Life Well Lived

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Kokoro

Written by: Beth Kempton
Narrated by: Beth Kempton
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About this listen

This book invites you to cultivate stillness and contentment in an ever-changing, uncertain world, inspired by ancient and contemporary Japanese wisdom.

Drawing on a thousand years of Japanese literature, culture, and philosophical ideas to explore the true nature of time and what it means to be human, Kokoro–which mysteriously translates as "heart-mind"–is a meditation on living well.

Join Japanologist Beth Kempton on this life-changing pilgrimage far beyond the tourist trail, to uncover the soul of the country, its people, and its deeply buried wisdom.

Distilling insight from a rich variety of sources, from centuries-old poetry and ancient Zen texts to martial arts teaching and contemporary philosophy, alongside the real-life stories of modern day pioneers, Kokoro offers an inspiring take on what it truly means to be happy, so that you can live each day with wonder and ease.

©2024 Beth Kempton (P)2024 Storey Publishing, LLC Meditation Personal Development Personal Success Spirituality Wisdom China Combat Sports

What the critics say

“A masterpiece.”—Joey Hulin, author of Your Spiritual Almanac and Your Manifesting Year

“A remarkable book. I think about it all the time. It’s a stunning piece of writing and an extraordinary achievement.”—Dr. Ali Foxon, author of The Green Sketching Handbook

“Reading Kokoro has helped put me in such a contemplative, open-hearted place. Just wow.“—Hannah Nunn, author of Illuminate

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This is a self biography, not really a philosophical book

Disappointing and frustrating to hear someone putting herself (and her British background) on a high horse to judge Japanese philosophy while using demeaning terms (“indigenous” and “raw”) . The author goes over the loss of her friend Lisa and her mundane tasks several times through the book and keeps coming up with lists with “self questions”. The failed attempt to copy J.K. Rowling descriptive narrative is also clear on her made to believe stories (an imaginary taxi driver quotes her favorite author, guides her on her mountain hike and shares snacks with her in Japan where the cultural norm is to avoid these sort of interactions with foreigners or strangers). It should be clear that this is not about Japanese philosophy, but a biography/ self help tedious book.

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