Hello, Hallo, and Konnichiwa!
Welcome to Blossoms of Serenity, a newsletter about Zen, Buddhism, and Mindful Living written by me, Daiki Shimada (島田 大樹).
I am so happy you found your way here!
😊 Allow me to introduce myself:
I'm originally from Japan, but I spent a substantial part of my youth in Germany due to my father's work. During this time, I attended school there, which has resulted in me becoming also proficient in both German and English. I hope my language skills are at an adequate level. 😄
👨🦲 A Grandfather's Wisdom: My Introduction to Zen and Buddhism
My grandfather was deeply versed in Zen and Buddhism, dedicating many decades to exploring these philosophies in depth. He shared a wealth of teachings and books with me, patiently explaining their subtleties.
I have to admit, when I was younger, I didn't fully grasp the value of what he was teaching me. I was more focused on the distractions of youth to truly appreciate the depth of his knowledge.
But as I journeyed through life, with its twists and turns, I began to see the wisdom in his teachings. His words, which were planted like seeds in my mind, started to blossom, giving me a richer understanding of life and myself. Now, I can genuinely say that I'm deeply grateful for the legacy of wisdom he passed on to me.
🙏 Everyday Life: My Approach to Zen, Buddhism, and Mindful Living
My grandfather taught me that Zen and Buddhism permeate everyday life and are not limited to ceremonies or meditation sessions. Personally, I've never been much of a fan of the extensive rituals often associated with traditional Buddhism and Zen. Similarly, the numerous rules and prohibitions that are more tailored to monks and feel often a bit out-of-date in today's context.
My primary interest leans towards mindful living, exploring how each of us can incorporate small yet significant practices into our daily lives that could potentially bring about positive changes for ourselves and others. We must remember that this world is our only dwelling place.
My goal is to simplify these teachings, making them easily understandable and accessible to everyone. I try to achieve this through my writing, providing insights that could offer guidance in our day-to-day lives.
I've also observed that the focus tends to lie too heavily on authors or teachers as individuals, and readers often struggle to transition from initially idolizing the “guru” to becoming genuine learners and listeners. This can lead to blindly following and echoing sentiments without questioning. Therefore, I'd prefer not to center myself too much in the spotlight; the emphasis should be on the message and the content, not the messenger.
Please keep in mind, when reading my texts, that they often capture moments in time. Just as life evolves, my stance and views on various topics can also change - as I hope yours can too.
🌸 Why 'Blossoms of Serenity'?: The Inspiration Behind the Name
The name 'Blossoms of Serenity' beautifully captures the essence of Zen, Buddhism, and mindful living. Blossoms represent the blooming of insight and enlightenment, while serenity represents the calm and peacefulness that these philosophies can provide.
Just like a flower blossoming in calm and quietude, these teachings can guide us to grow and bloom in serenity, regardless of the chaos that may surround us.
✔️ Here's what I CAN offer you:
Engaging stories that invite contemplation and reflection.
Inspiring quotes and sayings, paired with insightful explanations and interpretations.
Handpicked recommendations for books, texts, videos, movies, and more.
And many other delightful surprises that spring to mind spontaneously!
❌ Here's what I CAN’T provide:
Superpowers or anything of supernatural nature.
Instantaneous transformation into an enlightened Buddha.
Astrology or numerology insights.
Information about healing stones or other contentious spiritual practices.
Discussions on esoteric or occult practices.
😽 The Purr-fect Mastermind Behind the Newsletter: Meet Zen Master Lilly
Finally, allow me to introduce the true heart and soul of our operations, my cat Lilly! She's an unrivaled Zen master, radiating peacefulness during her daily practice of the feline meditation technique, known as the "cat nap". Lilly is a behind-the-scenes mastermind, offering the perfect blend of Zen-like lounging and surprise keyboard pounces. She is a purrfectly peaceful presence, her whiskers twitching with wisdom as she skillfully manages the ancient art of mindful living. Indeed, she's the most furr-midable contributor to our peaceful endeavours. Beware world, Lilly's on the prowl!
Purr-haps in the way only a Zen master cat can, Lilly says:
Paws for a moment and hear my purrs of gratitude. To each and every one of my wonderful subscribers, my whiskers twitch with joy. Your support fills our world with a feline sense of delight, comparable only to the comfort of a warm sunbeam or the thrill of a yarn ball chase. We are truly grateful for your continued support!
Contact: If you have any questions, please send me an email at blossomsofserenity@gmail.com or reply directly to any issue of Blossoms of Serenity!
💓 Extending a Special Thanks to...
Regarding the aesthetics of this space, I'm lucky to have the talents of three dear friends at my disposal. Noya Katsumi lends her skills in digital design and illustration, while Tachibana Mitsuki captures moments through her photography. As for all matters financial, copyright-related, and legal, my friend from Germany, Lars Böhmer steps in to manage these complexities. This arrangement allows me to concentrate solely on my writing, ensuring that I bring you the best content possible.
👩⚖️ Disclaimer:
This work aims to explore Zen and Buddhist philosophy and is not intended to replace medical or therapeutic advice. The advice and insights presented in this work are not a substitute for professional advice. As a reader, please approach the content with an open mind and exercise your own judgment when applying the principles discussed in this newsletter. If you have any health concerns or medical conditions, we strongly advise you to consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment. The information provided here is for educational and informational purposes only.
