Bücher von John Dougill

This book presents a true journey into the heart of the Kyoto experience--one which brings you deep into the world of Kyoto's ancient Zen Buddhist culture. Kyoto's Zen heritage represents one of mankind's greatest achievements--recognized by the large number of temples, shrines and gardens which have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Millions of visitors travel to Kyoto yearly in search of their secrets, and here for the first time is a comprehensive overview of each major site. Over 50 temples and gardens--including all World Heritage Sites--are captured here in sensitive photos by acclaimed Kyoto-based photographer John Einarsen. A detailed introduction to each temple by local expert John Dougill includes information about special opportunities for visitors--such as early morning meditation sessions, temple food offerings and special green tea sets provided to enhance the contemplative experience--along with other "insider" information that no other guide provides. A preface by Rev Takafumi Kawakami, the deputy head priest of the Shunkoin Temple in Kyoto, serves to place the book within the context of eastern and western Buddhist thought and practice. His widely viewed TED Talk "How mindfulness can help you to live in the present" has been viewed by over 100,000 people.

2023 FOREWORD INDIES BOOK OF THE YEAR GOLD WINNER FOR TRAVELObservations on the people, culture, and history of Japan from along-time resident riding the rails along the less-traveled westerncoastline.This journey the length of Japan takes the reader off the beaten tracks to explore some of the country's remoter regions along the Japan Sea-from Wakkanai in northern Hokkaido to Ibusuki in southern Kyushu?in a fascinating mix of travelogue, anecdote, and personal memoir. At each of the thirty stops along the journey the author, who has lived in Japan for thirty years, goes in quest of the spirit of place, determined to highlight what makes it special. Mixing comments on landscape and culture, the author was inspired by Alan Booth and Donald Richie and brings a contemporary perspective to his writing. The text provides some practical information on travel by rail and railway lines, but goes into far more depth and personal observation than a conventional guidebook for tourists.