Text: Roger Irwin (Gyoshin), Images by Cynthia Elsner.
These meditations take you
on a journey through the elements: Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. Within
each of these elements are four meditations, each accompanied by a different
image of the Bodhisattva Kuan Yin. The guidance of the text accompanied
by these beautiful and stunning images, draws you into an intimate awareness
of the elementals. This journey will touch you in a deep way as you will
find yourself visiting peaceful environments accompanied in each moment
by the Kuan Yin. This is not a book "about" meditation. The
book is a meditation: a little book with a big heart. This is a "practice"
- not just a single read.The Bodhisattva Kuan Yin
issues a simple invitation: "Come, be by my side and listen to the Heart of the Earth."
Each book is hand-constructed in the traditional fukuro toji, or "bound-pocket book" style of the Japanese Edo period (1603-1818). As it was assembled, the mantra of the Bodhisattva Kuan Shi Yin, "Namo Kuan Shi Yin Pusa" was recited. In English, the mantra means "Homage to Kuan Shi Yin (one who hears the cries of the world)." Watch the meditative process demonstrated in our seven-minute video here.
Excerpt:
Third Meditation: Tree
The tree is old, deeply rooted, branches spread wide, foliage rich and green. Sit next to the tree and lean back against it, allowing its energy to flow into your body. Before you, The Kuan Yin is filling bowls with colorful foods. Enjoy the refreshing feast. Lean back, absorbed by the tree. Earth and Heaven connect: roots to leaves. Become a flower, blooming high on a limb. Detach yourself and gently float to Earth. Refreshed and restored, you are ready to climb the nearby mountain.
SECOND EDITION 2017
Price: $14.95 (includes postage)
What others have said:
"I can tell you already that this little volume will be much thumbed and will be one of my prized books. What a unique binding - arresting cover. I am intrigued how the pages are doubled and laid out. The illustrations are a delight - ones I would love to frame. As a daily meditator, I look forward to immersing myself in your Journey of the Heart. I find the lines truly evocative and beautiful. They certainly speak to my soul. Kuan Yin has already had a place in my heart - more so now. We all need her so much. Thank you."
--Janet - Arizona
"I did get your exquisite book. What a fine piece of work. The content is so appropriate and the pictures and construction of the book are almost museum pieces. I am so glad to have it. I am intending to begin the meditation cycle in a few days. I find meditation to be very useful. I have not been doing as much as I would like lately. I will now."
~Dave - Washington.
"Journey of the Heart: Meditations with Kuan Yin is an amazing little book in that it is visually delightful and carries such a strong meditative connection with the Earth. When I think of how protection of the Earth is threatened at this time, Journey of the Heart is spiritually centering and a positive motivator for staying active in doing our part."
~Lucia, New Mexico
"It is so very lovely both in word
and visually. I can feel the years of devotion that have put you
into a place to write such meaningful meditations together with the wonderful
art work to give a visual or interpretation of the meditation.Thank you
for sharing with the world what is in your heart."
~Deborah-Texas
"...together (Irwin & Elsner) they
created magic. The book feeds your mind and nourishes the soul."
~Tim -Arizona