Naikan: Gratitude, Grace, and the Japanese Art of Self-Reflection [Paperback]

Gregg Krech (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2001

Drawing on Eastern tradition, Naikan ("nye-kahn") is a structured method for intensely meditating on our lives, our interconnections, our missteps. Through Naikan we develop a natural and profound sense of gratitude for blessings bestowed on us by others, blessings that were always there but went unnoticed. This collection of introductory essays, parables, and inspirations explains what Naikan is and how it can be applied to life and celebrations throughout the year.

Gregg Krech is Executive Director of the ToDo Institute, a Naikan education and retreat center near Middlebury, Vermont.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"An invaluable resource for anyone who practices everyday spirituality." -- Spirituality & Health Magazine, March 2002

"Highly recommended reading for anyone seeking to improve themselves in general, and their emotional well-being in particular." -- The Wisconsin Bookwatch, April 2002

"The book's central notion of being mindful of the overlooked gifts we receive daily is illuminating and instructive." Publishers Weekly, 1/15/02 -- Review

"The book's central notion of being mindful of the overlooked gifts we receive daily is illuminating and instructive." -- Publishers Weekly, January 2002

"[Naikan is] the rare self-help book where the sole exercise is to look beyond oneself." -- Shambhala Sun Magazine, March 2002

"[Naikan] shifts our focus from fear-based behavioral patterns to a realization of our own innate creative power." -- NAPRA ReView, April 2002

About the Author

Gregg Krech is Executive Director of the ToDo Institute, a Naikan education and retreat center located near Middlebury, Vermont. Krech is a leading expert on Japanese approaches to mental health and well-being and the author of several books.

Product Details

• Paperback: 220 pages
• Publisher: Stone Bridge Press (November 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1880656639
• ISBN-13: 978-1880656631
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #325,132 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Naikan: Gratitude, Grace, and the Japanese Art of Self Refle, February 20, 2002

By 

victoria register-freeman (Jacksonville,, Florida United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Naikan: Gratitude, Grace, and the Japanese Art of Self-Reflection (Paperback)

As an aging pilgrim who has tried to improve her life via the zigzag path of running, meditation, simplicity and organic gardening, I find Greg Krech's Naikan an astoundingly effective small volume. As someone said, the practice of Naikan is about " What is" rather than " What was" or "What might have been." Like most Americans, I find it reassuring that the ancient Naikan techniques fit into my fast forward world easily. Thanks, Gregg Krech, for providing a better map for my life journey.

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Relationship Book, November 1, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Naikan: Gratitude, Grace, and the Japanese Art of Self-Reflection (Paperback)

I hope to buy copies of this book for Christmas this year to give to all of the people I love. I read this book and applied its principles to my life and especially my relationship with my husband. It is transformative! By using the techniques discussed in this book, which are really very simple to use, you gain a truer, fuller picture of what is happening in any relationship in which you are involved. It has helped me to truly appreciate my husband, something that hasn't happened in a very long time. Of course, he feels that appreciation and the result has been a wonderful transformation of our relationship. I recommend this book for everyone as I can't imagine anyone for whom it would not be life changing in some degree.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Insightful, readable, practical, February 28, 2002

By 

Dixie (Denver, CO USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Naikan: Gratitude, Grace, and the Japanese Art of Self-Reflection (Paperback)

This book offers much to anyone interested in cultivating a grateful outlook in life through reflection. Inspiring quotes, poetry and practical exercises complement the text, which describes Naikan's Japanese roots, but is presented in a Westerner-friendly way. There's even a little section on Benjamin Franklin's efforts at self-reflection. The book's format lends itself to dipping in for a quick tidbit as well as a cover-to-cover read. Readers may find themselves thanking their socks for keeping them warm, or enjoying a pizza with mindful attention. Very inspiring!