Customer Reviews

Zen Entrepreneurship: Walking the Path of the Career Warrior

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This is a moving book, particularly if you are an entreprenuear and have suffered through the reflection, self-questioning, loving advice of friends and family, etc. The book allowed me to give myself permsission to view my current entreprenuerial journey as a consultant and developer of sustainable communities as a journey of self discovery. I knew this instinctively, that only by experiencing this journey could I offer authentic guidance to others on similar journeys, however, Virk's work helped me bring this into consciousness and not only accept, but to be inspired by it. The book is charming and easy to read. There are numerous typos, but the flow of the story more than makes up for it. I gave away a couple of copies of this book because I found it so helpful.

I met Riz in 2002, at Robert Moss's first Dream Teacher Training. I remember him for his energy, enthusiasm, and humor. His book enthralled me in part because I had met Riz, and his wonderful qualities come through loud and clear. But I am recommending the book primarily because of its genuine depictions of spiritual life in the workplace. The story follows Riz along what he calls the Path of the Career Warrior, from skeptic to brilliant dreamer.

Zen Entrepreneurship can be read on different levels. On one level is the happy story of Riz, the young computer grad, dreaming of a business of his own. He serendipitously found his way into a meditation class and a new way of life, while building an idea into a multi-million dollar company. The second level offers guidance on how to establish and grow a new business, addressing structural, financial and psychological issues in a way that could be helpful to any aspiring entrepreneur. But the third and most important level is the concept of bringing spiritual practice into the workplace, as Riz provides insight and instruction in meditation and dream work that can be useful regardless of a person's career direction.

"A Career Warrior is someone who can harmoniously bring the insights gained through spiritual practice into the every day world. And someone who can take the challenges and insights gained in the wonderful world of work with them into the hidden worlds." (p. 9).

"You are not looking to start their business, you are looking to start your own business. The lessons that you need are different than the lessons that those folks need. Starting a business is not simply a mechanical thing; it's part of your path to personal growth." (p. 37).

I could go on, quoting significant statements for some time, as each chapter contains choice tidbits to ponder and to practise. I have already begun sharing some of these wisdoms with my clients, including a workplace meditation in which the focus is not a mantra or a breathing technique but rather concentration on a task to the exclusion of everything that might intrude. Other tips have helped me focus my own intention and passion.

Riz finishes the book by sharing the dream which inspired him to write about spirituality in the workplace. He began that very night with an essay outlining the principles of what has since blossomed into this book. Since that beginning, he has continued to establish new technology companies, and to write and speak about the Path of the Career Warrior. On his web site, he announces his next endeavor, a book entitled, Dreaming a Business: Using Dreams, Visions, and Sychronicity in the Workplace. He is collecting stories now. If you hurry, there might be room for yours!

This book could be classified in any number of categories, whether it be spirituality, business, adventure, or even autobiography. The author pulls you into his world where all of those topics are merged seamlessly and, just as grapes become wine, what some may see as unbelievable becomes unmistakably tangible.

If you've ever wondered what spirituality has to do with business, this book answers not only that question, but its opposite - how does growth in business reflect and manifest itself in the spirit world? The answer may seem simple, but this book makes it clear through the author's own true experiences, that there's much much more to those questions than we realize. So much in fact, that I intuitively know this book will be one I read over and over throughout different times in my life, and each time I suspect I'll learn even more new and invaluable lessons.

Zen Entrepreneurship is a must-have for any spiritual or business library.

This book was both insightful and a pleasant read. I would definately recommend it, especially for entrepreneurs, or someone considering becoming one.

This book was recommended at a leadership conference I attended. It's a quick read and quite inspiring. Riz narrates a fascinating account of his own personal journey to relate and bring together different spiritual concepts. While his journey centers on his business life, the concepts presented can apply to every aspect of one's life.

The book describes the convergence of the "hidden" and "real" worlds, showing the definite connection between dreams, events, people, and circumstances. It can seem random and unrelated, but it's all connected in a meaningful way. Riz demonstrates how this has occurred in his business life.

The book is very well written, and it's extremely impactful in a subtle way. Riz is not trying to preach a certain belief system or approach to life which I appreciate. What he does convey is to maintain awareness and take notice of what's going on around you. Connect the seemingly random dots, step back, and you may find that you've drawn a picture of something quite special that you never saw before.

This book is a wonderful -- and rare -- combination of business AND spirituality. Rizwan will keep you absorbed in his book as you laugh, learn and reflect.

It is a beautiful story to be enjoyed by an entrepreneur or aspiring entrepreneur who wants to further understand and explore his/her spiritual side while getting ahead in business.

I couldn't put the book down! It's a rare find and a must read!