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Quote by Pico Iyer

“Don't worry, Sachiko,' I said with glib assurance, not even really persuading myself. 'Worry doesn't help; it only clouds or distorts. If you can solve a problem, there's no need to worry; and if you can't, there's nothing gained by worry. Just stay calm, and there's nothing you can't do.”

Quote by Pico Iyer

Work

The Lady and the Monk: Four Seasons in Kyoto

This book is a fictional account that delves into the complex relationship between a woman and a monk, set in the picturesque and culturally rich city of Kyoto. The story unfolds across the four seasons, capturing the beauty and tranquility of the Japanese landscape while highlighting the emotional journey of the central characters. more

Author

Pico Iyer
Pico Iyer

Pico Iyer is a renowned British essayist known for his profound travel literature and philosophical reflections. His works explore themes such as globalization, cultural differences, and personal identity, becoming an important voice in contemporary literature. Born on February 11, 1957, Iyer grew up in the UK and studied philosophy at Oxford University. His extensive travels around the world, from India to Japan, from Africa to the United States, have profoundly influenced his writing. more

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“We’re conditioned to seek only gain, to be happy, and to try to satisfy all our desires, he (Jakusho Kwong) explains. But even though we may understand on some level that loss is a catalyst for growth, most people still believe it to be the opposite of gain and to be avoided at all costs. If I’ve learned anything in my years of practicing Zen and coaching basketball, it’s that what we resist persists.”

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“During my time here, I learnt that one could not escape the secular world anymore than one could escape the web of karma that one had sown. True enlightenment comes not from isolation but immersion. The monks in the temples never really abandoned the world. Their doors were always open, and they took up arms when necessary as they had demonstrated countless times before. Their severance with attachment was to connect them with greater compassion, a higher love.”