Hara: The Vital Center of Man

By Karlfried Graf Dürckheim, Karlfried Graf Durckheim, Karlfried Graf Von Durckheim

Book Overview

The classic text on balance, inner calm, and the cultivation of tranquillity using the age-old techniques of Zen masters - Reveals the psychosomatic underpinnings of Zen, Taoism, and other Eastern traditions - Provides an alternative to the "chest out-belly in" postural attitude of the West - Includes translations of the wisdom teachings of three Japanese masters - Shows how the theory and practice of Hara helps us find our essential self When we speak of an individual's state, we are actually referring to something that transcends the duality of body and soul, something that reflects the entirety of a person's being. Because each of us is a unity of body and soul, there is no psychic structure or inner tension that is not reflected outwardly in the form and order of the body. When we find the physical center of the body we also find the psychological center of the soul. According to Zen masters, by correcting posture and breathing to balance this center, one can cultivate inner tranquillity and balance: the state called Hara. In Hara, Karlfried Graf D rckheim shows the Western world how to overcome the physical and spiritual decay of modern life by adopting the age-old techniques of Japanese Zen masters. By leaving behind the "chest out-belly in" posture and attitude of the West and adopting the belly-centered posture and attitude of Hara, individuals can live a calm, grounded, and more balanced life. Included in this classic text are vital life force practices and translations of the wisdom teachings of three Japanese Zen masters. This book also explores how the practice of Hara emphasizes empirical learning and the cultivation of self-knowledge through the perfection of arts such as painting and archery.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1594770247
• ISBN13: 9781594770241
• Release Date: October 2004
• Publisher: Inner Traditions International
• Length: 202 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.1" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Deep and Focused

I've read this book twice and experienced a deeper connection of the Hara each time. This is a most excellent book that deserves focused attention to read. A great exercise in grounding.

The Classic Endures

This is the very core of the Master's work, and essential to any spiritual practice im daily life. Written in the mid-fifties, its light is ever bright, and is a major contibution the the literature that includes Herrigel's Archery and The Book of Five Rings.

Clearly explains the basis of Eastern "Ways"

This is a fundamentally important book for anyone seriously interested in any of the Eastern "Ways": sitting meditation, martial arts (external or internal), yoga, tea ceremony, flower arrangement, calligraphy etc. The clarity of the author's explanations is surprisingly crisp and practical.This book was written in 1956, originally in German, so the grammar is a bit old-fashioned, and "man" is used exclusively for "person", but on the up-side, a refreshing air of unbridled enthusiasm prevails throughout.I VERY highly recommend this gem of a book to serious spiritual seekers, martial artists, fine artists, all healers esp body workers, and those wishing to have deeper insight into Eastern philosophy.