Book SummaryKokoro, by Beth Kempton

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Kokoro

Kokoro's Importance in Japan's Life, Culture, and Spirituality

Kokoro: The Heart-Mind Connection Uniting Emotions, Intellect, and Spirituality

Nuanced Understanding of Japan's Kokoro Traditions Beyond Western Heart, Spirit, and Mind Divisions

Within Japanese society, "kokoro" holds a unique and profound significance that transcends the compartmentalized Western understanding of heart, soul, and intellect. Kempton skillfully unveils the nuanced interpretation of "kokoro," emphasizing its holistic nature. It represents a heart of intelligence that originates our inherent wisdom and communicates through impulses felt in the now. It is a dynamic entity, both generative and responsive, encompassing a person's spiritual, emotional, and mental dimensions. Unlike Western culture, which often compartmentalizes mind, heart, and spirit as separate entities, Japanese culture views "kokoro" as an integrated whole, a space where feeling and thought intertwine to offer a more awakened, felt, and sensitive way of engaging with the world.

Delving into the rich tapestry of Japanese, Kempton explores the multifaceted nature of "kokoro" through its presence in numerous words and expressions. From "tabigokoro" (wanderlust) to "satogokoro" (homesickness), from "hotokegokoro" (mercy) to "kokoro ga odoru" (feeling thrilled), these terms reveal the breadth and depth of "kokoro," highlighting its centrality in shaping emotions, guiding actions, and informing perspectives on life. Moreover, the author draws attention to the concept of "kokoromochi," which denotes the emotional state or "holding" of one's kokoro, emphasizing the interconnectedness between inner feelings and external expressions.

Practical Tips

• Create a "kokoro map" by drawing a visual representation of your life's various aspects, including personal relationships, work, hobbies, and health. Connect these areas with lines that represent the flow of energy or influence between them. This can help you visualize and understand the balance or imbalance in your life, guiding you to make holistic improvements.
• Develop a "mind-body-spirit" routine that incorporates activities catering to each dimension. For example, you might meditate for spiritual growth, exercise for mental clarity, and engage in social activities for emotional well-being. By scheduling these activities into your daily or weekly routine, you ensure that you're nurturing all aspects of your being.
• Engage in a "kokoro conversation" with a friend or family member. During this conversation, make a conscious effort to express not just what you think about a topic, but also how you feel about it. Encourage the other person to do the same. This practice can enhance your communication skills and deepen your relationships by acknowledging the full spectrum of human experience in your interactions.
• Create a "Sensitivity Map" of your local area by exploring different locations and noting the sensory experiences they offer. For example, visit a park and focus on the sounds of nature, the texture of the grass, and the scent of flowers. This activity encourages a more nuanced appreciation of your environment and fosters a deeper connection to the places you frequent.
• Develop a "kokoro" mindfulness routine where you spend a few minutes each day focusing on your emotional state and its influence on your actions. During this time, you might reflect on a recent decision and identify the emotion that was central to it. If you decided to help a friend move because you felt compassion (hotokegokoro), acknowledge that and consider how it aligns with your values and goals.
• Create a "feeling wheel" for your workspace or home, with various emotions radiating from the center like spokes on a wheel. When you experience a strong emotion, place a marker on the corresponding spoke. Then, take a moment to express that emotion in a way that feels true to you, whether it's through a conversation, art, writing, or another form of expression. This visual tool can serve as a reminder to express your inner feelings outwardly and can help you become more comfortable with a range of emotions.

Kokoro: The Wellspring of Insight and Creativity for People

"Kokoro," according to Kempton, isn't merely a passive recipient of external stimuli; it is an active force, a source of profound wisdom and creativity. Kempton emphasizes its role in accessing the mind's insights and our profound wisdom. It's through the "kokoro" that we connect with our innate capacity for perceiving the true essence of things, fostering interconnectedness with others and our environment. The emotional expression of the "kokoro" acts as a compass, offering intuitive guidance through life's complexities. Kempton encourages the reader to develop a consciousness of these impulses, understanding their significance in shaping our path.

Furthermore, the author...

Kokoro Summary Connection Between Nature, Spirituality, and Developing Kokoro

Experiencing the Spiritual Within the Natural Environment

Dewa Sanzan's Mountains as Portals to Heartfelt Insights

Embarking on a personal pilgrimage to Japan's revered Dewa Sanzan range, Kempton unveils their profound significance as portals to the knowledge of the "kokoro." The author paints a vivid portrait of these three mountains—Haguro, Gassan, and Yudono—each representing distinct aspects of existence: the now and material wants, death and what's gone by, and rebirth and the future, respectively. Kempton's journey through these mountains becomes a metaphor for navigating the complexities of life, offering insights into how time, death, and the potential for personal transformation are connected.

Kempton recounts her experiences with yamabushi, practitioners who live on mountains and follow Shugendō, an ancient Japanese faith integrating Shintō, Buddhism, and animistic beliefs. Through their guidance, she engages in rigorous practices, including silent hikes, meditation amidst ancient cedars, and reciting holy scriptures, all aimed at cultivating a deeper connection with nature and awakening the inherent wisdom of the "kokoro." Her encounters with yamabushi...

Kokoro Summary Mortality, Impermanence, and Mourning: Finding Your Authentic Self

The Impact of Losing and Alchemizing Grief

Navigating the Bardo Between Life and Death

Kempton shares her deeply personal experience of navigating grief after her mother's passing, offering a poignant and insightful exploration of the profound impact of loss and how bereavement can transform us. As she grapples with her mother's diagnosis of terminal cancer and eventual death, Kempton delves into the liminal space of the "bardo," a forty-nine-day period in Buddhist tradition where the soul transitions between death and rebirth. Drawing parallels between her own grieving process and this concept, Kempton reveals the disorientation, emotional turmoil, and profound transformation that follow loss.

She recounts her mom's extraordinary resilience, acceptance, and unwavering love during her last moments, offering insights into the power of living fully when confronted with mortality. Kempton poignantly describes her mom's process of releasing attachments, writing farewell letters, and attaining peace amidst enormous difficulties. Through this raw and honest account, Kempton highlights not only the immense pain of losing someone, but also the powerful potential for growth...

Kokoro Summary Nurturing the Self: Intentional Living With Thankfulness and Presence

Cultivating a Simple Lifestyle Aligned With Kokoro Wisdom

The Japanese Concept of Hanno: Blending Work With Natural Rhythms

Kempton introduces the Japanese concept of "hannou, han-X," or "part-agriculture, part-X," a lifestyle model that blends work with a deep connection to nature's rhythms and fosters a sense of inner balance and contentment. She emphasizes that "hannou" is not solely about farming but rather about incorporating elements of nature into daily routines, whether through tending to a garden, engaging in outdoor activities, or simply embracing a more relaxed rhythm that emphasizes presence over productivity.

Kempton describes her encounters with individuals who have adopted this approach, showcasing their unique "kumiawase," or combinations, of skills, passions, and sustainable practices. She highlights the stories of those who have moved away from the demands of city life to create fulfilling and meaningful existences in rural communities, finding joy in simplicity, connection, and nature's rhythms. By sharing these real-life examples, Kempton encourages readers to reflect on their own "kokoro's" longings, exploring ways to align their work and...