Deep Hope: Zen Guidance for Staying Steadfast When the World Seems Hopeless

The paramitas are a buddhist set of principles to help us explore and lead our lives. This is an excellent practical exploration of them. Ms Rizzetto's compassion and understanding comes thru clearly in her explanations and practical exercises. I especially found her student interactions helpful. There are many esoteric books written about Zen, books I find difficult to understand and take into my life. This is a book that I can use to help me live my life in a more open and compassionate way. A wonderful insightful read that I highly recommend to any and all who seek to live a life based on compassion and peace.

If you are seeking a path to deep hope in the midst of these deeply troubling times, then read this book. In a warm and conversational way, Diane invites us to practice with the paramitas with intention and compassion. Without "preaching" or "telling", she guides us in a way that leads to taking skillful action in each moment. This book will stay with you long after you have finished it.

Charlotte Joko Beck’s students have been prolific, becoming teachers, authors and appearing on lots of podcasts.This book is a great brief opening into this school of Zen. Every page offers invitations to pause, breathe and see ourselves and the world in a different way.

Drawing on Zen teachings and her own personal experiences, the author explores the concept of "deep hope," which she describes as a grounded and steady sense of optimism that is not dependent on external circumstances. Through practical exercises and meditations, Rizzetto provides tools for readers to cultivate deep hope and navigate difficult situations with grace and courage. Overall, "Deep Hope" is a powerful and uplifting read that offers a much-needed perspective on how to find hope and meaning in the face of adversity.

Well written, interesting

Diane offers a down to earth take on what can be a very abstract topic, the paramitas. Her experience and compassion shows through as she explores each paramita in turn with many examples and metaphors. A great companion to get first book!

...hopeful.

As a newbie to the "spiritual healing" world, I found this book to be interesting yet basic (easy-to-follow) information. It's more about self-care by creating peace within your chaotic/busy life through inner healing methods. It's about being intuned with your deeper needs to provide yourself with spiritual medicine, which in turn makes you elated/at peace. If you are into mental practices and adopting a positive perspective through changing your thoughts, this is your book. I personally liked this book because of its simplicity but I can see this being reducant to more experienced readers. I'm not sure this would be a reference book but this was definitely a decent read (but I don't feel I will re-read). I particularly like the quotes of wisdom, which really stuck the most than the exercised provided (but again I'm a newbie). I hope this helps :)