Hand Wash Cold

March 8, 2010
Miller (Momma Zen
) uses daily household chores—laundry, kitchen, yard—to demonstrate timeless Buddhist principles. The skillful weaving of personal anecdotes, a few Zen terms, and acute insights—sometimes addressing the reader directly—distinguish this book from others in the genre. Miller, a Zen priest and student of the late Maezumi Roshi, argues for “the faultless wisdom of following instructions” when going about the mundane activities that form the substance of everyday life. Candid about some of the difficulties of her past, Miller stresses the importance of changing perceptions, which can lead to more beneficial outcomes for oneself and others: “All practice is the practice of making a turn in a different direction.” The book wears its Zen lightly; indeed, Miller skates over the years of study—as well as the decision to become a priest—that undoubtedly ground her current perspectives. By choosing to focus on the conclusions rather than the process of her Zen journey, Miller has tilted her writing more toward self-help/advice than spirituality/religion. This disarming book is full of deft and reassuring observations.

May 15, 2010
Zen Buddhist priest and meditation teacher Miller discusses how to accept the way things are and appreciate the simple, ordinary things of life. She uses laundry and dishwashing terms such as "toughest stains" and "stacking up" to describe Zen principles of dealing with life issues such as loss and daily chores. Miller's homey examples help readers visualize and feel, rather than intellectualize, the message she's trying to impart. A good starting tool for those seeking an alternative to both traditional self-help psychology and spiritual practices.

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