In the practice of meditation we all need direction. Kakichi Kadowaki, professor of philosophy at the University of Sophia, Tokyo, who studied Zen under the famous Master Omori Sogen, provides such direction. The author tells how the practice of Zen taught him a holistic approach and how he learnt to read with the body and understand with the hara. Practically, he tells us how one sits erect in the lotus, regulating the breathing and stilling the mind. And into the inner silence one brings a familiar scriptural text, turning it over and over - as a Zen practitioner repeats the koan - until one breaks through to the inner meaning.