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A Cup of Zen: 21 Short Stories to Calm the Mind, Stop Overthinking, and Find Inner Peace - Includes Reflections for Beginners
Start 2026 with less noise and more Zen 🌿
Escape the Noise. Embrace the Stillness. Find Your Zen.
Do you ever wish your mind had an “off” switch?
Tired of overthinking everything and feeling overwhelmed?
Longing for a moment of true peace in your day?
A Cup of Zen is your invitation to step away from the chaos and into clarity.
This collection of 21 short, soul-soothing Zen stories is designed to help you quiet your mind, let go of unnecessary worries, and reconnect with the simplicity of the present moment. Each story is quick and easy to read, yet filled with timeless wisdom that gently shifts your perspective—offering clarity where there was confusion, peace where there was tension.
What makes this book special?
✔ Bite-sized and effortless—Read a story in just a few minutes and feel the shift instantly.
✔ Reflection prompts included—Simple yet powerful takeaways to help you apply Zen wisdom to your daily life.
✔ Beginner-friendly—No prior knowledge of Zen or meditation required—just an open heart and a desire for peace.
You’ll discover how
🌿 Free yourself from overthinking and mental clutter
🌿 Embrace simplicity and find beauty in the ordinary
🌿 Let go of stress and surrender to the flow of life
🌿 Cultivate mindfulness, patience, and deep inner peace
Like a warm cup of tea for the soul, A Cup of Zen is here to nourish you—one gentle, thoughtful story at a time.
Breathe. Relax. And begin your journey to inner peace today.
Grab your copy by clicking the "Buy Now with 1-Click" button.
Escape the Noise. Embrace the Stillness. Find Your Zen.
Do you ever wish your mind had an “off” switch?
Tired of overthinking everything and feeling overwhelmed?
Longing for a moment of true peace in your day?
A Cup of Zen is your invitation to step away from the chaos and into clarity.
This collection of 21 short, soul-soothing Zen stories is designed to help you quiet your mind, let go of unnecessary worries, and reconnect with the simplicity of the present moment. Each story is quick and easy to read, yet filled with timeless wisdom that gently shifts your perspective—offering clarity where there was confusion, peace where there was tension.
What makes this book special?
✔ Bite-sized and effortless—Read a story in just a few minutes and feel the shift instantly.
✔ Reflection prompts included—Simple yet powerful takeaways to help you apply Zen wisdom to your daily life.
✔ Beginner-friendly—No prior knowledge of Zen or meditation required—just an open heart and a desire for peace.
You’ll discover how
🌿 Free yourself from overthinking and mental clutter
🌿 Embrace simplicity and find beauty in the ordinary
🌿 Let go of stress and surrender to the flow of life
🌿 Cultivate mindfulness, patience, and deep inner peace
Like a warm cup of tea for the soul, A Cup of Zen is here to nourish you—one gentle, thoughtful story at a time.
Breathe. Relax. And begin your journey to inner peace today.
Grab your copy by clicking the "Buy Now with 1-Click" button.
112 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 12, 2025
3334 people are currently reading
398 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
February 8, 2026
A Cup Of Zen by Kai Tsukimi
Available in Kindle edition
This book is a collection of 21 short zen-centric stories that make you pause and reflect.
I have always been fascinated with the concept of Zen. These stories have only increased my fascination and inclination. Every story is deep in its essence and induces stillness in the mind. I found myself pausing at the end of every story and reflecting upon it. Some stories are clear in their concept, some endings are confusing but every story impacts on a deep level and sets you thinking on it.
At the end of every story, there are some reflections on the same, some questions that make you ponder about how the story relates to you. There are also simple exercises based on Zen. I especially loved the reflections. While you may not always get the answer to the questions, they do bring a lot of clarity to the mind. Every chapter has a drawing that is beautiful and poignant. This book is a treat for the eyes, the mind and the soul!
I didn't want the book to end! I wanted the stories to go on and on. The book will be impactful when read in silence and solitude. It is a book that you can return to, time and again.
I cannot recommend this book enough! It is like the ultimate healing balm for the tired mind reeling under the trials and tribulations of life. Definitely a must-read for all those seeking inner peace.
Available in Kindle edition
This book is a collection of 21 short zen-centric stories that make you pause and reflect.
I have always been fascinated with the concept of Zen. These stories have only increased my fascination and inclination. Every story is deep in its essence and induces stillness in the mind. I found myself pausing at the end of every story and reflecting upon it. Some stories are clear in their concept, some endings are confusing but every story impacts on a deep level and sets you thinking on it.
At the end of every story, there are some reflections on the same, some questions that make you ponder about how the story relates to you. There are also simple exercises based on Zen. I especially loved the reflections. While you may not always get the answer to the questions, they do bring a lot of clarity to the mind. Every chapter has a drawing that is beautiful and poignant. This book is a treat for the eyes, the mind and the soul!
I didn't want the book to end! I wanted the stories to go on and on. The book will be impactful when read in silence and solitude. It is a book that you can return to, time and again.
I cannot recommend this book enough! It is like the ultimate healing balm for the tired mind reeling under the trials and tribulations of life. Definitely a must-read for all those seeking inner peace.
March 1, 2025
I needed this book. "Cup of Zen" reminds you to just stop. Just stop and breathe. Think about the simple things. Think about nothing. Be present and acknowledge what's going on in that moment. Listen to the noises. The ones we never paid attention to. Be one with the world for that moment. As busy humans, this is such a great reminder to just stop. I appreciate the exercises as it points you in a different way of understanding the story in the beginning of the chapter. It was a good book. I plan to pick it up again when I need some quiet.
November 15, 2025
I really enjoyed this gentle meditative read. It helped me feel grounded and reflect.
February 20, 2026
This is not a typical book for me but I really liked the way it made me establish and honor a moment of mindfulness everyday
April 14, 2025
I’ve been reading these stories on the train, before bed, when I need a break to reflect and pause in my everyday life. And it’s been quite lovely. A quiet little meditative moment that allows me to turn inwards for a few minutes.
I could go back to these stories, over and over again, and I actually might. This book will be lovely as a coffee table book, especially in waiting rooms. But also in a house, for a quiet moment to pause, when needed.
I received an ARC from HiddenGems to read and review as I see fit. This is my honest review — thank you for the opportunity!
I could go back to these stories, over and over again, and I actually might. This book will be lovely as a coffee table book, especially in waiting rooms. But also in a house, for a quiet moment to pause, when needed.
I received an ARC from HiddenGems to read and review as I see fit. This is my honest review — thank you for the opportunity!
June 14, 2025
New daily ritual
I start my days, whenever I can, with coffee and poetry. I’ve expanded that to coffee and poetry or Zen tale. This collection is great. In addition to the stories, the questions and prompts that accompany each are helpful without taking the tension out of the stories, and the brush drawings are a delight.
I start my days, whenever I can, with coffee and poetry. I’ve expanded that to coffee and poetry or Zen tale. This collection is great. In addition to the stories, the questions and prompts that accompany each are helpful without taking the tension out of the stories, and the brush drawings are a delight.
October 14, 2025
Perfect bite-sized wisdom for busy minds
In a world that never stops rushing, A Cup of Zen serves up exactly what its title promises—moments of tranquility you can sip slowly or savor in quick gulps. Kai Tsukimi has crafted a collection where each story unfolds in just a few pages, making it the perfect companion for coffee breaks, commutes, or those precious minutes before sleep.
What makes this book truly special isn't just its accessibility, but how each brief tale lingers long after you've turned the page. These aren't stories you simply read and forget—they're gentle invitations to pause, breathe, and reflect. Tsukimi has an extraordinary gift for weaving profound insights into seemingly simple moments, whether it's a conversation with a stranger or the quiet observation of nature.
Every story is a small treasure chest of wisdom, offering fresh perspectives on mindfulness, compassion, and finding peace in everyday chaos. You'll find yourself returning to favorite passages, discovering new layers of meaning with each visit.
A Cup of Zen proves that enlightenment doesn't require hours of meditation—sometimes it just takes a few mindful minutes with the right words.
Perfect for: Anyone seeking daily doses of wisdom, mindfulness practitioners, or readers who appreciate the art of the short story.
In a world that never stops rushing, A Cup of Zen serves up exactly what its title promises—moments of tranquility you can sip slowly or savor in quick gulps. Kai Tsukimi has crafted a collection where each story unfolds in just a few pages, making it the perfect companion for coffee breaks, commutes, or those precious minutes before sleep.
What makes this book truly special isn't just its accessibility, but how each brief tale lingers long after you've turned the page. These aren't stories you simply read and forget—they're gentle invitations to pause, breathe, and reflect. Tsukimi has an extraordinary gift for weaving profound insights into seemingly simple moments, whether it's a conversation with a stranger or the quiet observation of nature.
Every story is a small treasure chest of wisdom, offering fresh perspectives on mindfulness, compassion, and finding peace in everyday chaos. You'll find yourself returning to favorite passages, discovering new layers of meaning with each visit.
A Cup of Zen proves that enlightenment doesn't require hours of meditation—sometimes it just takes a few mindful minutes with the right words.
Perfect for: Anyone seeking daily doses of wisdom, mindfulness practitioners, or readers who appreciate the art of the short story.
February 14, 2026
A great little page-turner and thought-stirrer during a particularly stressful stretch of work-life imbalance. It offered a welcome pause. Not earth-shattering, but quietly shifting in the way the best small wisdom books can be.
Nothing here radically reorients your worldview, but much of it gently nudges you inward. A few passages felt like words for the sake of words, yet most of the reflections are softly suggestive; inviting deeper inward awareness and more intentional outward presence. It piqued my interest in Zen practice itself, which was a fun and unexpected byproduct.
This feels like the kind of book you leave on a desk or coffee table. Something to pick up and thumb through in a moment of stillness or contemplation. Not overwhelming, not prescriptive. Just a steady reminder to breathe and return.
Nothing here radically reorients your worldview, but much of it gently nudges you inward. A few passages felt like words for the sake of words, yet most of the reflections are softly suggestive; inviting deeper inward awareness and more intentional outward presence. It piqued my interest in Zen practice itself, which was a fun and unexpected byproduct.
This feels like the kind of book you leave on a desk or coffee table. Something to pick up and thumb through in a moment of stillness or contemplation. Not overwhelming, not prescriptive. Just a steady reminder to breathe and return.
December 4, 2025
I truly enjoyed reading this book.
It was short and very insightful. It made me reflect on different things in my life and how I should handle them.
I was able to read it at my leisure and it’s still felt like I was learning so much. I felt empowered to set boundaries that would help me flourish. I feel lighter after letting something’s go. I used some of the passages to help ease my anxiety about releasing things.
I’m going to use a few of these quotes in my yoga sessions.
Absolutely read this book.
It was short and very insightful. It made me reflect on different things in my life and how I should handle them.
I was able to read it at my leisure and it’s still felt like I was learning so much. I felt empowered to set boundaries that would help me flourish. I feel lighter after letting something’s go. I used some of the passages to help ease my anxiety about releasing things.
I’m going to use a few of these quotes in my yoga sessions.
Absolutely read this book.
January 27, 2026
Nice little stories that get the point across.
As simple as zen gets, in the best possible of ways. I have had a short attention span lately and loved how effortless it was to pick up the book randomly throughout the day and read one or two chapters and then set it back down. I preferred reading it two chapters per day so I could let the lesson of each chapter sink in and become like a mini lesson for the day. I found myself wanting more at the end. The artwork was a beautiful bonus.
As simple as zen gets, in the best possible of ways. I have had a short attention span lately and loved how effortless it was to pick up the book randomly throughout the day and read one or two chapters and then set it back down. I preferred reading it two chapters per day so I could let the lesson of each chapter sink in and become like a mini lesson for the day. I found myself wanting more at the end. The artwork was a beautiful bonus.
February 26, 2025
Zen – seeing things as they are
During this challenging time of chaos this little book provides sensitive support to calm and restore inner peace. Each story, accompanied by beautiful pen and ink drawings, offers a moment of insight and reflection, followed by reflection prompts that accompany (and introduce!) inner peace. This book rapidly becomes a meaningful resource to fully enter the present moment – and release the tension of the times. A treasure!
During this challenging time of chaos this little book provides sensitive support to calm and restore inner peace. Each story, accompanied by beautiful pen and ink drawings, offers a moment of insight and reflection, followed by reflection prompts that accompany (and introduce!) inner peace. This book rapidly becomes a meaningful resource to fully enter the present moment – and release the tension of the times. A treasure!
March 4, 2025
This is an interesting, pithy book of short stories, although each story had a very unsatisfying ending. What made me continue reading the book were the questions at the end of each story that made me think deeply about what the author was proposing. Tsukimi's writings helped me to pause and think about little things in life that we often don't consider. Each chapter also had an attractive ink drawing that was uncannily soothing.
April 1, 2025
This wonderful little book, which took me slightly over an hour to listen to, was well worth it. When I first sat down and started listening to the inspirational readings I calmed down within moments. I told myself I’d take a break after a couple more stories, but was so engrossed and captivated, I couldn’t stop.
I do plan to listen to this little gem many more times. I hope the auto has more little books like this. They’d make a lovely gift with a tea cup, or some fine tea.
I do plan to listen to this little gem many more times. I hope the auto has more little books like this. They’d make a lovely gift with a tea cup, or some fine tea.
December 8, 2025
This is a super simple read and not the kind of book you read cover to cover quickly (you can obviously because it is so short). This book is best used as a thought starter with one story per day with some dedicated reflection time afterwards. You can keep this one next to your bed or in your study and refer back to it on a regular basis.
My rating system is 5 starts for life-changing books that I will revisit and refer, 4 stars for well written and engaging, 3 stars for good but not remarkable, <2 defective and/or highly defective.
My rating system is 5 starts for life-changing books that I will revisit and refer, 4 stars for well written and engaging, 3 stars for good but not remarkable, <2 defective and/or highly defective.
February 17, 2026
Simply Wonderful!
I love this book and will keep it on my bedside table! The short stories make for easy reading and recall. The following questions or statements after each story prompt thoughts, self evaluation and introspection. I have shared a couple of the stories, and questions as ice breakers at social gatherings with family and or friends, they make for great conversations that encourage others to think and shares.
I love this book and will keep it on my bedside table! The short stories make for easy reading and recall. The following questions or statements after each story prompt thoughts, self evaluation and introspection. I have shared a couple of the stories, and questions as ice breakers at social gatherings with family and or friends, they make for great conversations that encourage others to think and shares.
April 12, 2025
Very thought provoking short stories. Love that there are questions you could think or journal about as well as practices you can do. Both the practices and the short story reads can definitely be done daily since it's not ment to be very long. Something to definitely consider adding to a daily routine!
June 14, 2025
A gentle, simple, grounding read. In each story, I saw a reflection of myself in the anxious or confused character—and the wise one felt like my inner voice, calmly reminding me of truths I already knew but often forget. The reflections at the end of each chapter were surprisingly spot-on, even when they felt a bit abstract. This is one I’ll keep close and return to often.
September 30, 2025
A Good Book for a Burdened Soul
I enjoyed A Cup of Zen. It is a refreshing breath of air to my sometimes chaotic life. The questions presented are done so as not to be heavy, but allow the reader to think and move on. Ultimately, it is a good intro to Zen and mindfulness, but it is what you make of it.
I enjoyed A Cup of Zen. It is a refreshing breath of air to my sometimes chaotic life. The questions presented are done so as not to be heavy, but allow the reader to think and move on. Ultimately, it is a good intro to Zen and mindfulness, but it is what you make of it.
January 27, 2026
I had been having stress/panic attacks for days. I picked up this book that my daughter had given me and started reading. For the first time in days the tightness in my chest was gone. I have a hunch I will be rereading this little book from time to time. But even still, I found myself constantly taking pictures of the reflections and questions that appear after each story.
April 13, 2025
A wonderful and inspiring read to help you in different aspects of your life. This is filled with so much positivity to aid your journey through life
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and was a powerful read
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and was a powerful read
May 6, 2025
Great Introduction to Zen
Short stories designed to spark thoughts, with exercises to engage the Zen mind. Perfect for the beginning student to understand the complexity of mindfulness.
Short stories designed to spark thoughts, with exercises to engage the Zen mind. Perfect for the beginning student to understand the complexity of mindfulness.
May 26, 2025
Make me brand new
Sometimes, Zen feels very difficult for me. But this book showed that Zen isn't difficult for understanding the object.
Intention, all of things depend on one's intention. One's intention decided the way.
Sometimes, Zen feels very difficult for me. But this book showed that Zen isn't difficult for understanding the object.
Intention, all of things depend on one's intention. One's intention decided the way.
July 14, 2025
Peaceful and thought provoking
Such a wonderful short book to read and learn from. I'm going to reread it so that I can better answer the questions at the end of each short story..the one's that needed a bit more thought. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Such a wonderful short book to read and learn from. I'm going to reread it so that I can better answer the questions at the end of each short story..the one's that needed a bit more thought. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
August 13, 2025
I loved reading the stories, and I will want to come back to this book again. There are parts you could debate, reflections you could challenge. Instead of doing any of that, I just put my feet up, and enjoyed the read and the time spent with this book. My favourite was no. 14, the temple with no doors
September 13, 2025
These stories are a good reminder to add stillness to your life. They’re good to read in the waiting room or a couple before bed. My favorite was “The Muddy Road” which I felt resonated with me the most personally
September 29, 2025
Great Daily Mindfulness Reminders
I read one short story everyday. Oddly, I did it when I was on my restroom breaks at work. The call for mindfulness at the end of the reflections are my favorite part. This can definitely be re-read.
I read one short story everyday. Oddly, I did it when I was on my restroom breaks at work. The call for mindfulness at the end of the reflections are my favorite part. This can definitely be re-read.
October 26, 2025
"Escribe una pregunta en la arena. Espera al viento. Lee lo que queda." Kay Tsukimi / Un libro corto para leer , lo que va quedando de èl, todo el año o por muchos años.
December 28, 2025
Morning Peace
This one of those books that i will read daily as part of my morning routine. Before the world steals your time this book keeps you in the present. The stories are simple yet profound. I see myself reading this book for years to come.
This one of those books that i will read daily as part of my morning routine. Before the world steals your time this book keeps you in the present. The stories are simple yet profound. I see myself reading this book for years to come.
February 11, 2026
༄˖°. 4.5☆s .ೃ࿔*:･
one of my favorite quotes: ִֶָ. ..𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ🪽་༘࿐
“ 𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙄 𝙡𝙚𝙩 𝙜𝙤 𝙤𝙛 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙖𝙢, 𝙄 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙢𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙗𝙚. “
⋆.˚🪻༘⋆
another story that really stuck with me was,
𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙈𝙪𝙙𝙙𝙮 𝙍𝙤𝙖𝙙 ִֶָ𓂃 ࣪˖ ִִֶֶָ🥀་༘࿐
࿐ ࿔*:
one of my favorite quotes: ִֶָ. ..𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ🪽་༘࿐
“ 𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙄 𝙡𝙚𝙩 𝙜𝙤 𝙤𝙛 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙖𝙢, 𝙄 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙢𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙗𝙚. “
⋆.˚🪻༘⋆
another story that really stuck with me was,
𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙈𝙪𝙙𝙙𝙮 𝙍𝙤𝙖𝙙 ִֶָ𓂃 ࣪˖ ִִֶֶָ🥀་༘࿐
࿐ ࿔*:
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews