A Sense of Something Greater: Zen and the Search for Balance in Silicon Valley

by Les Kaye, Teresa Bouza, Natalie Goldberg (Foreword)

Welcome to Silicon Valley’s search for fulfillment and purpose beyond devices, money, and power.  

With worker stress at an all-time high, particularly in the fast-paced technology industry, it’s no surprise that Google, Salesforce, and Apple have adopted mindfulness and meditation into their workplace culture. Studies show mindfulness practice increases emotional intelligence, reduces stress, and enhances health and overall well-being.
 
A Sense of Something Greater goes deeper than the current mindfulness trend, into the heart of Zen practice. For Les Kaye, Zen is more than awareness––it’s also “the continued determination to be authentic in relationships, to create meaningful, intimate, intentional bonds with people, things, and the environment.” Kaye’s teachings are paired with interviews with current tech employees and Zen practitioners, conducted by journalist Teresa Bouza. A Sense of Something Greater is an essential book for business leaders, mindfulness meditators, and Zen practitioners alike.

224 pages, Paperback

First published September 25, 2018

Reviews

[Maja]

5/5

[Judith Carlson]

A Sense of Something Greater was a quick, insightful read. I thoroughly enjoyed the way the authors wove the narrative with the interviews. It grounded the theory of Zen with stories of how and why people practice. I especially appreciated the commentary addressing the onslaught of mindfulness in the workplace as a trend. I think the true art of Zen is neither trend nor fad, but success in practice requires a foundation and community. I am currently a contract employee working for an organization based out of New York City. While not Silicon Valley, many of the same issues persist in both my field and location, as well as throughout the world. While I think that the focus is on the Valley, simply because the Kannon Do is located in Mountain View, I hope that readers will read this book and realize that the issues faced by employees in the world of technology are easily translatable across all fields of work and life stresses. I enjoyed this book and would be interested in learning more about the benefits of embracing a Zen practice.

[Leann]

I wanted to write this review and say simply "I breathed a sigh of relief and relaxed as long as I had this book in my hand" but quickly realized that sometimes words are necessary. While Zen is known for brief turns of phrase to illuminate a deeper truth, I really don't want people to treat this book like another unnecessarily wordy and overly intellectual Zen book. This is not a Zen book that will sit on my shelf and gather dust. This is the book on Zen my heart and hands reach for.

Written in a friendly Q& A style, Kay and Bouza have compiled a book on living in a modern life as seen through a Zen practitioner's perspective. If you are looking for a "how to meditate book", this is not for you, but if you are looking to answer "*why* should I meditate?", start with this one!

While the subtitle mentions Silicon Valley, you will connect with the stories if you lead a busy life. Whether a parent, programmer, or both, these stories show how to incorporate Zen practice in a modern and busy life. If you feel like you're never good enough, always checking your phone, you have imposter syndrome, you're too reactive at work, you get mad at your kids/ partner too often, and you can't find clean socks then you will be able to relate.

I love the touches of humor and the reminder of how resourceful humans truly are. In an age where we don't need another thing to read and feel pressured to do, this resource is a reminder to hold your thoughts lightly and look deeply within.