A complete, yet concise description of macrobiotics: “the art of universal peace and freedom on earth.” For the last 30 years many people have purchased, read, and been inspired by what has become known as “the little black book with the red circle on the cover.” That third edition of Zen Macrobiotics by George Ohsawa was published by the Ohsawa Foundation in 1965 and was revised, edited, and annotated by Lou Oles and Shayne Oles Suehle. Thanks to their efforts Zen Macrobiotics contains some of Ohsawa’s strongest and most direct suggestions for rejuvenation and longevity.

At its core, this book is a philosophical treatise on the relationship of the spirit and the material universe. Although the topic of spirit has been brow-beaten in recent years by pop spiritual writers (and the writer of this review has fallen prey to his share), this book stands out. Ohsawa challenges the reader (and heck, all of western philosophy with it)! His powerful allegories and raw intellectual power moved me into a magical space (something like a zen koan). He fluently and systematically speaks to the theories of Max Plank, Neils Bohr, Sigmund Freud, modern art, politics and darn near everything else of cultural import -- pointing out the beauties and arrogances of each. Again and again, he gently invites the reader to question "Where are we going?" and "For what purpose", always returning to the primacy of the spirit, the primacy of our glimpses of the absolute as we travel "up the river of life". And, he certainly does not forget the tangible material universe, which is part and parcel of the whole -- through insightful descriptions of diet, health and other practical concerns (yes, Ohsawa is the father of the modern macrobiotic movement and has written many wonderful books on the topic). This book is better than Yoda!

Revised after nearly a decade with the able help of Alex Jack, many difficult sections are more clearly and simply explained. This edition provides refinements on Kushi’s teachings, introduces many new developments in the spread of macrobiotics in modern society, and also includes a new chapter on the Spiritual World, new material on Yin and Yang and the Five Transformations, Man/Woman relations, and Humanity’s Origin and Destiny. The Food Composition tables have been expanded to include nutritional information on dozens of foods such as tempeh, seitan and amasake not previously available. “The Book of Macrobiotics” will definitely round out your understanding of what macrobiotics means.

The first book ever to present a comprehensive program for building world peace through a return to a sane and orderly way of eating.

The essays in this book are part of the most exciting adventure in the world today—macrobiotics, the universal life—to preserve our planet and ensure humanity’s continued biological and spiritual evolution. Contemporary Macrobiotics will enable you to incorporate principles of natural order in your own life and join in the enduring quest for health and peace.

This book is out of print, but used copies are often available from Amazon.com.

Nine Star Ki is an ancient, practical view of the world based on an astrological understanding of the way yin and yang interact to produce all the changes in life. Its companion philosophy, Feng Shui, applies Ki principles to your personal home and work environments. When combined as they are here, Ki and Feng Shui offer a fresh way to understand your personality, enhance your relationships, and develop a more fulfilling lifestyle. As in all astrology, you start with the month, day, and year of your birth (but not the exact time). A chart helps you use the ancient Chinese calendar to calculate your personal Nine Star Ki numbers. From there it's a simple matter to select from various wisdom collections the particular traits that apply to you, from health suggestions to love life to spiritual desires. Bonus: how to develop charts for family members, friends, and lovers.
 

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