Naikan: The Japanese Art of Self-Reflection

LEARN TO SEE WHAT’S HIDDEN
RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU. IT’S
SEEING WHAT’S HIDDEN THAT
MAKES THE VIEW EXTRAORDINARY.

NAIKAN is a Japanese word that means “inside looking”” or ““introspection””. A more poetic translation is ““seeing oneself with the mind’’s eye””.

Drawing on Eastern spiritual and psychological traditions, Naikan is a unique method of self–reflection for cultivating self–awareness, gratitude, empathy, and a path for moving forward in our lives. Through Naikan we develop a natural and profound sense of gratitude for blessings bestowed on us by others, blessings that were always there but went unnoticed.

This is the 20th anniversary edition of this influential book. Author Gregg Krech, now after more than 30 years of teaching Naikan, shares the depth of his experience with essays, parables, poems, quotations, and recommended reflection exercises. The edition includes new material on relationships, a seven-day practice program, and guidelines to help mental-health professionals apply a Naikan perspective to counseling and therapy.