The Monkey and The Way of Zen

A Transformational Journey in 28 Short Stories—Embrace Mindfulness, Overcome Overthinking, Let Go, and Find Inner Peace and Happiness (Zen Philosophy Books)

De: Serena Choo

Narrado por: Kevin Harries

Let go of overthinking, make peace with uncertainty, and discover a calmer way of living—without needing to attend meditation retreats, follow rigid philosophies, or master complicated teachings. The Monkey and the Way of Zen is a lighthearted yet profound journey told through 28 short stories, following a restless Monkey and his encounters with a wise Master. As the Monkey stumbles through his questions, doubts, and frustrations, he begins to uncover a quieter truth beneath the noise of his thoughts.

In these gentle, engaging tales, you’ll find wisdom wrapped in humor and simplicity—unexpected lessons that don’t tell you how to fix yourself, but invite you to see life through a softer lens. You’ll hear about the Master’s unusual perspective on “good” and “bad,” and how it helped the Monkey stop trying to control everything. You’ll laugh as the Monkey wrestles with taking two steps forward and one step back—and learn what helped him finally feel unstuck. And you may find your own moment of ease in the Monkey’s quiet reflection as he watches a cherry blossom fall. These calming stories are easy to return to—perfect for listening over coffee, before bed, or any time you need a moment of peace. They don’t preach or overwhelm. Instead, they meet you where you are, gently shifting your perspective so that life feels lighter, less exhausting, and a little more magical.

Written for modern listeners by an author with ancestral roots in the Chinese scholar tradition, this book blends timeless Zen insights with everyday challenges we all face. Imagine feeling calm even when life doesn’t go your way. Imagine moving through your day with more mindfulness, more humor, and more ease. Come—your inner monkey is waiting.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2025 Serena Choo (P)2025 Serena Choo

Gentle Stories That Quiet the Mind

Moments of stillness and reflection are deeply valued in daily life, and this audiobook supported that rhythm beautifully. The short stories invited a thoughtful pause and gently guided the mind away from overthinking. Each narrative felt purposeful without being heavy, offering something to carry into the day. The calm tone and relatable storytelling made it easy to stay engaged while allowing space for personal meaning to emerge. This was more than an enjoyable listening experience—it was a gentle nudge to stay rooted in the present moment. It encouraged a continued mindset of growth, reminding me that personal development can be simple, steady, and affirming, without the pressure to be perfect.

A Unique Way of Self-Reflection

What an intriguing way to self-reflect! The author has put together a wonderful collection of short stories featuring a young monkey and his "Zen Master". The monkey's adventures and subsequent conversations with his friend leave the listener in a (hopefully) introspective mood. The author then guides us through a number of self-reflective questions based on what we've just listened to. A fun and entertaining book with real value to those who want to explore themselves and find inner peace. PLUS-it comes with some great downloadable freebies such as a "bonus" story with the monkey and Zen Master, guided meditations and six wallpapers for your cell phone featuring quotes from the book. Definately worth the listen!

Easy to Pick Up, Worth Coming Back To

The short stories in this collection are simple but leave you thinking. I liked that each one stood on its own, so I could take a break anytime and still get something out of it. The characters, especially the Monkey, were relatable in a quiet way. A few stories made me stop and reflect without even trying. It doesn’t push a message or try to teach in a strict way, it just offers a different way to look at things. It’s a nice listen when you need a calm moment in your day.

Boycott the ramblings of the ego

“If I don’t take it now, I may not get another chance” - it was so inspiring to hear that even students of zen will bump into these kinds of thoughts of lack and such, because it makes us feel more human and understand that everyone struggles with these kinds of thoughts. Serena Choo has done an excellent job of catches the spirit of zen in these short stories that remind us simply of truth and to boycott the ramblings of the ego.