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Twirling the Rose: The Nenge-Misho of the Buddha is the first book by Dr. Diamond to be published since Dr. Diamond since his passing in 2021. It is the inaugural volume in the Crystal Books series he conceived late in his life, each volume devoted to a topic integral to his work. We are truly honored to release it today, August 9, 2026, on what would have been his 92nd birthday.

The volume explores the Zen concept of nenge-misho: the legend of the Buddha transmitting the essence of his teaching not through words, but through the simple, silent act of smiling and twirling a flower. The incident is the origin of what is known in Zen as Direct Transmission.

Through a powerful combination of reflective papers, contemplative poems, extracts from lectures, and his unique meditational Stillpoint paintings, Diamond explores various aspects of the nenge-misho legend, including the rose as a symbol of maternal love and the nature of Direct Transmission. Expanding the concept, he invites us to view our lives, our creativity, our illnesses—even the Tao itself—through its lens. Brilliantly original and deeply insightful, Twirling the Rose is one of Diamond’s most intimate and searching works.

Edited and with a foreword by Susan Diamond, Dr. Diamond’s widow.

We are delighted to offer this book in both printed and ebook formats!