Reviews (78)

Phenomenal Deck
If you want divination from your deck, look somewhere else. This pack is all about learning to be comfortable with uncertainty. I don't know that any deck can truly divine your future anyway; what I do know is that every time I pull out my Osho Tarot, I learn something valuable, precious, challenging and meaningful. Put aside your expectations of what Tarot is meant to do and live a little. Lovely, lovely deck.

Energy and Beauty of these cards is Awesome!
As an energy healer I find that these cards are really special in day to day assessments and analysis of situations.They really resonnate with me and others with whom I have shared them.I find the art work on each absolutely beautiful and the helpful instruction book that accompanies the cards has rich information to assist in this fun and indepth process of expansion.Judith K. Holt Certified Healing Touch Practitioner

Osho Zen Tarot
The Osho Zen Tarot is a beautiful and serene, not your usual traditional tarot cards.It speaks to your inner self, tuning in to your most sensitive and passionate self.
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Subjects:  1. Divination - Tarot    2. Eastern - Zen    3. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    4. Philosophy    5. Tarot   

Reviews (23)

Zen Golf - Helpful?
The concepts and techniques I have applied from Zen Golf have really helped my game and my enjoyment of the game.I have read about half of the book so far.I have been able to avoid multiple hole blow-ups and enjoy the round even when it is not the best.

Best Golf Book ever
This is the most impactful golf book I have ever read.

Reviews by Nan Kilar and Bobby Miller
When I worked as the golf professional on Holland America's ms Westerdam, I told our guests that I saw the game of golf as four-dimensional: attitude, set-up, swing and course management. And I don't care if you are a tour player or a beginner, the very first thing that you take out of your bag had better be a good attitude, or you lose.
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Subjects:  1. Eastern - Zen    2. Golf    3. Golf - General    4. Golf - Instruction    5. Psychological aspects    6. Religious aspects    7. Sports    8. Sports & Recreation    9. Zen Buddhism    10. Sports & Recreation / Golf    11. Sports Psychology   

Editorial Review

Arguably one of the most profoundly important essays ever written on the nature and significance of "quality" and definitely a necessary anodyne to the consequences of a modern worldpathologically obsessed with quantity.Although set as a story of a cross-country trip on a motorcycle by a father and son, it is more nearly a journey through 2,000 years of Western philosophy. For some people, this has been a trulylife-changing book. ... Read more

Reviews (471)

Not a good philosophy book
If you are looking for a new and SUBSTANTIATED philosophical view, this is not the right book. An excellent work of fiction, great writing, yes, these you will find in this book -- but not a strong philosophy.
"Walden" Meets "Easy Rider"
Anyone with moderate intelligence and sufficient leisure can work out their own private philosophy.The worth of such a philosophy should not be measured by comparison to the great philosophers of the past (or present); rather we should ask how well does it assist its creator in coping with life.Some personal philosophies are crafted in such a way that they help, not just their creator, but large numbers of their creator's fellow beings.Thus it is with the personal philosophy of Robert M. Pirsig, who laments that he has not had an original thought in years.
It is worth rereadng several times
I read this book several times over the years and each time I get something new out of it. I'm a Christian and though this book derives some of its underpinnings from Eastern philosopy, the book gives a great overview of Western civilization. How the book uses geography, the personal relationships, his past history, and Greek and Eastern philosophy to prove his thesis is fascinating. The book has problems. The main character does not follow his own philosophy in some ways. Pirsig makes too broad of generalizations about the Greek philosophers. Phaedrus's experience at the University of Chicago does not ring true to me. However, the book challenges the reader to think, to ponder life in general and contemplate on how the branches of knowledge tie together.
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Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Eastern - Zen    3. Emotions    4. Parental Memoirs    5. Personal Growth - Self-Esteem    6. Philosophy    7. Pirsig, Robert M    8. Fiction / General   

Editorial Review

You might want to digest this book slowly, a few pages at a time. Although Zen teacher Steve Hagen has a knack for putting the philosophy of Buddhism in a "plain and simple" package, it may take a while to sink in. There is so much there. Seeing reality, realizing the wisdom of the self, breaking free of dualistic thinking--this is pretty heady stuff. Thankfully, Hagen passes it along in the form of examples from life, psychological tidbits, and stories from Buddhist teachers past and present. And when it clicks in, it can be life-transforming. Hagen explains this shift in outlook and how the fundamental way we look at the world affects everything we do. As an outline, Hagen follows the basic teachings of the Buddha, and we see that, rather than dogmatic truths, they are reminders for us as we reconsider the life we have taken for granted for so long. As it turns out, Buddhism is life, plain and simple. Read more

Reviews (113)

Very little simplicity here.....
This book contains SOME very good information. Overall, I am glad to have purchased it for some of the information it contained. However, the author repeats himself constantly. Sometimes he changes the wording and sometimes he doesn't bother, he just repeats himself. If I could count the number of times he claims that things don't exist, and that every perceived thing is a concept, I'd guess it to be near one hundred.
A very narrow view but a nice simple read
This book portrays Buddhism as this really simple philosophy of simply living in the moment and throws away the rest. It is too simplistic to throw away all those sutras that other forms of Buddhism and simply state Zen is the only way. It's only one very narrow way. But I did enjoy it as a nice easy little read when you are on the train in the morning to get your mind thinking in a positive mode for the day. Its more of a new age self help book, but for the money it's fine!

Patience . . .
I'm glad I have other sources re Zen, because if it were only this book I checked, it would be history.The editorial review at the beginning said:"You might want to digest this book slowly, a few pages at a time."Otherwise, you may want to toss the book across the room.
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Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Buddhism - General    3. Doctrines    4. Eastern - General    5. Eastern - Zen    6. Philosophy    7. Religion - World Religions    8. Philosophy / Eastern   

Editorial Review

So many books have been written about the meditation side of Zen and the everyday, chop wood/carry water side of Zen. But few books have approached Zen the way that most Japanese actually do--through ritualized arts of discipline and beauty--and perhaps that is why Eugen Herrigel's Read more

Reviews (53)

Awonderful account of Herrigel's spiritual journey/5 stars
As a Zen Buddhist--unlike a few of the reviewers who
rich catalyst for our life journey
masterpiece. even the way it is written brings the reader on a journey so that he himself can learn and experience what the author intends to convey. not by explicitly writing what he wants the reader to 'learn', but rather by guiding the reader through a path- that is the only way to truly gain.

hitting the bull's-eye blindfolded
There is the Zen of no mind in which you eat when hungry, rest when tired, and stop when finished.There is also the Zen known through the ritualized arts of discipline and beauty such as archery, swordsmanship, brush-and-ink, the tea ceremony, or flower arranging. This book is Herrigel's story of striking the target bull's-eye blindfolded. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Archery    2. Archery And Target Shooting    3. Eastern - General    4. Eastern - Zen    5. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    6. Philosophy    7. Zen Buddhism    8. Religion / Eastern   

Reviews (17)

Overeating from a Different Perspective
I purposely sought-out a book on the Zen of Dieting, and this was what came up in my search, so I bought it. I was not familiar with Zen beforehand, but I knew that all the dieting knowledge in the world was not helping me, that it was time to address the mental/psychological/spiritual attitude behind eating. This book was an excellent start. Some of the principles were too earthy and idealistic for me, but that did not prevent me from the benefits of many other lessons in the book. As they say "Take what you need and leave the rest."

Pleasant surprise
The book was much better than I expected.I felt compelled to write the author afterwards and thank her for writing such a book.I've read a ton of books in my lifetime and this is one that stays with you -- the principles can carry over to all aspects of one's life.It's also the kind of book you can pick up on any given day, turn to a page, and find something motivational.After 100's of books and 100's of diets, this was the first that inspired me to write a review.

A striking example of "each to their own"......
Not since D. J. Conway have I read a book that so often so missed the mark...clearly some have found it a wonderful source of information and inspiration...I found it a wonder of bafflement, observations presented as "ancient wisdom"..."what you weigh or what you eat cannot provide lasting nourishment because they are always changing." (what you ate is not supposed to last forever) "The Buddha did what you and I have done many times. He went to the opposite extreme. Instead of indulging himself, he deprived himself." (page 6) "Unlike you and me, Buddha did not bounce back and forth between the extremes of indulgnece (overeating) and deprivation (restricted dieting)." (page 7)...It does sound very profound unless you think while you are reading it......really, Buddha did not have an eating disorder, he fasted in the tradition of spiritual aspirants of the age until he decided/realized to try another practice. Better (I think) to read general books on Buddhism and allow the practice to flow naturally into your relationship with food. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Diet / Health / Fitness    2. Diet/Nutrition    3. Diets - General    4. Eastern - Zen    5. General    6. Health & Fitness    7. Religious aspects    8. Weight loss    9. Zen Buddhism    10. Diets & dieting    11. Health & Fitness / Diets   

Editorial Review

If you can imagine Zen Existentialism, Read more

Reviews (19)

In general, a great book on Zen.
Second book read by the author. I have found no discontinuity between the authors books, which to me is a sign of a good book. Has made me think in a different way, glad I came across this book; I wasn't even looking!

unifying and inspiring
Direct, heartwarming, beautiful and points to what many of us have glimpsed and recognized as the nature of everything.

Just sitting!
"Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind" has consistently been the best-selling book on Buddhism in the USA --- for good reasons.Shunryu Suzuki-Roshi (not to be confused with the great academic scholar of Zen Buddhism, Professor Daisetzu Teitaro Suzuki) spoke clearly, compellingly, and comprehensively of the heart of Zen.It is a source of great joy that a second collection of Shunryu Suzuki's teishos (i.e., Dharma talks) has been published.What I am about to say about the two collections may reflect the change in my needs over time, rather than a real difference between the two anthologies.
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Subjects:  1. Asian And Oriental Religions    2. Buddhism - Zen    3. Eastern - General    4. Eastern - Zen    5. Religion    6. Religion - World Religions    7. Religion / Zen Buddhism   

Reviews (22)

Must read and practice
There are several aspects to becoming and great/profitable Hold Em player. Larry Phillips will give everything you need to know about two of these aspects in Zen and the Art of Poker. Learn patience. Learn controlled, focused aggression. Learn to win.

This Book has changed my life for the better.
I hadn't picked up a book in probably 5 or more years. I found Zen and The Art of Poker by chance. This book changed my style of play instantly. I couldn't help but relate the proverbs to my life which has also changed dramatically for the better, in various ways. This book has inspired me to live and love my life everyday. If you want to learn how to play patiently, powerfully, differently, or you simply want to add that extra advantage or foundation to your game... I highly recommend this book. If you have read every other poker book besides this book... I still highly recommend this book. It is a great addition to any style or way.

Graduating the Poker College
This along with David Apostolico's "Tournament Poker & the Art of War" is the Number 1 book that has totally transformed my game.I used to be a big Sklansky fan until I first found Apostolico's book.After reading that, I hit the delete button on 95% of the Sklansky material that I had memorized and I never looked back.
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Subjects:  1. Card Games - General    2. Card Games - Poker    3. Eastern - Zen    4. Games    5. Games / Gamebooks / Crosswords    6. Games/Puzzles    7. Poker    8. Psychological aspects    9. Zen Buddhism    10. Card games    11. Gambling    12. Games / Card Games / General   

Subjects:  1. Calendar    2. Calendars & Diaries    3. Eastern - Zen    4. Non-Classifiable    5. Philosophy / Zen   

Reviews (37)

Incredibly simpe yet powerful depiction on Zen.

The Drama of Practice
I have very mixed feelings about this book.It is the book which really brought me to spiritual practice; for that, I will always be grateful.It was, however, the same things about it which first drew me in, that I now find problematic.
One of the few authentic and unique books on Zen
Today it seems the west is in a big backwash of Zen related themes. The Zen of Gardening, the Zen of Grooming your Pet, the Zen of brushing your teeth etc. Most of these accounts are by people who wouldn't know Realization if it jumped up and bit them in the rumps. It's due to these circumstances that Philip Kapleau's account of Zen is truly refreshing.
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Subjects:  1. Buddhism - Zen    2. Eastern - Zen    3. Philosophy    4. Religion    5. Religion - World Religions    6. Religious    7. Zen Buddhism    8. Philosophy of religion    9. Religion / Zen Buddhism   

Reviews (36)

An endless treasure
I still own my battered, much-read paperback copy of this sublime little book, which I bought in 1971. To this day it seems to me the single best introduction to Zen available, not as theory or philosophy or even daily practice, but as direct experience. Like most of the previous reviewers, I can return to its pages again & again, finding wisdom & food for thought ... or non-thought, if you will. :)
Finding A Diamond...
No doctrine, no methods really: but the literature of Zen, and great world literature - Paul Reps compiles, in ZEN FLESH, ZEN BONES, a great compendium of Zen stories, all very short and drawn from 500 years worth of the varied experiences of Zen practitioners from Japan and China.
Excellent!
"Zen Flesh, Zen Bones" is probably the best introductory book to Zen Buddhism available in the United States.It is an anthology containing Zen stories and riddles.The prose is light; "Zen Flesh, Zen Bones" is not a weighty read that will discourage readers from delving into the subject matter.Read this book before any other on Zen! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - General    2. Buddhism - Zen    3. Eastern - Zen    4. Philosophy    5. Religion    6. Zen Buddhism   

Reviews (17)

Passionate Introduction to Zen
The stoic nature of the Japanese culture is well known but reading this introduction to Zen by D.T. Suzuki you can feel the passion in every word.This book is exactly what the title says, an introduction, designed to dispel common misconceptions (such as the charge of nihilism) and whet the reader's appetite for more with hilarious stories of the old Ch'an masters and give the briefest glimpse of what it might be like to experience satori (enlightenment).Can't recommend this book enough for anyone interested in Zen.Yes, he has some unkind words for Therevada Buddhism which is odd considering Zen seems to rely on one's own willpower more than other forms of Mahayana, but you must also consider that he may be talking about how those sects are practised in the modern era which can be and often is quite far from the ancient and venerated philosophies on which they are based.

Inspired, readable introduction to Japanese Zen
D.T. Suzuki was quite possibly born to write this book in particular, as enthusiasm and inspiration are his memorable talents as a writer on Japanese Zen. Suzuki is known as the designated guide to the modern West on the subject since the 1950's American love affair with all things Japanese.
Practical Spirituality
This book feels authentic and does not burden the reader with dogma or moral code.It is a simple look at a simple life practice, the art of zen.Suzuki is easy to understand without being overly simplistic.A good introduction to Zen. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - Zen    2. Eastern - Zen    3. Religion    4. Religion - World Religions    5. Zen Buddhism   

Reviews (2)

An illuminating book
I read the book, Zen And the Art of Happiness and it truly moved me.It is an illuminating book; reading it was an uplifting experience for me.
Enthusiastically recommended and 'user friendly' reading
"Zen And The Art Of Happiness" by Chris Prentiss (cofounder and co-director of Passages Substance Abuse Treatment Center) is a pocket-sized and highly portable 160-page book presenting practical, spiritual, applicable wisdom from the Eastern philosophy of Zen Buddhism designed to provide the reader with a positive, uplifting message that we can affect and influence the very makeup of our body at a cellular level through what we believe, think, and feel. That when we create happiness and vibrancy within our lives we are better able to adapt to life's inevitable stresses and changes. By learning to deal with stress and change in healthy ways, we create, nuture, and perpetuate 'mindful happiness' in our daily lives. "Zen And The Art Of Happiness" is enthusiastically recommended and 'user friendly' reading for anyone seeking to enhance their spirituality, learn to deal with life's stresses, and improve their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - Zen    2. Eastern - Zen    3. Personal Growth - Happiness    4. Philosophy    5. Religion - World Religions    6. Spiritual Healing    7. Zen Buddhism    8. Oriental & Indian philosophy   

Reviews (5)

What a joy
I concur with an earlier reviewer.This book will teach you about zen--not what it is, but how to embody it, which is what matters.
The Anti-Road-Rage Manual
Such timeliness for a book first published a dozen years ago!This should be handed out in Drivers' Ed courses across the country.The premise is simple: stay aware of your surroundings, don't let expectations distract you, and enjoy the ride.Stop thinking about driving and just drive.Sound advice in all aspects of life.

Unexpectedly surprised
This book vividly achieves something it probably never intended to do: offer the simplest, clearest explanation of Zen philosophy that I've read yet. While other authors overexert themselves in hopelessly convoluted terms and impenetrable analogies to try to explain the essence of Zen to their readers, Berger lays out its meaning in understandble terms by applying the principles of Zen to something that all of us can relate to--driving. And by not even trying to exlpain Zen at all, he does a masterful job--a true example of wu-wei in action!Read more

Subjects:  1. Automotive    2. Driver Education    3. Eastern - Zen    4. Philosophy    5. Philosophy / General   

Reviews (12)

Zen Pancakes
This book is not exactly brimming with the intellectual profundity of Suzuki, let's say, but it's a great little book nonetheless. Not really about Zen, this book is entirely about Zen. You don't have to practice Zen to follow along with it, but if you follow along with it you will be practicing Zen, essentially (Zazen is recommended).
Opened the Door
I consider myself very fortunate to have discovered this book at the time I did. After reading just a few sentences, I began to feel some relief from what was, at that time, a very tormented mind. Zen seemed to be exciting and new yet comforting and familiar at the same time.
An excellent practical guide to Zen
Many books on Zen fall into one of two categories: the "jump on the cool buzzword bandwagon" books that really have nothing to do with Zen, and the very dry and overly rigid books that are filled with many words and yet very little that a person would find helpful in everyday life. I am pleased to say this book falls into neither of those categories, and instead fits into a more enjoyable one: the kind of book that helps you learn to live better.Read more

Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. Buddhism - Zen    3. Eastern - Zen    4. Genres & Styles - New Age    5. Meditation    6. New Age    7. Philosophy    8. Religious life    9. Spiritual life    10. Zen Buddhism    11. Body, Mind & Spirit / Personal Transformation    12. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques   

Reviews (6)

Beautiful, Insightful & Inspirational
This "Zen Cards" deck by Daniel Levin is an easy way to familiarize yourself with the ideas/thoughts/beliefs related to Zen Buddhism, as well as a fun, creative way to remind yourself of how to put these ideas into practice.
Zen Cards are a beautiful way to add some peace to your day!
Zen Cards by Daniel Levin is a beautifully simple and calming deck. There are 50 individual cards in 5 colors: purple, brick red, olive green, teal, and lime green. The first thing that struck me about this deck, however, was the delightful box in which the cards sit: the top of the box flips up, so the cards are easily accessible. The box is of Asian design with a sturdy construction.
A little wisdom to relax by
I saw these cards while vacationing in Hawaii, and bought them with the idea of using them at work to ease stress. I read a couple each day, trying to absorb their meaning. Also, the cards are well-designed, and the calligraphy is very attractive. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cards - Playing / Tarot    2. Eastern - Zen    3. New Age    4. Fortune-telling by cards (cartomancy)    5. Zen Buddhism   

Reviews (11)

You haveto get no other books at all
If someones fatigued by endless buddhists-friends-philosophical-discussion want instead rapidly to proceed to Dzogchen (Preliminaries of it) practice, they need only one book and this is it.
perfect for anyone wanting insight to Tibetan Buddhism
Great to teach about Tibetan Buddhism.A great starting point.

Inspiring, and Informative
This book is a must read for all Tibetan Buddhists.I am only half way through chapter 2, but from these two chapters I can tell you that Patrul Rinpoche goes into great detail on all topics he covers.Warning: this book is not intended for beginners, it could be overwhelming for the un-initiated.I highly recommend getting the guide to this book, although the word "guide" is a little misleading, it is more of a complimentary book.
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Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Buddhism - General    3. China    4. Doctrines    5. Eastern - Zen    6. Philosophy    7. Rdzogs-chen (Rnin-ma-pa)    8. Rdzogs-chen (Räniçn-ma-pa)    9. Religion    10. Religion - World Religions    11. Spiritual life    12. Tibet    13. Religion / Buddhism   

Reviews (3)

Patchy
Though rated highly in some quarters (especially university campuses), I think this book is terribly over-rated. Its popularity may simply spring from the fact that Kasulis is conveying what people would like to hear, rather than what Rinzai (Lin-chi) had to say for himself. Don't trust me! - get hold of a good translation of the Rinzai Roku - and judge for yourself.
A clear, deep, and perceptive account of Zen.
Some years ago I undertook a fairly extensive program of reading in Zen.Most of my Zen books have since disappeared.Only the choicest remain, among which is the Kasulis. One of the Best Books Ever Written on Zen
Dr. Kasulis has written a masterpiece on Zen Buddhism. A clear, perceptive view on Zen doctrine and Zen practice. Other essential book recommendations on Zen, are the books by Eugen Herrigel- "Zen and the Art ofArchery" & "The Method of Zen". ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - General    2. Eastern - Zen    3. General    4. Philosophy    5. Zen Buddhism    6. Non-Western philosophy   

Editorial Review

After D.T. Suzuki, Alan Watts stands as the godfather of Zen in America. Often taken to task for inspiring the flimsy spontaneity of Beat Zen, Watts had an undeniably keen understanding of his subject. Nowhere is this more evident than in his 1957 classic Read more

Reviews (32)

The Greatest Book I Have Ever Read
Buy this book! Its amazing. Watts historical preface to Buddhism aids in its practical understanding. He has a way of getting to the very nature of the Buddhist perspective. Althought not a book for instruction ("Buddhism: Plain & Simple" by Stevn Hagen is a good one) "Way of Zen" is a perfect introduction to Buddhism, its Hindu roots, and more specifically, Zen Buddhism, and its Chinese roots. BUY THIS BOOK.

Zen Content, Zen Form, sort of...
I think the principle virtues of this text are simplicity, directness and clarity.Watts seems to have considerable intellectual understanding of Zen, and equally importantly, intuition about its inner content.He writes about Zen in a somewhat Zen-like way; not with a series of enigmas and paradoxes, but with a simple and direct narrative that covers the essential history and practice of Zen, interspersed with numerous relevant and potent quotes, and manages to lay this on the table with an intuitive immediacy that is refreshing and indeed uplifting.It's a good book.

Nothing Goes On Forever
It's hard to recommend a specific Watts intro. Indeed, some may find this text extremely tough reading. All I can say is, "have a dabble", reading Watts is a life changing experience. Also recommend Audiobooks (from iTunes) containing his early lectures.
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Subjects:  1. Buddhism - General    2. Eastern - Zen    3. Philosophy    4. Zen Buddhism    5. Philosophy / Eastern