Description
At last: a book on the martial arts from a true Zen master. Taisen Deshimaru was born in Japan of an old samurai family, and he recieved from the Great Master Kodo Sawaki the Transmission of Mind to Mind when Sawaki died. In 1967, Deshimaru-Roshi went to France and taught as a missionary general of the Sato Zen School until his death in 1982. In Europe he learned how to make Oriental concepts understandable to the Western mind. One of the results of that experience was this book: a series of lessons, question-and-answer sessions, and koans (riddles or anecdotes that point out general principles) that provide practical wisdom for all students of the martial arts--kendo, aikido, iai-do, jodo, or archery--as well as for the general reader interested in Zen.… (more)
Library's review
At last: a book on the martial arts from a true Zen master. Taisen Deshmaru was born in Japan of an old samurai family, and received from the Great Master Kodo Sawaki the Transmission of Mind to Mind when Sawaki died. In 1967, Deshmaru-Roshi went to France and taught as missionary general
'Taisen Deshimaru, using simple language and a richness of story and lore, has raised a glowing picture before our eyes, an ideal that can illuminate every life. And he has given me what I have wanted for many years: a book I can wholeheartedly recommend to my students and to all those who would know the inner meaning of the martial arts.'-from the introduction by George Leonard
Contents
Preface and Acknowledgments
Introduction
Bushido: The Way of the Samurai-Strength and Wisdom; The Noble Struggle of the Warrior; Seven Principles; Three Stages; Secret of Budo, Secret of Zen; Directing the Mind; Here and Now
Mondo
Bun Bu Ryodo: The Twofold Way-Sky and Earth in Harmony; Ki: Energy; What is the Practice of Zen?; Unmoving Wisdom; Let Go; Not-Think
Mondo
Life and Death-Instruction of a Samurai
Glossary