Readers/buyers may want to know that this book has been republished as _Unlocking the Zen Koan_. Here's what I said about it in a review under its new title:

This translation of and commentary on the well-known Wumenguan/Mumonkan is one of Thomas Cleary's finest works. (I also think highly of his _Dhammapada_.) As reviewer David Johnston has noted in his excellent and accurate review [under the other title], it will clear up plenty of the misconceptions about Zen encouraged by people who (deliberately or otherwise) profit from obfuscation. And Cleary's commentary -- based on some thirty years of experience with the koans themselves -- will provide valuable guidance that those professional obfuscators would probably prefer that you not have.

There are plenty of books out there that purport to be about Zen, but as far as I can tell, only a handful of them are genuinely helpful over the long haul -- Reps's _Zen Flesh, Zen Bones_, Kapleau's _Three Pillars_, Suzuki's _Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind_, the other Suzuki's _Introduction to Zen Buddhism_, maybe Alan Watts's _The Way of Zen_ and Stephen Mitchell's _Dropping Ashes on the Buddha_. Cleary's Wumenguan belongs on the shelf next to these.

Cleary insists (correctly) that Zen is not anti-intellectual or anti-reason ("not blind to causality"), and it doesn't encourage the practitioner to dissolve one's mind (or the world) into undifferentiated mush. On that basis alone, probably half the "Zen" books currently in print can be tossed directly into the trash.

This is a wonderful work. The translations are poetic and the comments very illuminating. Read and follow rigorously the instructions in the forward and you will learn something about Zen mind. It is permanenly on my shelf of most important references.

This book, without a doubt is one of my favorite books. Funny and delightful, it bares open the obvious stupidity of trying to be something you're not.

I've read and reread the book many times. Each time it's new and wonderful. Highly recommended, unless you have areas of your life that are sacrosanct and you don't want to be free.

If you are serious in your pursuit of enlightenment you are in for a rough ride. Ram Tzu does not coddle. His truths are self evident to some and heresy even blaspheme to others. The pages of this book are filled with incredibly funny and intelligent paradox, that is all the more stunning because it is delivered at the most dizzying heights of mankind's most cherished beliefs. Ram Tzu is a Zen Master's Master. And like a Zen Master of old if the Student is blinded by his own flame the Master smacks him, on occasion. Ram Tzu laughs at you... But only when you need laughing at. An example form the book: "Ram Tzu knows this...You indulge in self mprovement... and...All you have to show for it is an improved self." If this makes you mad you missed the point. Losing the self is the point not improving it. This book is not for the pius, those that take themeselves too seriously. To the truly enlightened, nothing is sacred. Ram Tzu is truly Enlightened.

While dealing with the comment that shows Florentin Sma­ randache's works as a puzzle, the whole masterpiece means somehow a kind of blank to fill in what is poetry and what it does not mean. To replying such a questions, we quite obliged to reach the real meaning of this art­ work called poetry. What is it since the early begin­ ning of its use in Italy with the Medieval art master­ pieces production and what does it mean at last by the philosophy of life that Hegel focused on its own realms of the structure as well as to the deep down of words. This is the way to underline semantics uses into sentences' structure. This part of knowledge in humanities considers two parts: the first one is extended to simple words and the second deals with sentences and phrases'­ building body. So poetry is yet considered like an art of a freelance lands­ cape engineer working on shapes and innermost beauty. Sometimes it appears also like the wit's prophecies telling on events. Our friend Florentin Smarandache's work ranges him among the prophets of the next century's poets and what I shall mean for any one of them, while setting puzzle and its blanks use of white colour paper like a student who went to an exam, for not learning his lessons prefers to deal with an "impasse" and gives up some of the subjects. This is not the way to say that our friend Florentin Smaran­ dache is this lazy student shaped down, but in contra­ ry is a master in this way since he can focus his mind on the future while going on with wonderings on what poetry is ­ or is going to become in the event of scien­ ces and technology progress. When we take into consideration, the first publication of Florentin Smarandache ­ LAWS OF INTERNAL COMPOSITION starting with poems with problems solving, there is some aesthetics value to underline in the signs and the symbo­ lism of everything. This is the way to meet with Andre Gretton's movement of thought. The Pope of Surrealism as he was called on the movement leading toward great success of what many other writers and thinkers follow up to now with the birth of paradoxism that can gain also weld sin­ ce the word means much in literary achievements as well as has a sense of philosophical movement dealing with so­ cial bond saving outcomes in the early beginning of the third millenary. Its member can shape life upon a strong mind building to fighting new era full of hope and good expectations­ while running with such targets, we have to deal with the philosophy of arts as well as the philosophy of sciences­ while shaping our works upon our days leading epistemology that underline the reason why of the human being on earth- and the best use of technologies and sciences.

OVERNAK C. ANTOINE AJONH

This is the most experimental book of poetry I ever read.

Paul Jaspe

This book by Aini Rajanen is a wonderful read for anyone interested in a brief look at the Finnish culture. Ms. Rajanen's point of view is quite entertaining and with a good sense of humor. From SISU to sauna (pronounced sow-na) to a few recipies I think this book is well worth reading. I heartily reccomend this title.

I would especially recommend this book to those planning a trip to Finland. Raganen summarizes well the various aspects of Finnish culture and history. A somewhat informal tone makes "Of Finnish Ways" a fast read, but one that provides a fitting tribute to an exemplary, exceptional people, those whom the Russians call "The Unusual People."

This book gives you is logical explantions of the nature of reality and it teaches you to be your own teacher. What this book offers is absolute freedom!

Whenever I feel down I open it and read a couple of pages and somehow it again puts me in touch with myself and everything around seems to be fine and much easier again. It helps me to realize that I am the one who creates my life and if I don't like it this way, it is up to me to create something else. The whole book is just so loving and very empowering in such a gentle way.
The only book I can compare it with is The Conversation With God. If you liked that one you will love this one.

An excelent study of Ghazali's Faysal L Tafriqa. The author Dr Sherman Jackson carefully analyzes the context in which the book was written and shows how it is very relevant to our situations in modern times. He elaborates that "al-Ghazali's mission is to define the boundaries within which competing theologies can coexist in mutual recognition of each other, i.e., as 'orthodox,' in the sense of passing theological muster. Al-GhazAli's aim, in other words, is not to establish who among the theological schools is 'right', but rather to demonstrate the folly and unfairness of the practice of condemning a doctrine as heresy simply because it goes against one's own theology. Furthermore, he insists, even where a doctrine can be justifiably deemed 'wrong' or heretical, this does not necessarily constitute Unbelief." Everyone who is interested in reading a sober account of on-going theolgical disputes among contemporary muslims should pick this up.

Beginning with an excellent introduction, this translation of Ghazali's work is a valuable resource for intra-Muslim discourse, as it demonstrates that theological tolerance in determining orthodoxy is needed in order to take into account differing viewpoints within Islam, so long as certain precautionary measures are taken.
The introduction is great since it orients the reader and demonstrates the significance of Ghazali's work.
This book is fantastic and I hope to see more works from this author.

An introductory lecture, to a live audience, about the ancient yet Modern science and Practical methodology of learning to perceive more accurately the true nature of our every day reality, actions and motivations. Richly strewn with entertaining stories, anecdotes and jokes. Expect a mind-bending roller-coaster but do not expect to grasp much before repeatedly listening several times. If you comprehend the timeless dictum "The Truth shall make you Free" than you are likely to appreciate this experience. By virtue of your attentive and repeated listening to the lecture and the accompanying readings of intriguing short stories from Shah's books you have taken your first step towards equiping yourself for the road to deeper understanding and self liberation, despite yourself. Can be the most salutary use of your time on the road and in the air.

An introductory lecture, to a live audience, about the ancient yet Modern science and Practical methodology of Human-development through learning to perceive, more accurately, the true nature of our every day reality, experiences, actions and motivations. Richly strewn with entertaining stories anecdotes and jokes. Expect a mind-bending roller-coaster but do not expect to grasp much before repeatedly listening, several times. If you comprehend the timeless dictum "The Truth shall make you Free" then you are likely to appreciate this experience. By virtue of your attentive and repeated listening to the lecture and the accompanying readings of intriguing short stories from Shah's books you have taken your first step towards equiping yourself for the road to deeper understanding and self liberation - Despite Yourself. Conceivably, the most salutary use of your time on the road or in the air.

The traditional Japanese school of archery -- Kyudo -- is more than a technique to have an arrow hit a distant target. As one of the classic Ways, like flower arranging or kendo, it is an exploration into oneself. The author, now a Zen teacher and university professor, is not some a kid talking about how a day of Zen turned him into a Judo machine; rather this is a well thought-out, well-written journey of both Zen philosophy and martial arts practice. We follow Kenneth to Japan where he sits cleans the dojo, sits in zazen meditation, and becomes expert in Kyudo.

One of the first books to introduce a Way of Zen to the West was 'Zen in the Art of Archery.' Now 'One Arrow, One Life' references Herrigal's classic, while providing a fresh expression of learning an ancient physcal skill, making them perfect accompaniments. The author has a deeper understanding of the history and methods of Zen, and clearly explains how they mate with a big bow, and how to carry the lessons on to your whole life. This book would be super for someone new to Zen, as well as someone who wants to revisit Herrigal. A lot of ideas that people talk about were put into place in my mind, then to my body and soul, thanks to this book.

The author uses his study of Kyudo and relates to the ideals and practice of Zen Buddhism. This is a good book of practice for anyone who wants to bring a living, moving Zen into the activities of everyday life. Kushner takes us through his life experience in learning Zen. Is failures and his success. Lets us know that Zen can be understood and practiced by anyone. This book is very a important addition to all who study Zen. The addition of this book should be required for all practictioners of Martial Arts who wish to reach the pinnicle of their art. Kushner begins with a solid introduction to the foundation techniques of both kyudo and zazen-breathing, posture, and concentration. Shares his experiences with us. And lets us follow him through his advance studies.

This book is full of great storys full of wisdom. the best part is that no matter when you read them or what your going through these storys offer insight for everything! amusing and colorful!

I read this book while sitting in a book store one day after not being able to put it down. It is a compilation of simplified tales and fables from the Zen perspective. Though this is a book intended for children I think many adults would appreciate this book to and this would make a great book to read to a child. The tales are very simple yet hold a lot of deep meaning and one could think about them a long time while gleaning new insights. The illustrations are neat too. Over all a very gentle and beautiful book which I would highly recommend. I am getting a copy for my mom for Christmas!

First, let's make clear what Burkert does NOT say. This book does not argue that the Greeks are an offshoot of some middle eastern civilization, or that Greek genius was merely a late and relocated flowering of Egyptian or some other oriental genius. Burkert in no way detracts from the greatness and the uniqueness of the Greeks.

What he does is remove them from their isolation. He does this by showing a number of points where the Greeks, in the early Archaic Age, borrowed from the cultures around them or at least shared common beliefs or practices.

The book is divided into three chapters, each organized around a class of people through whom East-West contacts occurred: craftsmen, seers / healers (workers in the sacred), and poets / singers. Burkert in each chapter reviews archaeological, literary and philological evidence for cultural contacts or "continuum". And the evidence is not overwhelming, but it is considerable.

The achievement of _The Orientalizing Revolution_ is not to knock the Greeks off their pedestal. It is to help us better understand the Greeks, by seeing some aspects of their culture in a broader light and by teaching us to apply insights from other lands and peoples to the Greeks. This makes Burkert a worthy heir to Jane Ellen Harrison, for instance, and well worth reading.

This is a great book. Due to a number of trends in scholarshipon ancient history over the last two or three hundred years, thehistory of ancient Greece has been grossly distorted. The Near Eastern origin of much of the culture of ancient Greece was a recognized reality in ancient times. Until modern times, the foreign origin of ancient Greece according to ancient sources continued to be acknowledged, but that trend changed with the advent of the European nationalistic tendencies of the eighteenth century, which began increasingly to highlight Greece as the "cradle of civilization."

However, over the last sixty years, these prejudices have undergone a barrage of new findings. It appears that the ancient sources were correct. Walter Burkert, one of the foremost scholars of this century on the culture and religion of ancient Greece, examines the process by which Greece came to be imparted, in fact inundated, with Near Eastern cultural elements. Burkert's is now one of several books which should transform of conception of Greek civilization. I would also recommend the more detailed "The East Face of Helicon" by M. L. West, and "Alien Wisdom" by Arnoldo Momigliano...