I have read a couple of other samurai books recently -- The Book of the Five Rings and Hagakure. The object is "I hit you, you hit the floor." The Nioh Collection Review – Freed From This Mortal Coil Again. The translation reads well (I don't speak Japanese, so can't speak to its accuracy), and the translator helpfully includes notes explaining some of the references and metaphors that Soho used, which really fleshes out the imagery and helps make things understandable. I have been meaning to read this for years. Other editions - View all. This is the first book I have read about Zen Masters and Japanese swordsmanship. from a zen master to a master swordsman at amazoncom read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users the unfettered mind a scant 100 page document written by a zen master to a master swordsman about the importance of right mindedness soho most likely couldnt have envisioned his treatise would be poured over after some 400 years had past yet it has been since first writing it … It was written as a guide for the samurai Yagyu Munenori, who was a great swordsman and rival to the … Share. There are three essays or letters here and I found each of them to be very insightful. Disabling it will result in some disabled or missing features. How does one rate a book written in the 17th century Japan, for warriors who still wielded their swords truly, as weapons, and practiced swordmanship as the murderous art that it is, when one is as frail and flattened by comfort as only a 21th century Western Europe lifestyle can produce? This classic samurai-era text fused Japanese swordsmanship with Zen and influenced the direction that the art has taken ever since. 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva – Workshop; 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva – Retreat; A Trackless Path II; Learning from the Lives of Lineage Holders The Unfettered Mind is a book of advice on swordsmanship and the cultivation of right mind and intention, written by the 17th-century Zen master Takuan Soho (1573-1645). This is the character who can commit themselves to a single goal completely, absolutely, and unflinchingly. People who are drawn to samurai metaphor may enjoy this, but I didn't. This classic samurai-era text fused Japanese swordsmanship with Zen and influenced the direction that the art has taken ever since. The Unfettered Mind was a major influence on the classic manifestos on swordsmanship that came after it, including Miyamoto Musashi's Book of Five Rings and Yagyu Munenori's Life-Giving Sword. The Unfettered Mind (不動智神妙録, fudōchi shinmyōroku) is a three-part treatise on Buddhist philosophy and martial arts written in the 17th century by Takuan Sōhō, a Japanese monk of the Rinzai sect. The Unfettered Mind is a collection of letters from Takuan Soho, a 17th century Zen monk, to Yagyu Munenori, arguably the greatest swordsman of his day, on the nature of the Self and on cultivating right-mindedness in his swordsmanship and his daily life. While it was written to apply to the mastery of martial arts, the applications of the imparted knowledge to day-to-day decisions and actions are unmistakable. Verified Purchase. It is possible I will offend you, along with the rest of the the planet. While he does not delve deep into religion, the book is still very spiritual with insights into the human mind. This classic samurai-era text fused Japanese swordsmanship with Zen and influenced the direction that the art has taken ever since. Tweet. In at least one point, communicating with such a highly placed personage with the essays collected. While I conceptually understand the relationship between Zen Buddhism and bushido, and I get where Soho is coming from in writing his book, I simply got lost in the vagueness of his writing. I've commented on other reviews that I study western swordfighting and incorporated martial arts, which I believe is more versatile due primarily to the nature of the weapon, but is considerably more limited mentally. Ultimately this text was about refining the mind in ways that enhance the conduct of the swordman. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. From a historical perspective, it was gratifying to see how the Zen philosophy was presented to and merged so seemlessly with the martial arts. This was a person of influence, despite humility of lifestyle and eccentricity of ideas. Buy The Unfettered Mind: Writings from a Zen Master to a Master Swordsman Unabridged by Soho, Takuan, Gigante, Phil, Wilson, William Scott (ISBN: 9781501227837) from Amazon's Book Store. The title translates roughly to "The Mysterious Records of Immovable Wisdom". It was written as a guide for the samurai Yagyu Munenori, who was a great swordsman and … In addition, this read gave me an overview about master Soho - someone who is described as legendary in the Zen world. About The Unfettered Mind. The letters primarily deal with martial arts (sword fighting, specifically). A shogun spent years and great resources seeking his favor and friendship. I found the underlying philosophical approach of this book to be superior to that of the Book of the Five Rings. The concepts can be a bit dense, but it's well worth the effort. Read full review The book consists of three essays written by a Zen priest as advice to a martial artist. In a time of such hurry, meditative studying of stillness is a lost art. If so, I apologize, but such is life. This classic samurai-era text fused Japanese swordsmanship with Zen and influenced the direction that the art has taken ever since. The Unfettered stops on nothing. If so, I apologize, but such is life. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for The Unfettered Mind: Writings from a Zen Master to a Master Swordsman at Amazon.com. Written by the seventeenth-century Zen master Takuan Soho (1573-1645), The Unfettered Mind is a book of advice on swordsmanship and the cultivation of right mind and intention. Ken is noted for his ability to present profound teachings and practices in clear straightforward language free from the myths and cultural overlays that make many Eastern teachings difficult to understand. You may call this book "Stephen Hawking for dummies", but sin. I was given The Unfettered Mind as a gift over the recent holidays. This classic samurai-era text fused Japanese swordsmanship with Zen and influenced the direction that the art has taken ever since. This classic samurai-era text fused Japanese swordsmanship with Zen and influenced the direction that the art has taken ever since. It was written as a guide for the samurai Yagyu Munenori, who was a great swordsman and rival to the … Refresh and try again. I selected this title because it was on sale and looked interesting, and I was not disappointed. A valid point, to be sure, but one that could be stated much more succinctly. They do not inspire thought or care, but enable the continuation of ignorance. It's rather dense, and assumes familiarity with Zen Buddhism. Top subscription boxes – right to your door, © 1996-2021, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Have to read parts of it several times before I understand what was being said (at surface level). You may be interested in Powered by Rec2Me The Unfettered Mind.
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