| The Unfettered Mind: Writings of the Zen Master to the Sword Master | 
 enlarge | Author: Takuan Soho
Creator: William Scott Wilson
Publisher: Kodansha America, Inc
Category: Book
List Price: £6.99
Buy New: £5.49
You Save: £1.50 (21%)
New (30) Used (12) from £2.32
Avg. Customer Rating:  6 reviews
Sales Rank: 79766
Media: Paperback
Edition: New edition
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 104
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.3
Dimensions (in): 7 x 4.3 x 0.3
ISBN: 087011851X
Dewey Decimal Number: 294.34
EAN: 9780870118517
ASIN: 087011851X
Publication Date: March 1, 1988
Shipping: Eligible for Super Saver Shipping
Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours
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| Customer Reviews:
| Showing reviews 1-5 of 6 | | NEXT » |
 A Great Translation October 7, 2007
This book contains a collection of three letters/essays from Takuan Soho to masters of the sword arts. They contain some incredible gems. This book should not just be read; but reflected upon.As another reviwer said, "The ideas of the interval between striking flint and steel to the production of the spark, or the visual and mental image of the glint of light on the blade of a sword become captivating and even revelatory." I could not have said it any better myself. This is a must read book.
A magnificent collection from an old master November 24, 2002
11 out of 16 found this review helpful
In this book, do not expect to find either enlightenment or the answer to your questions, because this is not a guide to life or spiritualism. Rather, the unfettered mind is a collection of letters, each revealing the viewpoint of the Zen master Takuan to the reciever. An amusing and deeply philosophical book, portraying a "path" long since abandoned. A must for anyone's bookshelf that contains spiritual books.
 A bit spiritual January 20, 2002
11 out of 18 found this review helpful
I couldn't get into this book. I preferred the philosophy of Hagakure and the practicality of the Book of 5 Rings. This is pretty spiritual and worth deeper analysis, but not by me.
Illuminating, an essential companion for all men of faith August 30, 2001
14 out of 17 found this review helpful
Takuan Soho's insight into the mechanics of the mind and its effects on performance, is much more than a manual for the martial artist. To sum up the first essay simply as saying "practice makes perfect" shows the ignorance Soho addresses in the first line of the first essay.The three essays requires contemplation and an appreciation of its context. It is a useful companion to anyone who sees the usefulness of constant striving to improve one's Self, "We are that which we habitually do...", and a reminder to all faiths that humanity requires a moral code.
A PATH TO ENLIGHTENMENT July 11, 1998
8 out of 14 found this review helpful
I have been involved with the martial arts for over 25 years. Student, instructor, swordsman. I consider this book a reference tool and a source of inspiritation. My copy is worn and tattered, what more can I say.I am sure that Musashi valued his friendship with the author. The insights into human nature and self improvement are timeless.
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