The Empty Mirror: Experiences in a Japanese Zen Monastery

Rating:
Summary: Crazy Zen Wisdom
Review: I hadn't realized when I picked up this book that it was written in 1973 about experiences in the 1950's. Although it remains relevant in this time, it is rather surprising to think of a time when Eastern philosophy was difficult for Westerners to find. (Mind you, I say this as a resident of a Zen Buddhist abbey in Detroit.) At the time van de Wetering traveled to Japan, one wouldn't find Zen teachers in America or Europe, much less Zen communities. In this way, van de Wetering's journey paved the way for us, and for that I thank him deeply.

In some ways, the book provides a basic introduction to the Zen precepts and the monastic way of life. After all, when he was writing it, there were very few books on Westerners practicing Zen. So in some ways, this book covers ground that many more recent, more popular books have covered.

However, this book is full of surprises for people who might have a one-dimensional view of monastic life. There is peaceful meditation, but there are also arguments among the monks. Van de Wetering apparently expected to transcend human life in the monastery, but inside, he found the same problems as outside. He also found his own need to escape, to occasionally go out for a beer. It's a central paradox most readers who practice Zen will sympathize with; we want tranquility, but suffering is so darn interesting. Sometimes this paradox, as van de Wetering presents it, is hilarious. Traditional Zen stories can be vulgar, and so can contemporary Zen stories. We, like the author, must reflect on our expectations and assumptions to see what is really there

Rating:
Summary: the empty mirror
Review: I read this book at a time when there was a great deal of turmoil going on in my life. I spoke to a friend who thourght that reading this book might give me back balance to what you could call a personal catastrophie. The Empty Mirror gave me that and more. I found Mr. Janwillem's experience in the monastery outstanding in the sense that it is something I've wanted to do all my life. Maybe in the next one, life that is, I'll be more serious and take a leaf out of Mr Janwillem van dan wetering's book(s). For a lasting nice warm and fuzzy felling that gives you some insight about life, I can only recommend this to you all with peace compassion and happiness. May all beings be happy.

Rating:
Summary: Enlightening Introduction to Zen Buddhism
Review: I was first required to read this title in an Introduction to Buddhism course in undergraduate school. Since then, I have read probably two dozen books on Zen and/or Buddhism and I owe it all to 'The Empty Mirror.' The author has done a great job of describing life in a Zen monastery, the Zen koan, and it's a great introduction to the religion/philosophy. I'd recommend it to any student of religion, philosophy, or Zen Buddhism or anyone wanting to expand their knowledge on Buddhist monastic life. Janwillem Van de Watering does a good job of keeping the reader interested with light humor and a mix of day-to-day experiences during his stay at the monastery.

Rating:
Summary: The lighter side of Zen
Review: The first of two books from his experience in a Zen monastery, it is entertaining above all. Offers a glimpse of the nature of Zen philosophy as well, but most fun is seeing how this Westerner deals with life in a foreign culture-within-a-culture. A good book for thinkers who need a vacation.