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Summary: The Best Book I've Ever Read
Review: A must for anyone who wants to look futher into this world than they thought was possible, by simply flowing. "The power of a lotus flower flowering in the midst of a raging fire" "What is your original face"
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Summary: What an inspiration!
Review: Although this book is difficult to find, it is one of the best books Professor Stevens has ever produced in his prolific 20 years as an author. If you can find a copy, it is a sensitive and insightful look into the world of Zen, Calligraphy, and Sword Master Tesshu.
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Summary: One of John Steven' best books.
Review: Although this book is difficult to find, it is one of the best books Professor Stevens has ever produced in his prolific 20 years as an author. If you can find a copy, it is a sensitive and insightful look into the world of Zen, Calligraphy, and Sword Master Tesshu.
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Summary: Well worth reading
Review: I bought this book used at the recomendation of my sensei. Mine is a tattered copy and I treasure it. I was suspect about buying it initially because I'm not a great fan of John Stevens' work in general he's good but tends to be a bit diefying. But that was not the case with this book I've re-read it so many times that it is truely in tatters...so I am happy to see it has been re printed. I will buy I hope you do to.
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Summary: What an inspiration!
Review: It is a shame that this book is out of print. I regard its appearance before me in an old used bookshop in Florida as a great gift. After reading it I felt compelled to write down a few of its more inspiring passages ... and ended up with a four-page document! Inspiring, and entertaining too. Stevens' account of the life of Tesshu is flavored with scholarship and love. Good luck finding it.
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Summary: Enjoyable account
Review: This is a very well written and entertaining account of Tesshu, one of the last samurai, a retainer in the Emperor's service who lived during the period of Japan's transition from feudalism to a modern, industrialized state. Tesshu was a man of great martial skills and equally great compassion who was always poor because he gave away most of his considerable stipend to support his poor and starving relatives, friends, and innumerable homeless (human as well as animals) that he took in and fed, often saving them from almost certain starvation. As a result, he often went without food one or two days a week, preferring to give it to those in even greater need. A devout Buddhist at a time when most Japanese had long since adopted Shinto, Tesshu was also an accomplished calligrapher and poet. Overall, a very readable account of a great man who remained loyal to the old ways and traditions even as they were crumbling around him.
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Summary: Inspires Martial Artists to Train
Review: This is not a detailed biogtaphy, nevertheless, the author gives you a good overview of Yamaoka Tesshu's life. Yamaoka lived during a time when Japan was moving toward industrialization, and we get a glimpse of key historical moments during the transition.
There are numerous accounts that give insight to Yamaoka's mindset and character. Thus, no matter what art the individual reader may practice, Yamaoka's approach to training will reinforce the ideals of the serious-minded.Unlike other books where certain martial arts figures are ridiculously protrayed like gods, Steven's book has humorous stories and Tesshu comes across like a normal human being who achieved everything throigh his diligent search and practice.
The book's strong point...it inspires hard training.
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