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Summary: A delightful journey into the zen flute and beyond
Review: "Blowing Zen" is a delightful and inspirational story of one man's discovery of the Japanese flute as a vehicle of awakening to a more soulful and authentic life. Written with grace, humor and charm, the book brings the reader so close to the author's experience that the subtle and wonderful world of Japan and it's characters comes vibrantly alive. This book is a tasty treat filled with wisdom that can be savored long after the last note has been played.
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Summary: Finding Your Roots at the Other End of the World
Review: "Blowing Zen" is about grounding. The grounding, stability and life-purpose found by a former "undisciplined child" and "utter waster", as the author describes his younger self.The tool for this grounding happens to be a musical instrument, the so-called Zen flute, or shakuhachi. But it could almost have been any other tool. For though there seems to be something of a fate connection between the author and his discovery and practice of the Zen flute - he is constantly helped along by fortunate coincidences and the goodwill of the Japanese - the book is mostly about the dedication, discipline and perseverance of taking up a practice - any practice - and sticking to it, continuously improving it for its own sake, with no ultimate motive or "goal". So, it is rather a case of "The more I practice, the luckier I get". This is the carrying theme of the book, and what makes it far better than so many other "Foreigner in Japan", or "Zen Ultra-Light" books: Its unity and consistency. Most of Ray's anecdotes and encounters, if not directly related to the shakuhachi, involve people working at or exercising mastery in a given field - music, Zen meditation, calligraphy, incense - and the happiness and sense of purpose derived, not just from their mastery, but from their regularity and consistency in that field. Ray Brooks had to travel to Japan to discover what others have found in their back garden: That Zen, or enlightenment, or mastery, are "Nothing Special", and lie in the continuous improvement of one's daily, regular activity, with little thought of goals, failure or success, monetary or spiritual rewards, but simply for its own sake. Ray Brooks discovered that truth through an exotic and extraordinary instrument that he chose, and then simply stuck with - one day waking up to discover that he was, indeed, beginning to resemble a "master". And that's not only all right too. It makes the book all the more interesting and stimulating. We sometimes need the extraordinary to remind us of the value of the ordinary. The book is colourful, well-written, original, and tightly edited by a conscientious publisher. I recommend it warmly, even to experienced Zen or spiritual practitioners.
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Summary: Blowing Zen
Review: A couple of days ago a friend recommended that I read "Blowing Zen", a new book written by author, Ray Brooks. I visited my local bookstore, picked up a copy, returned home and (much to my surprise) consumed the book in one sitting "Blowing Zen" tells the story of one man's decision to leave behind his comfortable existence in London and to plunge, head first, into a radically different lifestyle in Japan. "Blowing Zen" flows wonderfully, almost like a stream of consciousness and yet, at the same time, is very straightforward in its message. Fortunately Brooks, unlike many other travel writers, avoids the temptation of navel gazing as he relates his encounters and experiences. The book is at turns: funny, touching, educative, thought provoking and inspirational. Initially, I would be tempted to categorize "Blowing Zen" as a travel account, but would not be surprised to find it located in other sections of a bookstore (i.e. autobiography, spirituality, music, religion, or self help). It is said that the best authors write as if they are communicating with a close friend and I truly felt that with "Blowing Zen." I was thrilled to be both entertained and inspired in one siting. I am eagerly awaiting Brook's next book and kudos to the author for peaking my curiosity on a myriad of different topics.
Rating:
Summary: Blowing Zen
Review: A couple of days ago a friend recommended that I read "Blowing Zen", a new book written by author, Ray Brooks. I visited my local bookstore, picked up a copy, returned home and (much to my surprise) consumed the book in one sitting "Blowing Zen" tells the story of one man's decision to leave behind his comfortable existence in London and to plunge, head first, into a radically different lifestyle in Japan. "Blowing Zen" flows wonderfully, almost like a stream of consciousness and yet, at the same time, is very straightforward in its message. Fortunately Brooks, unlike many other travel writers, avoids the temptation of navel gazing as he relates his encounters and experiences. The book is at turns: funny, touching, educative, thought provoking and inspirational. Initially, I would be tempted to categorize "Blowing Zen" as a travel account, but would not be surprised to find it located in other sections of a bookstore (i.e. autobiography, spirituality, music, religion, or self help). It is said that the best authors write as if they are communicating with a close friend and I truly felt that with "Blowing Zen." I was thrilled to be both entertained and inspired in one siting. I am eagerly awaiting Brook's next book and kudos to the author for peaking my curiosity on a myriad of different topics.
Rating:
Summary: Excerpt from my review
Review: Aside from the shakuhachi enthusiast reader, the experiences with the shakuhachi Brooks relays in the book, along with his minor forays into Zen philosophy, make the book an interesting read for people unfamiliar with the shakuhachi. Blowing Zen is made considerably more interesting by the fact that Brooks didn't set out to explore either Zen or the shakuhachi. He's a bit more like someone who decided to go for a stroll, learned that a hiking staff made walking easier and then discovered (in both senses of the term) himself on a pilgrimage.
Rating:
Summary: Excerpt from my review
Review: Aside from the shakuhachi enthusiast reader, the experiences with the shakuhachi Brooks relays in the book, along with his minor forays into Zen philosophy, make the book an interesting read for people unfamiliar with the shakuhachi. Blowing Zen is made considerably more interesting by the fact that Brooks didn't set out to explore either Zen or the shakuhachi. He's a bit more like someone who decided to go for a stroll, learned that a hiking staff made walking easier and then discovered (in both senses of the term) himself on a pilgrimage.
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Summary: Much more than a spiritual journey
Review: Before buying brooks's book I had heard of him. He came to wide prominance as a musical thinker and as an exceptional shakuhachi player. I have his Cd hollow bell. Blowing Zen is no let down. This memoir follows brooks from the night clubs of London to the streets and temple of Japan, with a side trip to India. What I like about the book was that it doesn't ram any dogma down your throat nor does brooks try to sell you anything. He doesn't linger on about how he changed his life, he just 'shows you how'.And its not just a story about a guy and his flute journey. Brooks gets kidnapped by the Japanese mafia. Blowing Zen gives you the feeling after you have read it, that if Brooks can do what he did to change his life around then so can I. Definetely worth the read LL
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Summary: An enlightening read
Review: Blowing zen was a one sitting read. Whether your a muscian or on a spiritual journey there is something for you in this book. Brooks' doesn't ram zen down your throat. Its not about zen and, it is. Life just unfolds with every situation Brooks finds himself in. Every chapter gives the reader something different and they all blend into one whole. This book may sound like a yawn but it has many suprises. Brooks even gets abducted by the mafia (yakusa). Well worth looking into. I also purchased Brooks' Hollow bell cd and although it took a couple of plays, it has turned into a very special recording which gives meaning to the book. I would have liked to have had the cd while reading the book.
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Summary: Blowing Zen
Review: Blowing Zen. A book about one man's journey into the world of the Shakuhachi flute. An excellent and inspirational book. Dealing not only with the internal and external challenges one faces when learning a "Way" such as the Shakuhachi, but also excellent information on Japanese life and culture. As one who lived in Japan for a number of years, and a beginning Shakuhachi player, Mr. Brooks' book transported me back to Japan, and to many of my favorite places, such as the Kamakura area. An extremely authentic portrait of life in Japan, this book rekindled my passion for Japanese Zen, and the Shakuhachi. Chop wood, and carry water....finding Zen awakening in your everyday life..blowing a flute...or whatever strikes your fancy! Read it today! Highly inspirational!
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Summary: Blowing Zen
Review: Brooks has inspired me to go out and do something with my own life. A great read.
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