Rating: 
Summary: Enlightening and humorous read!
Review: I found author Ray Brooks book "Blowing Zen- Finding an Authentic Life" a fascinating read about a man going nowhere in London and having the courage to get out into the world and trying to find out "what's it all about." Ending up in Japan teaching English he discovers the bamboo flute and his life is forever changed. Each chapter tells engaging and sometimes humorous tales of his experiences while learning the shakuhachi. Also I found that Ray Brooks has a cd called "Hollow Bell" which is a great complimemt to the book. I highly recommend this interesting and enlightening read.
Rating: 
Summary: Blowing Zen is a great read
Review: I found blowing zen to be a most enjoyable read. Brooks takes the reader on a remarkable journey with his zen flute. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: A facinating story
Review: I think this book is quite inspirational. It details a most unusual story of a man born in the North of England and his journey around the world looking for some answers. In Japan he find a new interest which leads him to a new way of life and most importantly a new understanding. To discuss the story too much may not be helpful as the truth is in reading it with an uncluttered mind and no preconceived ideas. At times it seems like a most unlikely story but having met the author I know it to be true.
Rating:
Summary: One man's spiritual journey
Review: I was fortunate to meet Ray Brooks during a book signing event in Taos. I was touched by his warmth and by the almost palpable feeling of well-being that emanates from him. "Blowing Zen" tells the true story of how Ray found his bliss (and a new career) through "shakuhachi", the art of the Zen flute. The book is a great read, not only for Ray's account of his experiences, but also for his highly descriptive style that puts the reader right there with him. His sensitivity for foreign cultures and practices is refreshing. I recommend this book without reservation for its delightful style and uplifting message.
Rating:
Summary: One man's spiritual journey
Review: I was fortunate to meet Ray Brooks during a book signing event in Taos. I was touched by his warmth and by the almost palpable feeling of well-being that emanates from him. "Blowing Zen" tells the true story of how Ray found his bliss (and a new career) through "shakuhachi", the art of the Zen flute. The book is a great read, not only for Ray's account of his experiences, but also for his highly descriptive style that puts the reader right there with him. His sensitivity for foreign cultures and practices is refreshing. I recommend this book without reservation for its delightful style and uplifting message.
Rating:
Summary: From London to Tokyo
Review: In "Blowing Zen", Ray Brooks takes his readers on the perfect adventure. The experience is spontaneous, intelligent, funny and peaceful. Traveling from London to Tokyo, Brooks learns the shakuhachi and masters the art of living.
Rating:
Summary: From London to Tokyo
Review: In "Blowing Zen", Ray Brooks takes his readers on the perfect adventure. The experience is spontaneous, intelligent, funny and peaceful. Travelling from London to Tokyo, Brooks learns the shakuhachi and masters the art of living.
Rating:
Summary: Definetly NOT the Road Less Travelled!
Review: In superb Kerouacian fashion, Blowing Zen teaches the reader more about the incredible enlightment and joy of living in the moment than any textbook on zen or buddhism. A must read for anyone itchy to travel but can't and for those who need to be reminded of why we're all here in the first place.
Rating: 
Summary: FROM THE PUBLISHER
Review: JACK KORNFIELD- author of a path with heart "A genuine spiritual journey, finding Zen, music, and one's own true self. A lovely spirit blows through this book"DAN MILLMAN-Way of the peaceful worrior "In sharing his quest,Ray has enriched my life, and may inspire many others on the path of music, the way of Zen." GREG ELLIS-co-founder of VAS "Not since Mickey Harts's drumming at the edge of magic has a book so beautifully and eloquently exemplified the connection between spirit and music. Blowin Zen is a must-read for any musician or artist needing to manifest that connection.
Rating:
Summary: Much more than a spiritual journey
Review: Ray Brooks combines music, travel and zen in a story which turns into
a journey of discovery for the author and reader. I feel very happy
to recommend this book, it's wonderfully written and really does make
you think about your own life as good books do. A warning: once
started it's very very hard to put down!
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