Rating: 
Summary: True words of Budo
Review: First of all, let me say that I have looked forward this book for a long time. Being an avid student of budo, I have followed Mr. Lowry's writing with much interest over the years. In a market which more often than not caters to the latest sensational fad in the martial arts world, it is refreshing to hear a voice which reminds us of our history and the reasons we took up the Way in the first place. What you will get in this book is a collection of articles culled from the monthly column which Mr. Lowry has been writing for Black Belt magazine over the past 14 years. Instead of the often overly simplistic (and often just downright bad) writing which seems to be the norm these days, you will be treated to articles whch will educate, enlighten, and ultimatly guide you a little further down the road along whatever martial path you have chosen. If you're tired of the "How to be a Karate Master in 10 days" variety of article I absolutley recommend that you get this book and read it. You may also wish to pick up some of Mr. Lowry's other works such as "Persimmon Wind", Autumn Lightning", and the wonderful "Sword and Brush". Better yet, read them several times.
Rating:
Summary: Enlightening in Unexpected Ways
Review: Having read Lowry's other titles, I didn't hesitate in picking this one up. At this point, I would read anything he puts out. This is an excellent book, and not only for martial artists, since, although it does obviously deal with MA, many of Lowry's points can be integrated into the daily lives of non-practitioners as well. In addition to interesting subject matter, the writing style is superb. I'm anxiously awaiting his next title.
Rating:
Summary: Another great book from a great author...
Review: Having read Lowry's other titles, I didn't hesitate in picking this one up. At this point, I would read anything he puts out. This is an excellent book, and not only for martial artists, since, although it does obviously deal with MA, many of Lowry's points can be integrated into the daily lives of non-practitioners as well. In addition to interesting subject matter, the writing style is superb. I'm anxiously awaiting his next title.
Rating:
Summary: Worth Absorbing
Review: I recommend Dave Lowry's "Moving Toward Stillness: Lessons in Daily Life from the Martial Ways of Japan." The book comprises 45 essays that Lowry wrote for Black Belt magazine, about budo practices and concepts that transcend any one martial art. (Many of the examples are from the art of tea ceremony. One essay even concerns the art of testing swords by cutting corpses, and how that relates to flower arranging.) I particularly liked the tale of Yasuhiro Yamashita, nine-time national judo champion of Japan. (No other judoka has won more than three consecutive titles.) Yamashita's lifetime record included 528 wins, 15 losses, and 15 draws. Part of his preparation for tournaments was to keep his surroundings "neat and well-ordered, so I won't be ashamed even if I die during a match." Death was hardly likely, but settling his affairs helped him focus on the competition. I also want to reach a state where the world itself is my to-do list: when it needs my action, I will know. Dave Lowry's essays can help me get there.
Rating:
Summary: Worth Absorbing
Review: I recommend Dave Lowry's "Moving Toward Stillness: Lessons in Daily Life from the Martial Ways of Japan." The book comprises 45 essays that Lowry wrote for Black Belt magazine, about budo practices and concepts that transcend any one martial art. (Many of the examples are from the art of tea ceremony. One essay even concerns the art of testing swords by cutting corpses, and how that relates to flower arranging.) I particularly liked the tale of Yasuhiro Yamashita, nine-time national judo champion of Japan. (No other judoka has won more than three consecutive titles.) Yamashita's lifetime record included 528 wins, 15 losses, and 15 draws. Part of his preparation for tournaments was to keep his surroundings "neat and well-ordered, so I won't be ashamed even if I die during a match." Death was hardly likely, but settling his affairs helped him focus on the competition. I also want to reach a state where the world itself is my to-do list: when it needs my action, I will know. Dave Lowry's essays can help me get there.
Rating:
Summary: Delightfully Absorbing
Review: I was first introduced to Mr. Lowry through "Autumn Lightning", and have been a fan ever since. It is very rare to find martial arts texts that go beyond the monotony of Lists of techniques, even more so to find a martial artist who can humble himself in his writing. Mr. Lowry puts all those self proclaimed masters to shame. Although he writes specifically about the Budo, the ideals in these pages can be applied to anyone with a craft or skill that absorbs them, that helps them find insight in their lives. Particular favorite essays in this book are "Catching Catfish in a Gourd" "What Shape are Your Morals in?" and "Sabi Shiori: the Art of Being Alone"
Rating:
Summary: Delightfully Absorbing
Review: I was first introduced to Mr. Lowry through "Autumn Lightning", and have been a fan ever since. It is very rare to find martial arts texts that go beyond the monotony of Lists of techniques, even more so to find a martial artist who can humble himself in his writing. Mr. Lowry puts all those self proclaimed masters to shame. Although he writes specifically about the Budo, the ideals in these pages can be applied to anyone with a craft or skill that absorbs them, that helps them find insight in their lives. Particular favorite essays in this book are "Catching Catfish in a Gourd" "What Shape are Your Morals in?" and "Sabi Shiori: the Art of Being Alone"
Rating:
Summary: Lowry has done it again.
Review: It is always a pleasure to find a new Dave Lowry book. Drawing on articles written for Black Belt Magazine, Lowry offers something for every martial artist. These forty-five articles are straightforward and easy to read. They help to remind every martial artist why he started on the path, and help to keep him there. If you have any interest in the martial arts either as a practitioner, or as a buff, you will find this book to your satisfaction. I highly recommend any of Lowry's books.
Rating: 
Summary: Not just for martial artists
Review: It should be noted that the subtitle of this book is: Lessons in Daily Life from the Martial Ways of Japan. This is a well crafted and engaging work, it should appeal to those who are not martial artists. Yet, the primary audience is likely to be those who practice some form of martial art.Clearly, Mr. Lowry's thoughtful insights were derived from his life long pursuit of excellence using the vehicle of traditional Japanese martial arts. Thus, he strikes a rather aristocratic tone that is hardly in keeping with our equality and self-esteem obsessed culture of instant gratification and self-worship. In this area I applaud Mr. Lowry's willingness to go against the grain. Unfortunately, Mr. Lowry also feels the need to take a number of swipes at those who practice nontraditional martial arts. His supercilious characterizations in this regard are shallow and stereotypical. Perhaps he forgets that once upon a time the traditional martial arts were new and innovative and pragmatic. One person's body of tradition is another person's rigor mortis. Also, his nipponophile tendencies are a bit much. I believe his view of Japanese society and culture is overly romantic and unrealistic. Japan, like American society, is under profound assault by the forces of modernity, materialism and anti-culture. But these points aside, there is much to savor in Moving Toward Stillness and it merits a wider audience than it is likely to achieve.
Rating:
Summary: Though-provoking articles...
Review: Lowry's book, a collection of his articles, is surprisingly consistent in theme. His outlook reminds of Merzel's "Beyond Sanity and Madness" for his fairly stern reminders that the Path lies within simplicity and that the early lessons in any of the martial arts (and many other Eastern disciplines such as Qigong and Zen) contain the essence that you, as a beginner, are unfortunately unlikely to recognize for a long time. I also enjoy his viewpoint regarding the the 'need' for less ego and posturing; instead he consistently points out that 'Master' depends upon what is deep inside and is displayed through consistent behaviour at all times. Certainly this viewpoint is sorely lacking in many so-called 'Masters' at this time. Lowry also gives some valuable insight into aspects of Japanese culture that are quite fascinating including Noh and the tea ceremony. He also includes many tidbits about visiting Masters that I found very informative. Even if you are not that interested in martial arts I believe there are many lessons in this book that make it worthwhile to read.
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