The Unfettered Mind

Writings from a Zen Master to a Master Swordsman

De: Takuan Soho, William Scott Wilson - translator

Narrado por: Roger Clark

This classic samurai-era text fused Japanese swordsmanship with Zen and influenced the direction that the art has taken ever since. Written by the 17th-century Zen master Takuan Soho (1573-1645), The Unfettered Mind is a book of advice on swordsmanship and the cultivation of right mind and intention. It was written as a guide for the samurai Yagyu Munenori, who was a great swordsman and rival to the legendary Miyamoto Musashi. Takuan was a giant in the history of Zen; he was also a gardener, calligrapher, poet, author, adviser to samurai and shoguns, and a pivotal figure in Zen painting. He was known for his brilliance and acerbic wit. In these succinct and pointed essays, Takuan is concerned primarily with understanding and refining the mind - both generally and when faced with conflict. The Unfettered Mind was a major influence on the classic manifestos on swordsmanship that came after it, including Miyamoto Musashi's Book of Five Rings and Yagyu Munenori's Life-Giving Sword.

©1986, 2002 William Scott Wilson (P)2014 Audible Inc.

A Must Read

The text may seem to be too heavy if you are only looking for a self-help book, but it is a five star read if you are interested in Buddhist philosophy.

Narrators performance is also great.

A classic by a true Master

A fine delivery of the material. brings the right mood to the words. Well done.

You can learn a lot

What did you love best about The Unfettered Mind?

It is that you can use what they talk about here to improve your every day life.

If you’ve listened to books by Takuan Soho and William Scott Wilson (translator) before, how does this one compare?

I don't know but even so this is a old book so I believe translation was very difficult and in the book he says that he had help with it and I think that it sounds fine.

What three words best describe Roger Clark’s voice?

I don't have three words to describe him.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

No

Any additional comments?

This book can help people to focus, but I do not think that many will understand the language used in the book.

Worthwhile

Excellent and much needed info on Zen, martial arts., as well as insight into ultimate reality.

Amazing

This is definitely one for the collection of a martial artist. If you try this book you won't regret it.