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The Empty Mirror: Experiences in a Japanese Zen Monastery
 
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The Empty Mirror: Experiences in a Japanese Zen Monastery (Paperback)

by Janwillem Van de Wetering (Author), Van De (Author)
4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
Price: £9.07 & this item Delivered FREE in the UK with Super Saver Delivery. See details and conditions
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  • This item: The Empty Mirror: Experiences in a Japanese Zen Monastery by Janwillem Van de Wetering

    In stock but may require up to 2 additional days to deliver.
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Product details

  • Paperback: 160 pages
  • Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin; Reprint edition (May 1999)
  • Language English
  • ISBN-10: 0312207743
  • ISBN-13: 978-0312207748
  • Product Dimensions: 20.9 x 13.8 x 1.1 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
  • Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 364,423 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

    Popular in these categories:

    #51 in  Books > Biography > Social & Health Issues > Cultural History > Japanese
    #83 in  Books > Biography > Religious > Buddhism

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Customer Reviews

8 Reviews
5 star:
 (4)
4 star:
 (3)
3 star:
 (1)
2 star:    (0)
1 star:    (0)
 
 
 
 
 
Average Customer Review
4.4 out of 5 stars (8 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

 
23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars A very informative and wryly funny overview of Zen training, 31 May 2003
This short and well written book is a delightful, highly accessible and informative narrative of one man's quest for meaning through entering upon Zen Buddhist training. It is written in a straight forward and easy flowing style that is simple, concise, elegant and approachable at all times.

It does not pretend to delve the depths of Zen Buddhist philosophy, and it as far from a review of Zen as a Buddhist religious practice as it might be possible to get, though it touches on it in many places. What it does do is tell one man's story within the context of Zen training in a Japanese monastery in Kyoto. It does it superbly well, with a humour, respect, honesty and compassion that is illuminating and engaging.

For anyone toying with a similar idea as the author; or for anyone interested in the practice of Zen monastic training in general; or for those just seeking a good authoritative read based on personal experience, then this is the book to start with; and maybe end with too.

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16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Enlightening Introduction to Zen Buddhism, 8 Jun 1999
By A Customer
I was first required to read this title in an Introduction to Buddhism course in undergraduate school. Since then, I have read probably two dozen books on Zen and/or Buddhism and I owe it all to 'The Empty Mirror.' The author has done a great job of describing life in a Zen monastery, the Zen koan, and it's a great introduction to the religion/philosophy. I'd recommend it to any student of religion, philosophy, or Zen Buddhism or anyone wanting to expand their knowledge on Buddhist monastic life. Janwillem Van de Watering does a good job of keeping the reader interested with light humor and a mix of day-to-day experiences during his stay at the monastery.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars Worth reading, 29 Mar 2004
Zen is a difficult subject and it's not often that it's approached in such a frank, down-to-earth way. This book won't blow you away or unluck the key to Zen, but maybe that's the point! Whatever, it is a frank and very readable account of an experience most of us will never be able to have first hand.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars The Empty Mirror
My son recommended this book to me. I found it as fascinating as he did. It is a thoughtful and realistic account of life in a Japanese Monastery, and questions ones attitude to... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Minna

4.0 out of 5 stars The Empty Mirror
'The Empty Mirror' is a short but fascinating look at life in a Zen monastery from the point of view of a western novice. Read more
Published 10 months ago by Spider Monkey

3.0 out of 5 stars Could have been outstanding...
I quite liked this book. I don't think the writing is neither commendable nor substandard and it held my consistent attention. Read more
Published on 16 Aug 2006 by Ms. J. Francis

5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful experience about becoming a (spiritual) cup.
"...Imagine that I am holding a pot of tea, and you are thirsty. You want me to give you tea. I can pour tea but you'll have to produce a cup. Read more
Published on 4 Jul 2003

5.0 out of 5 stars THE best book EVER
I first read this book years ago but it is still the best book I have ever read. It will appeal to anyone, whether they are interested in Buddhism or not, and whilst being very... Read more
Published on 17 Mar 2002

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