Customer Reviews:
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 Giving life to the sword May 25, 2004
17 out of 17 found this review helpful
Anyone who looks to a book to learn how to swing a sword will forever be disappointed. Those of us who have actually taken the time train in the sword know that direct transmition is the only way (yes, the schools still exist -- go find one).What this book presents (along with some very good subtle sword pointers) is the proper mental attitude you must gain in order to progress on the path. Mr. Wilson does a wonderful job translating a difficult text. If you are serious about sword, get this book AND go find a teacher ...
 Musashi does a better job... February 17, 2004
9 out of 24 found this review helpful
Munenori presents a very abstract, Zen oriented manual to the art of swordsmanship. The book hints at oral instruction as the primary body of the teaching to accompany the book and it shows through in the reading. In my impression, the book reads much more like a book of Zen philosophy than it does a swordsmanship manual. Granted, most books regarding the topic incorporate Zen, however this book leans much more towards Zen instead of its applications in sword fighting. Supposedly, Munenori is the "middle ground" between the extreme, Zen-oriented Takuan Soho ("The Unfettered Mind") and the practical, loner swordsman Miyamoto Musashi ("The Book of Five Rings"). In my opinion, Munenori (whom the book states was heavily influenced by Takuan) also leans toward the "Zen extreme" style of writing.Personally, I think anyone would be better off reading "The Book of Five Rings" by Miyamoto Musashi. His practical approach blends application and spiritual insight in a much better approach. If you are interested primarily in Zen and sword fighting, you are better off reading the two chapters regarding Swordsmanship in Suzuki's "Zen and Japanese Culture". If you love the abstract, Zen only readings, Suzuki's "Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind" is for you. In short, the book isn't really worth reading when better classics are already out there given the subject matter.
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