Customer Reviews

Blowing Zen: Finding an Authentic Life

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

Aside from the shakuhachi enthusiast reader, the experiences with the shakuhachi Brooks relays in the book, along with his minor forays into Zen philosophy, make the book an interesting read for people unfamiliar with the shakuhachi. Blowing Zen is made considerably more interesting by the fact that Brooks didn't set out to explore either Zen or the shakuhachi. He's a bit more like someone who decided to go for a stroll, learned that a hiking staff made walking easier and then discovered (in both senses of the term) himself on a pilgrimage.

"Blowing Zen" is a delightful and inspirational story of one man's discovery of the Japanese flute as a vehicle of awakening to a more soulful and authentic life. Written with grace, humor and charm, the book brings the reader so close to the author's experience that the subtle and wonderful world of Japan and it's characters comes vibrantly alive. This book is a tasty treat filled with wisdom that can be savored long after the last note has been played.

How do I describe "Blowing Zen"? Refreshing, evocative, profound and yet simple. It is about finding a truthful life amid the rush and alienation of modern life. In his search for authenticity, the author leaves the party circuit of London and travels to the Orient. While living in Japan,Brooks discovers temples, Buddhist monks, the Japanese mafia, and, perhaps most importantly, the shakahachi - a bamboo flute..

What makes "Blowing Zen" so thouroughly enjoyable is, not only is the book entertaining (I couldn't put it down) but it is also inherently satisfying and hopeful. Part travel account, part autobiography and part spiritual journey,"Blowing Zen"'s biggest strength lives in its timely message: one does not have to travel the world and play the shakuhachi to find an authentic life, it is simply necessary to look within.

I recently took up the Shakuhachi flute. I am a practitioner of Zen. This book adeptly merges the two. I honestly had a difficult time putting the book down. Much of my knowledge of Shakuhachi was self taught and not 100% correct. This book fills the chasm of incorrect knowledge I had about the Shakuhachi.
This is not done with long winded hyperbole, but, instead with heartfelt and warm stories about his foray into the world of the Shakuhachi. I highly recommend this book for all interested in the Shakuhachi or with people looking to help find their center.

First, it delivers as a "spiritual" book - insightful, thought-provoking, etc. Like the old Zen poets, Brooks practices outside the monastary, in backstreets, bars, mountain-shrines. He gives you a sense of Zen as an expanding experience of freedom. The book also seems to be a kind of parable about the courage it takes to live in a meaningful way. Brooks had the guts to bow out of Japan's cult of productivity to play music in the mountains. And he had the courage to let go of his old lifestyle and identity to build an "authentic" life - this from insights won inquiring into habits of mind. So it gets you thinking, maybe walking your "path" with a shift in attitude.

Secondly, the book is pretty entertaining. Brooks manages to meet a lot of intriguing characters and has a lot extraordinary experiences. It's a good book packed with a lot of good stories, and well written with a lot of humour and style.

A couple of days ago a friend recommended that I read "Blowing Zen", a new book written by author, Ray Brooks. I visited my local bookstore, picked up a copy, returned home and (much to my surprise) consumed the book in one sitting

"Blowing Zen" tells the story of one man's decision to leave behind his comfortable existence in London and to plunge, head first, into a radically different lifestyle in Japan. "Blowing Zen" flows wonderfully, almost like a stream of consciousness and yet, at the same time, is very straightforward in its message. Fortunately Brooks, unlike many other travel writers, avoids the temptation of navel gazing as he relates his encounters and experiences. The book is at turns: funny, touching, educative, thought provoking and inspirational.

Initially, I would be tempted to categorize "Blowing Zen" as a travel account, but would not be surprised to find it located in other sections of a bookstore (i.e. autobiography, spirituality, music, religion, or self help). It is said that the best authors write as if they are communicating with a close friend and I truly felt that with "Blowing Zen." I was thrilled to be both entertained and inspired in one siting. I am eagerly awaiting Brook's next book and kudos to the author for peaking my curiosity on a myriad of different topics.

This book is a truly refreashing account of a person who goes to Japan for a new experience in life. He does not take the typical route of only teaching and cashing the monthly paycheque, all without feeling the true Japan. Brooks does more with his time here, he took what could have been a very flat experience and turns the road into a beautiful wandering account. I have given this book to three of my close friends, they too found the book to be wonderful. I think this is one of those successful "word of mouth" books. It should be translated for the Japanese reader, they would also enjoy the account. Two thumbs up and 5 stars!

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.