1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
HERDING THE OX, May 11, 2010
This review is from: Herding the Ox (Paperback)
"Herding The Ox" The Martial Arts as Moral Metaphor by author John J. Donohue (PhD) is a masterful work based upon Oriental philosophies of Zen Buddhism and its numerous mindful contemporary disciplines such as Confucianism, Shinto, and their sub-disciplines of various marshal arts.
Mr. (rather..."Dr".) Donohue has laid out a superb platelet or pattern on the process of gaining "enlightenment" through the study of Marshal Arts utilizing the ancient 10 stages of the metaphoric story line (and art pictures), depicting the man who goes out in search of the illusive Ox (representing the true self) as stipulated by the ancient Chinese Master, Kuoan Shih -yan sometime between 960 and 1279 AD.
Realistically, I would equate the story line of the OX with that of the European Tarot Cards. Both relate to the search of our lost selves and the pitfalls we find along the way.
This is not a book written to enhance the physical attributes or, techniques of the Marshal artist, but it is... a diagram on how to enhance the spirit and soul of that Marshal artist (or anyone else for that matter). Dr. Donohue has made the unarguable point that there is... a necessary balance (Yin Yang) of Spiritual and Physical realms in order to "be all we can be."
I believe this is one of the authors older works, but it is just as powerful as anything else he has ever written including some of his more recent fiction works such as; "Tengu the Mountain Goblin", and others.
There is little doubt that John J. Donohue has... already, himself gone in search of the OX, and...made the return trip.
This is a necessary book for all serious followers of the Tao or ...the "DO" if you so prefer.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
A must for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of martial arts, September 2, 2011
This review is from: Herding the Ox (Paperback)
In a society where morality and ethics are not always popular topics, Dr. John Donohue pulls from his knowledge of Social Science, anthropology, and his study and experience of the martial arts, to provide an enlightening perspective on how the study of martial arts can provide an opportunity for spiritual as well a physical development. With the increased interest of martial arts in adults and youth alike, Herding the Ox, is an excellent resource to aid those who are seeking a true and deeper meaning of the martial arts. While the book is centered around the Ten Oxherding pictures of Zen, it is also filled with stories of past warriors who were confronted with various challenges along their path and the ways in which they faced them. As a marital artist and someone entering the educational work force, I have found this book a wonderful resource when explaining to others the importance, relevance, and positive influence that a sincere practice of martial arts can have in the lives of those who follow their chosen path with honor, dignity, and compassion. It is a testament that the training we receive is not only physical and for the dojo, but is carried out in the actions of our daily lives and our relationship with life.
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1 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
for for me ethics paper, January 9, 2007
This review is from: Herding the Ox (Paperback)
Used this book in a big ethics paper on martial arts in North American capitalism. Got some nice quotes to use and it also helped me gain further historical information about the arts.
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