Customer Reviews

The Laughing Buddha of Tofukuji: The Life of Zen Master Keido Fukushima (Spiritual Masters)

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This book purports to be a biography, but instead it includes only an extremely brief biographical sketch of the Zen Roshi Keido Fukushima. The sketch is little more than a lionization of the man. This is followed by some essays on Zen by the author that are supported, only partially, by some quotes from the Roshi. Sadly, the essays read not like the thoughts or point of view of the Zen master, but of this student who is struggling to understand Zen through a Western psychological framework (i.e., with no real background in Buddhism that would help the reader) and includes only trite insights (e.g., that consumerism is a problem). What is worse, the author makes serious incorrect statements about Zen. For instance, that it is similar to Theravadan Buddhism. Eh, gads! Where were the editors?

The book is also extremely brief and is padded with several introductions and additional pages of low-value content to make it surpass what would otherwise be just about 120 pages of materials.

This is a purchase I regret.

The Laughing Buddha Of Tofukuji: The Life Of Zen Master Keido Fukushima by Ishwar C. Harris (Synod Professor of Religious Studies at the College of Wooster) is an enlightening insight into the inspirational life and practices of Keido Fukushima. As a biographical documentation as well as an intuitive balance of humor and Zen teachings, The Laughing Buddha Of Tofukuji is an informed and informative look into one of the most influential and progressive spiritual masters of his time. Very strongly recommended for the non-specialist general reader with a interest in Eastern Philosophy in general, and students of the Zen and Buddhist practices in particular, The Laughing Buddha Of Tofukuji is a truly memorable read.