Osho Zen Tarot: The Transcendental Game Of Zen [Cards]

Osho (Author), Ma Deva Padma (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 15, 1995

When life seems to be full of doubt and uncertainty we tend to look for a source of inspiration: what will happen in the future? What about my health, the children? What will happen if I make this decision and not that one? This is how the traditional tarot is often used, to satisfy a longing to know about the past and future. This Osho Zen Tarot focuses instead on gaining an understanding of the here and now. It is a system based on the wisdom of Zen, a wisdom that says events in the outer world simply reflect in the outer world simply reflect our own thoughts and feelings, even though we ourselves might be unclear about what those thoughts and feelings are. So it helps us to turn our attention away from outside events so we can find a new clarity of understanding in our innermost hearts. The conditions and states of mind portrayed by the contemporary images on the cards are all shown as being essentially transitional and transformative. The text in the accompanying book helps to interpret and understand the images in the simple, straightforward and down to earth language of Zen.

Product Details

• Cards: 176 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Press; Crds edition (April 15, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312117337
• ISBN-13: 978-0312117337
• Product Dimensions: 6.3 x 1.7 x 8.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (181 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,020 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #4 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > New Age > Divination > Tarot
  • #71 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Philosophy > Eastern > Buddhism

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

128 of 130 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars I own over 100 decks and this one gives the best readings! January 22, 1999

By A Customer

Format:Cards

I have collected and read tarot for about 25 years. I have held and studied some of the oldest cards that are in the British Museum. I own over 100 decks. This deck was going to be just part of the collection -- until I read from it. I couldn't believe the insight and how well it fit with today's world and issues. It was like an epiphany. Most of my tarot reading friends have purchansed it after seeing me read from it. A friend who had been trying to read the tarot for years, but said she just couldn't get it, can read from this deck. The wonderful colors and imagery of the deck and the poetic language of the book trigger one's intuition into full gear before realizing it. Readers of other decks can quickly use it as it follows the traditional pattern but in an innovative way. New readers can also begin using it quickly as the deck and book are inspirational. I highly recommend this book/deck combination!

81 of 82 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Insightful, GORGEOUS deck June 6, 2001

By Chel Micheline TOP 100 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:Cards

I've never bought into the "divination" description of Tarot cards. Instead I've always thought Tarot cards were better suited as tools to lend insight into current situations. The Osho Zen deck is perfect for this task.

I have been searching for the *perfect* Tarot deck for myself for years. I've always been uncomfortable with the traditional Rider-Waite symbolism, and always thought many decks (Rider-Waite or not) were unattractive. I've never been compelled to pull any of my decks out and consult them more than once in a blue moon. There are a few decks I've found along the way I like- the Connolly deck was an early favorite, with its bright and luminous illustrations and positive descriptions, and an I-Ching deck I was given for Christmas. But no deck I have ever seen or touched has been as beautiful as the Osho Zen.

First and foremost, the illustrations blew me away. I just can't describe how beautiful they are. I went through the entire deck and and spent an hour "ooohhh"ing and "ahhh"ing over the cards. I have never seen anything quite like these cards. Their representations as well as the feel of the cards really makes me want to take the deck out and shuffle through them and read about every card. I have never felt that way about a deck before. It's so inspiring.

Although many people claim its a deck strictly for dealing with the "here and now", I disagree. In the past few days I have done several readings with the deck for insight on my own situation and have found the deck to be very helpful. The cards are *not* vague, but not entirely specific, so it allows the user to apply the meanings to their own lives.

The cost of these cards is slightly higher than most other decks, and the caption describing the deck as a "game" may prevent certain people from buying this deck- it did for me. But what a mistake that was. If you are drawn to the illustrations on the box/cover, purchase this deck. There is something very special about it. It puts other decks to shame.

Thanks, Mom, for getting this for me for my birthday!

90 of 94 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Unbeliever loves this deck June 9, 1999

By A Customer

Format:Cards

I'm a scientist; I don't believe in magick. But this deck should be in everyone's house regardless. Many other tarot decks are geared towards giving you answers about what will happen -- predicting the future. People get them to help make decisions without having to think too hard. Asking this deck questions, on the other hand, tends to immediately focus your thoughts on yourself and who you are, but never really "tells you what to do". I thought it was great and it was exactly what I needed during a personal crisis.

I also love the artwork and the ideas for the cards - simple, bright, happy. My favorite is the VIII (Courage), which shows a flower ringed in light growing out of a stone wall. Every time I turn over this card I smile.