Customer Reviews

Pure Heart, Enlightened Mind: The Life and Letters of an Irish Zen Saint

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Maura O'Halloran was a dear friend from childhood. We always knew she was special and different. Her journal entries, compiled and edited by her family, allowed a glimpse into a life of adventure, personal development, austerity, reflection, and achievement. Her story is presented in a chronological diary format, easy to read, and truly inspirational. Her writings reveal that she was indeed special, and her life a gift to all of who shared a moment in time with her.

This is my first review on anything... But, I have been reading & re-reading this story for the last 5 years or so and it is my absolute favorite. More people should know about Maura.
Her story is so personal, so extraordinary and also so simple. Just reading her experiences gives me that second wind of faith and inspiration that says this life is truly possible and great accomplishments can from us "normal" girls.
Everytime I read this book, I cry. Everytime.

It is profoundly rare that I take the time to write or speak on any book....but know deeply, this book is special. As a Catholic, who is also experienced in Zen Buddhism, this book is a rare gift to both religions.

Pure Heart, Enlightened Mind is the story of Maura O'Halloran a profoundly intelligent young women who was raised Catholic and became a saint within the Zen Buddhist tradition. This is the story of her adventure and of her enlightenment. While the concepts may be difficult for non-Buddhists to understand, please do not let this deter you. Maura story is enchanting and deeply insightful into true spirituality ...the truth of the beauty of this life....that is so often so difficult to see.

This is one of the most profound books I have ever had the privilege of coming across and to have read. Never has a book touched me so deeply. It shows the journey to enlightenment. It shows how we can reach enlightenment in the everyday tasks we perform. However, this book also chronicles the severe austerities taken along the way. Many times I was moved to tears, joy, deep love and sadness while reading this book. Something about the powerful experiences the writer had tangibly comes across whilst reading. You can almost experience the events that happened to her. She never slept lying down for three years, and only slept a few hours night whist in lotus mediation posture! What determination! It is truly remarkable. Her superhuman determination and endurance are shown constantly throughout the book and along with her complete humility the reader is left utterly shocked at this unique personality. I myself have trained for many years and can honestly say how hard it must be to even approach this level of intensity in ones training. To work up this level of momentum is indeed incredibly difficult, touched by a handful of souls. It is simply astonishing that a human can push the mind and body to these limits. In a word: Inspirational. This book is truly `Inspirational', on so many levels. She shows her humanity throughout as she approaches enlightenment. Verily this is a free soul. Then again the soul is always free, we just need to realise it.
If you had to read and assimilate the teachings of one book in your entire lifetime, I would say read this one. No other book I have come across (and I have read many, many spiritual books) have portrayed the path to perfection as this book does. Replete with lessons learnt and time well spent. If we can understand the nature of this person's journey then perhaps we can abandon all our superficial pursuits for selfish sense pleasure and aim for release. May that inscrutable power of Grace illumine the path out of pain and suffering for all beings.
Peace, Peter.