Customer Reviews

The Spiritual Practices of the Ninja: Mastering the Four Gates to Freedom

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

 

 

I'd read one of Heavens previous shamanic books too, and became curious about this one due to not being aware of his connections to ninjutsu.

Heaven is a low level student of To-Shin Do in the UK, Hayes break away organisation from the Bujinkan. It is interesting to note, that given the title, with 'Ninja' in such big letters, Carlos Castenada is quoted more times than Hayes, who is also quoted more times than Hatsumi sensei, strange really but it just about sums up the actual content of the book, where the info has come from and how much it actually ties in with the teachings of Takamatsu sensei through Hatsumi sensei. The title should be changed it is completely mis-leading. It is at best only loosely 'inspired' by Ninjutsu and is more in line with other neo-shamanic/psychology self help rubbish.

This book is simply crap if you are after anything concerning Ninjutsu, the only relevant point Heavens makes is regarding the connection of the 'spiritual practises' to the prowess of the ninja, rather than just their physical skills, which is a point many over look though Hayes always seemed to run too far with it in the other direction. This book is nothing but Heavens re-hashed neo-shamanic fluff. I wouldn't even go near it if you are into shamanism, shamanism is not about self help or self empowerment, read something genuine instead.

I gave it one star because there is no option for no stars which is what it deserves

If you have never meditated or focused on your breath, then I suggest getting versed in Zen before you read this book. The book leads you by the hand in meditative exercises just like any other mindfulness/imagery instructional book should. If you take these exercises seriously, a lot of unconscious mechanisms will surface which may be hard to deal with. The exercises force you to confront a lot of things, but mainly fear.

A remarkable book - I speak as a professor of anthropology in Italy - which combines a distillation of mythic wisdom with highly practical techniques that enables any reader to simply apply this wisdom to excellent effect. One reviewer describes this book as Joseph Campbell and Carl Jung in concert with Ninja spiritual wisdom, and I would say that is very fair. I am a fan of Mr Heaven's work and regard him as a true pioneer and great modern philosopher and thinker so I admit to bias, but still I cannot recommend this work highly enough. Excellent.

The Spiritual Practices Of The Ninja: Mastering The Four Gates Of Freedom by therapist and workshop leader Ross Heaven leads the reader on a journey to the spiritual philosophy of the Ninja, and its core tenet that there is no higher power than the actualized human being. Four initiatory ordeals lead the seeker through the confusion and fatigue of the soul that block the individual from realizing his or her full potential. Primarily a metaphysical self-help guide rather than a martial arts instruction book, The Spiritual Practices Of The Ninja nonetheless offers a tight focus on mental and emotional self-improvement that can reap benefits in all walks of life.

I don't know the authors credentials by personal experience, nor have I researched his affiliations with other martial artists. What I can say I have done is read (most) of this book. I have taken this book seriously and believe that some of the other reviews have not well focused on the potential "big picture" of this book. Many look at martial arts as a physical endeavor. Even if they look at the greater spiritual and mental development potential of it, they tend to look at it as a thing of following a set of behavioral guidelines and rules. This book, in short, takes you deeper and helps one explore themselves on a level that is not well known today to say the least.

This book deeply explores human psychology and asks you very tough questions about why you are the way you are and has real mental exercises in it that can be very challenging to get through. It attempts to dispel the hollywood version of the ninja and explore where they really came from and what they were about. Through it, it talks about where things like ones ability to fight and be powerful on all levels really comes from beyond throwing a punch, thus explaining how the people like the ninja could have become so legendary, both in reality and in myth.

I am not about to make a claim on whether the historical elements presented in this book about ninja are really true. I will, however, say that what is said makes much more sense in explaining how they were able to become the legendary warriors they were eventually portrayed to be.

This book is not for the uncommitted in searching to know about their potential and the inner workings of their psyche and habits. It is a book about behavioral exploration and how it relates to things like martial arts. It is not a book about martial art technique. It is about the mind and soul that is working behind the martial arts technique. At the very least, it will help one understand where their way of thinking, feeling, and habits come from. At most, it will assist in helping one overcome troubles, fears, and habits that they didn't even know they have. It will challenge how you view things, but I believe they're well worth it and I haven't even finished the whole book yet. Perhaps I'm a wuss, but I've been committed not to read further until I can get through the present exercises. Give it a try, it might surprise you.

This book was a major disapointment, after reading the hyped up reviews. I have learned one thing about the Amazon reviews, that: if the reviewer only has one review when you check their other reviews, Most likely they are friends or the author writing positive reviews on the book. Most of these reviews are hype by the author to sell his book. This book is a lot of airy-fairy new age type philosopy and very little to do with martial arts or Ninja. A lot of references to carlos castanada. Reads like a new age book. I couldnt even finish it. A waste of time/money.

This book is an essential for anyone who want to release their power from within, and apply it in real life. This book goes way beyond the mojo 2 buck spirituality. It's the real thing, with in-depth processes to realease fear, confusion,... it's a wonderful book. I have 20 years of spiritual experience in many domains, and soon to become a buddhist Sensei, and this book brought something to me. I give it 6 on 5 rating.

Does anyone know if this guy is Bujinkan, or is affiliated with Hatsumi or the Bujinkan, or any XKAN? Or is he some Ashida Kim type who just uses the "ninja" word to sell books?

I am a fan of all Mr Heavens books. This one is his best I think. Through it I learnned more about myself than through any other book I have reqd by anyone and I can speak hily of it. Buy it!!! You wil not be dissappointed!

The Spiritual Practices of the Ninja: Mastering the Four Gates to Freedom This book is awesome! I've been a teacher of Spirituality for over 25 years and the contents of this book was mind blowing to say the least. Some of the exercises are really "out there" and I can see how they can change your perception of reality and the pre-conception quiz was amazing! You've got to give this serious consideration if you are trying to understand the reasons you do the things you do! 6 Stars on this one!