Customer Reviews

Zen Dog

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

 

 

As every dog owner knows, dogs live completely in the moment. It seems entirely fitting for a book like this to reveal the members of the canine kingdom for the happy little Buddhas that they are, through 50 black-and-white photographs paired with quotes from various Zen sources. I also highly recommend another little book of Eastern wisdom titled "Open Your Mind, Open Your Life" by Taro Gold which is filled with hundreds of insightful quotes to inspire and enlighten.

Being a devoted follower of Buddhist Philosophies, this book totally captured my heart. Filled with lots of photographs and Zen quotations which seem so fitting of the canine world, this book will give you plenty of smiles and bring sunshine to your day. These devoted Buddhas of the animal kingdom know better than anyone the meaning of compassion, loyalty, unconditional love and living with a kind heart. They give so much and expect so little. Our canine friends can teach us an endless amount about what is important in life and what is very insignificant, if only we would take the time to stop, listen and observe. The only downside of the book was that it contained too few pages in number and coloured photographs would certainly have given the book higher quality and appeal, even if the end result was a higher price tag.

This slim volume contains some excellent photos of dogs with Zen and other Eastern-inspired quotes on the facing pages. For example, opposite a picture of a very majestic German Shepherd holding a leash in his mouth is the quote "Mastering others is strength, mastering yourself is true power." -Lao Tzu/Tao Te Ching. All quotes are attributed to their sources, and there is a list of the pictured dog breeds at the back (unfortunately the pages are not numbered). Some quotes are from the Tao, others from Buddha ("The fool who knows he is a fool is that much wiser. The fool who thinks he is wise is a fool indeed," opposite a quizzical looking mixed), Sanskrit, and individuals as diverse as Goethe, Rumi, Robert Persig, and the Dalai Lama.

It is slightly annoying that some quotes are cited only to the names of other books (e.g.," Zen Flesh, Zen Bones," "The Little Zen Companion."). The book doesn't completely elucidate the dog-Zen equation in its brief introduction, but this is obviously more for dog lovers than for serious students of Eastern religion and philosophy. A few photos could have better arranged or focused (and once in a while a quote seems a bit forced onto the picture), but overall this is a funny, calming, and sweet book that will speak to your inner dog. The nicely formatted book has 107 pages (including photos), and can be perused for light humor as well as insight.

I loved this book! As a dog lover, it touched my inner spirit and made me realize how much I have learned from my dogs. The zen quotations and the fabulous photographs made me laugh and really think about how smart it can be to just be simple and straightforward -- like a dog! I can't wait to give this book to all my dogloving friends for the holidays.

This is a wondeful little book. I love the zen quotations, and the photos of dogs were lovely. I would have liked a bit more variety in the dog photos, and some of them seemed a bit contrived in order to match the quotes. All in all, it is a good book for anyone who likes dogs and is open to zen!

I really loved this book... I've always felt that dogs were special teachers and now an adorable book that shows just what they teach - things like love, devotion, joy... everything I strive for as a meditator. And to think, the average pooch had them all them the time. The photos work very well with the quotes, made me think about how the simplest things, like the loving look in my dog's eyes, are what really matter. I can't wait to give it to friends and family as holiday gifts, especially now, when the world really needs a good tail-wagging pat on the head.

The book is as expected. It is humorous, pleasant, offensive neither to dogs or their human servants. A fine gift for anyone who loves dogs.

I love this book, first because of its simplicity, and second because I do believe my dog does the best job of teaching me mindfulness. Every time I take her for a walk or when she follows me around the house I marvel at how in the moment she is, and I aspire to be like her.

This book takes the inspiration of our dogs one step further by pairing a picture of a dog with a Zen quote. As a result, the message of the quote is paired with the visual reminder that, while I am my dog's master, she is my Zen Master! Whenever I'm stressed or overthinking stuff, I flip through the book, smile and move on.

I loved this book and when I felt down in the dumps it was a really good pick-me-up!


Thanks!

This book presents in both funny and profound pictures and Zen sayings the wonderful qualities all dogs possess. Kept me in the moment as I read it.