Goodness! How to review a book by a Zen master? He would have me review it like any other book. He'd expect the same mindfulness were it a trashy novel or a sacred scripture. He'd want me to put my full mind into what I was doing no matter the task.

So, here goes. I quite enjoyed the preface by translator Mobi Ho. Hanh's first chapter begins with concretes upon which he gently generalizes (for instance: the task of washing dishes), this gives the reader a good grip on the text.

However, the book soon becomes a bit bogged down in concepts and repetitive points. It made me sleepy, but I read on. Thankfully, nuggets shine through the rough. And happily, the book eventually picks up its pace and readability.

I especially enjoyed the parable about the king who sought enlightenment. Usually, kings don't fare very well in parables -- harder for the camel to go through the eye of the needle -- that sort of thing. But this king actually learns a thing or two, as do we, vicariously.

Tacked on to the end are a few articles about the Zen master written by other translators. One is rather unreadable with all the Herein's & Thus's … I gave up on it. Yes, I know, that could be my loss. However, yet another of those articles considers "thought" in a philosophical light. That one I found curious.

All in all, wisdom and peace, and inspiration to improve, shine through some sometimes less-than-literary paragraphs.

Here are some of my favorite quotes:

"Mind is like a monkey swinging."

"When your mind is liberated your heart floods with compassion: compassion for yourself, for having undergone countless sufferings because you were not yet able to relieve yourself of false views, hatred, ignorance, and anger; and compassion for others because they do not yet see… and continue to create suffering for themselves and others."

"... it would be better for each of us to watch ourself. To look after oneself means to look after both of us."

"Like rain falling on fire." One translator said of Hanh's words to an angry man.

Read more Book Reviews by Author/Illustrator Ross Anthony.