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A Straight Road with 99 Curves: Coming of Age on the Path of Zen
A Straight Road with 99 Curves: Coming of Age on the Path of Zen
A Straight Road with 99 Curves: Coming of Age on the Path of Zen
Ebook182 pages2 hours

A Straight Road with 99 Curves: Coming of Age on the Path of Zen

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

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  • features 2 of the biggest names in American Buddhism: Robert Aitken & Yamada Koun Zenshin; author had major rupture with both of these figures that was never fully resolved, so this memoir is tinged with some regret & bitterness, & at the same time it is a fascinating "behind the scenes" look at the personal dynamics & struggles of Zen center life

  • focuses on specific events & personal growth, with a realistic, relatable ending (not a manual of beliefs or a gooey tale of enlightenment). Special interest to "older" generation who studied in 60s and 70s (when Zen was more a "cultural force" than today)

  • simultaneous epub ISBN 978-1-61172-548-3

  • includes 2 dozen author's bw archival photos

  • a Zen dropout finds peace with himself

  • most relatable to classic memoir The Empty Mirror: Experiences in a Japanese Zen Monastery by Janwillem van de Wetering, revealing tale of an acolyte who didn't buy into the teachings

  • In past year, there has been media attention on spiritual movements, their leaders, & the movements' dramatic inner workings (John Friend/Anusara Yoga, Diamond Mountain University's Christie McNally, Ian Thorson, & Michael Roach, etc); this memoir adds a thoughtful, well-written voice to critical reflection on these movements from within
  • LanguageEnglish
    Release dateApr 19, 2013
    ISBN9781611725483
    A Straight Road with 99 Curves: Coming of Age on the Path of Zen

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    Reviews for A Straight Road with 99 Curves

    Rating: 4.375 out of 5 stars
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    • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
      5/5
      I have been a practicionor of Zen for many years and have come and gone from the center in my hometown of Rochester, NY for various reasons and may be finding my way back into training someday soon. Despite that, Zazen has been a gift in my life and one that I continue to utilize each day.
    • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
      5/5
      I enjoyed this memoir very much. My only complaint is that the book wasn't longer. Hardly anything on koan study which is so important to his lineage. I hope his road takes a lengthy autobiography turn so that I can read about his high school academic and running success, his career in music, his family, etc., which I know I would enjoy immensely due to Mr. Shepherd's breezy writing style and interesting life.

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    A Straight Road with 99 Curves - Gregory Shepherd

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