Original language:
Japanese Translated from: English
Authors: Takuan Soho
Translated by: Samsonas, Kęstutis
Full translated source bibliographical description:
Soho, Takuan. The Unfettered Mind. Boston: Shambhala Publications, Inc., 2002.
ISBN: 978-1-59030-986-5
Published in: Kaunas
Published on: 2007
Publisher: Obuolys
The Unfettered Mind – a guide, written by a japanese zen master Takuan Soho to the famous XVII centurie samurai Yagyu Munenori, rival of the legendary Miyamoto Musashi. It‘s a book filled with advice on how to harmonize martial arts with zen philosophy.
The main theme of the book – understanding the martial art of fighting with swords. Everything is analyzed from a few different perspectives. Takuan is trying to forward his knowledge that he gathered through the years with a language that Yagyu understands the best – martial arts terminology.
The author shows the spiritual side of this art, explains the basics of the point of view, mentality, etc. There are a lot of assimilatons, ezoterical terms. While reading, you get a lot of new info, a clear and different point of view, some uncanny perspectives and such. It really does refresh the mind. All in all, it really is an interesting book, full of thoughts and advice. It brings together two very intimate themes – martial arts and eastern philosophy.