The Unfettered Mind cover art

The Unfettered Mind

Writings from a Zen Master to a Master Swordsman

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The Unfettered Mind

By: Takuan Soho, William Scott Wilson - translator
Narrated by: Roger Clark
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About this listen

This classic samurai-era text fused Japanese swordsmanship with Zen and influenced the direction that the art has taken ever since. Written by the 17th-century Zen master Takuan Soho (1573-1645), The Unfettered Mind is a book of advice on swordsmanship and the cultivation of right mind and intention. It was written as a guide for the samurai Yagyu Munenori, who was a great swordsman and rival to the legendary Miyamoto Musashi. Takuan was a giant in the history of Zen; he was also a gardener, calligrapher, poet, author, adviser to samurai and shoguns, and a pivotal figure in Zen painting. He was known for his brilliance and acerbic wit. In these succinct and pointed essays, Takuan is concerned primarily with understanding and refining the mind - both generally and when faced with conflict. The Unfettered Mind was a major influence on the classic manifestos on swordsmanship that came after it, including Miyamoto Musashi's Book of Five Rings and Yagyu Munenori's Life-Giving Sword.

©1986, 2002 William Scott Wilson (P)2014 Audible Inc. Buddhism Philosophy Samurai Inspiring Zen Buddhism

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All stars
Most relevant
It was amazing listening to the writings of someone who lived over 500 years ago which are still very relevant to today’s life. Very thought provoking and good insight in mastering one’s own mind. I would definitely listen to it again and recommend it to others who are interested in this topic.

Really insightful book

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It can be confusing because it’s a translation of a classic without footnotes. But of course it is very good.

Classic

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this is an old classic where there is lots to learn from! I'd highly recommend

Great book from a master.

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Well produced, insightful, and shows how ancient masters arrived at similar conclusions in Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism with modern philosophy and quantum physics.

Thoughtful and syncretic

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I've listened to this dozens of times, I can safely say it's my favorite audio book.

Favorite audible title

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It was ok but if you are looking for something deep it doesn't quite hit the mark. A little wishy washy. It is interesting as a window into another time but if you are looking for some golden nuggets of knowledge I didn't find any here.

interesting historically but no wisdom to be found

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An exceptional brief work which comprises many aspects of buddhist philosophy with some subjects even relating to modern psychology.

Bonus points for the outstanding narration by Roger Clark, the incredible voice behind Arthur Morgan in RDR2.

Brilliant

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insightful wisdom, good narration. would recommend this to anyone looking for balance in one's life

well read

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Very insightful but would in my opinion require reading books after this first for a better understand

Very insightful but may not be a book to start with

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If you lack Zen view, never meditated or achieved such a mind as no-mind. This book will make your body speard with 1000 swords. But if you have the understanding and some pre-knowledge; the 1000 swords are at your hand.

This is not a beginners introduction to zen, highly recommend “3 pillars of zen”/ “beginners mind”/ Tao te Ching/ “change your life change your thoughts Wayne Dyer” before reading this

Good beginning/ Ending not so

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