One Blade of Grass

A Zen Memoir

By: Henry Shukman

Narrated by: Henry Shukman

A memoir of author and poet Henry Shukman's lifelong journey through Zen Buddhism and the experiences in his life - both positive and painful - that fuelled his quest.

One Blade of Grass is award-winning novelist and poet Henry Shukman's account of his journey through the world of Zen Buddhism.

Raised in a rationalist household in Oxford during the spiritual heyday of the '60s and '70s, an unexpected spiritual awakening would prompt a lifelong quest to integrate the experience into his life, leading him eventually to Zen Buddhism. As Shukman gets to grips with meditative practice and struggles with anxiety, depression and the chronic eczema he had had since childhood, he discovers in surprising ways the emotional, spiritual and even physical healing that he has been searching for all along.

By turns humorous and moving, this beautifully written memoir demystifies Zen training, casting its profound insights in simple, lucid language, and takes the listener on a journey of their own, into the hidden treasures of life that contemplative practice can reveal to any of us.

©2021 Henry Shukman (P)2021 Hodder & Stoughton Limited

Critic reviews

"Captivating." (Times Literary Supplement)

"The book Shukman was born to write." (Natalie Goldberg, author of Writing Down the Bones)

"A wonderful and generous book." (David Hinton, author of The Wilds of Poetry)

A gem

An inspiring story of healing and redemption through the practice of zen Buddhism. Very well written and narrated. Highly recommend.

Intriguing man

I met Henry Shukman on a tour in Ireland before I ever knew he was a Zen master. He was so warm and caring and humble and curious. I loved listening to this book and seeing how he became the person that he is today.

A worthy entry into the world of Zen

Loved this recording! A valuable service to all on the Dharma path! Bravo to the author!

Fascinating & touching

I enjoyed this book a lot. It transports a vividness, which I guess, can only be transported if and when the author speaks himself.
Fascinating journey to the basement of human experience, really down to earth without lofty promises.

Autobiography of a Zen Master's Training

Fascinating journey of Zen training read by the author. Cleared up many misconceptions I had. Highly recommended.