The Religion of the Samurai

A Study of Zen Philosophy and Discipline in China and Japan

By: Kaiten Nukariya

Narrated by: Nicholas Techosky

Zen was uniquely suited to the Samurai of Japan. The high moral principles of Buddhism, when adopted and adapted by the Japanese warriors who became the Samurai, created an austere philosophy of singular beauty and depth. Its characteristic requirements of strict control over body and mind was exemplified by ancient warrior monks whose serene countenance, even in the face of certain death, made them much admired even by their foes.

Zen may be the most misunderstood of the world's moral philosophies. While it is often classified as a Religion, it is frequently considered by its adherents to be a utilitarian philosophy, a collection of rational moral precepts or, even more simply, as a state of being. The aim of the practice of Zen is to become Enlightened and achieve the beatitude of Nirvana.

To reach Nirvana means to achieve the state of extinction of pain and the annihilation of sin. Zen never looks for the realization of its beatitude in a place like heaven, nor believes in the realm of Reality transcendental of the phenomenal universe, nor gives countenance to the superstition of Immortality, nor does it hold the world is the best of all possible worlds, nor conceives life simply as blessing. It is in this life, full of shortcomings, misery, and sufferings, that Zen hopes to realize its beatitude. It is in this world, imperfect, changing, and moving, that Zen finds the Divine Light it worships. It is in this phenomenal universe of limitation and relativity that Zen aims to attain to highest Nirvana.

Public Domain (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

A mixed bag

Enjoyed the first few chapters. Became completely lost trying to follow the later chapters. I gave up.

Content & Narration

Semi-typical account of Buddhism which, taken as a whole, is incoherent. Also, as with so many Audible recordings, narrator does not know proper pronunciation of foreign terms and names.

Easy to understand,Kind of preachy,but still good

Any additional comments?

I've listen to it a few times now. The book gives a great history of Zen. I also like multi-cultural approach of bringing in favorable comparisons with other popular religions like Christianity. There are great object lessons, parables, and explanations of what they mean. However, it doesn't quite cover how to actively practice or grow in the religion. It says to seek out a qualified Zen teacher for such training but that why I bought the book.

Good info, poor writing

I found a majority of the writing jaring. While the information presented was insightful. The writing pulled me out one several occasions, the lists when giving examples. less is more

fourth listen but not my last

I'm ready to learn more even with this being my fourth or fifth listen of this book I'm not ready to put it down just yet. loved the performance and the content.