The Unfettered Mind

Writings from a Zen Master to a Master Swordsman

By: Takuan Soho, William Scott Wilson - translator

Narrated by: Roger Clark

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.

The Unfettered Mind of a Genius

When a legendary Zen master corresponds to a legendary master swordsman, the result cannot be anything other than special. To have these writings today, translated with care to other languages... this is truly a great treasure.

I've commented on other reviews that I study western swordfighting and incorporated martial arts, which I believe is more versatile due primarily to the nature of the weapon, but is considerably more limited mentally. The object is "I hit you, you hit the floor." The very things that make the martial arts an "art" is lost without the mental and spiritual applications that the eastern counterparts have refined to perfection. It's the difference between being a cheap thug and being a true warrior in every sense of the term. Honor and victory are in the warrior, not the weapon.

In my quest to cross-pollinate these disciplines and reap a greater reward, I discovered this audiobook. I could tell you how mind-blowing it was. I could tell you how these words opened myself to a new level of understanding and appreciation. I could even tell you how further elaboration on these concepts might water them down due to how perfectly presented they are.

But I won't. Instead, I will say that if your interests lie here, you will find exactly what you hope to find and so much more. I know I did. And I now I will listen again, because I know that such wisdom does not unfold itself in a single presentation.

Great content

Great content. Brilliant. However, there’s no reason not to have someone with proper pronunciation, like Brian Nishi, narrate.

sublime

a profound contemplation. Recommended to all who treasure the priceless Dharma. I will return to this.

An awesome book

A wonderful book that I found to be developmental and maturative for a young man coming of age such as myself. I found this book to be relatable and highly intelligent and I further highly recommend this book.

A true Way

I have listened to this audiobook many times, always digesting just a bit more. I think it a martial artist could own only a small number of books on the arts, this should be one of them.

Great reading, Excellent Listening

My night at work went from chaos to peace fast, i was able to slow down and focus

Excellent

Brief, simple, and concise in its composition, The Unfettered Mind is performed admirably by Roger Clark. It’s a great companion piece to the Book of Five Rings as well.

Excellent

Beautiful book! I think this is a book everyone should listen to and recommend. I know I will again and again.

lots of good advice

It has a lot of good advice on how to have a healthier mindset, and for those of us who don't practice Buddhism it provides a good insight into the practice of Buddhism.

A Must Read

The text may seem to be too heavy if you are only looking for a self-help book, but it is a five star read if you are interested in Buddhist philosophy.

Narrators performance is also great.