Nine-Headed Dragon River: Zen Journals 1969-1982 (Shambhala Dragon Editions)

This was an old library book but other than the library items on the covers, it came in fairly good condition! Once I took the cover off, it was like a regular book with a little old glue from where the checkout card folder used to be. If you don't mind that, it's a great buy!

I wish that I received what was pictured: I did receive a hardcover copy of Nine-Headed Dragon River, but unlike the picture I viewed (above) the handsome dust jacket arrived with a pernicious used sticker affixed to it, covering the word "Headed." It's such an ugly and unnecessary practice; I've tried to remove the sticker but some of it won't come off (it's old) and the removal is also damaging the dust jacket. A real bummer for book lovers.

Matthiessen is a great story teller, and manages to weave together the threads of his own personal journey with Zen Buddhism with a history of Zen. He uses his travels in Japan to various temples and encounters with monks as jumping off points for historical digressions. Part journal, part travelogue, a good read. Best line: "Have you seen the snow leopard? No. Isn't it wonderful?"

This is Peter Mathiessen on his Zen experience. He was brought into by his wife, who then passed away while young. Although this was a major aspect of The Snow Leopard, one of the greatest books I've ever read in any genre - and it is almost its own genre - the retelling of her illness and passing was much fuller in this book and I teared up reading it. However, the rest of the book was endless repetition about Zen master temples and the practice of zeshen. Maybe there is sometimes to zeshen, but it isn't very interesting to read about. Despite the quality of his writing, I found myself speeding through it.I have long said Peter Matthiessen wrote one great book, the aforementioned TSL, one good book, In the Spirit of Crazy Horse, and any number of other books I just can't read. I gave it three stars because he writes so well, but, honestly, though his wife's death brought me to tears, the rest of the book bored me to them.

This is not as enjoyable a read as Matthiessen's other work, and best suited for those who want a more personal insight into the author. However, I am not a Buddhist; those who are will probably like it more.

vivid accounts of life experiences with several highly regarded zen roshi's and dealing with the death of his wife. feels as though you are right there with him. wonderful writer.

a good introduction to zen buddhism mixed with broad history of spread of buddhism in asia

Very deep, but so interesting.

Good product arrived promptly

Excellent...just what I would expect frkm the author.