A Glimpse of Nothingness - Janwillem van de Wetering

The subtitle of this nonfiction account is 'Experiences in an American Zen Community,' and it is precisely that. As you might expect from a student of Buddhism, the writing is economical and unpretentious. Dutch writer van de Wetering wastes no space as he tells of his exploration into Japanese Zen Buddhism and his visit to a commune located within the woods of the American Northeast. Residents of the 'retreat,' which is run by an unforgivingly honest master, subject themselves to strenuous meditation labor as they search for the answers to their koans; but the life of these spiritual seekers is not puritanical - they humanly indulge in instant coffee, cigarettes and booze to keep grounded. Van de Wetering's reflections are tinged with a humility and humor which suggest that he did in fact discover something, even if he beheld it only momentarily. A Glimpse of Nothingness is an interesting peek at an alternative lifestyle. Whether or not you have any interest in the modern practice of Zen Buddhism, it is a fun and light escape.

WORTH READING
3.5 out of 5
Buy this book: A Glimpse of Nothingness: Experiences in an American Zen Community