The Unfettered Mind Audiobook By Takuan Soho, William Scott Wilson - translator cover art

The Unfettered Mind

Writings from a Zen Master to a Master Swordsman

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The Unfettered Mind

By: Takuan Soho, William Scott Wilson - translator
Narrated by: Roger Clark
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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. Zen Buddhism Philosophy Inspiring Suspenseful Zen Buddhism

Featured Article: The Best Zen Audiobooks to Guide You to Enlightenment


Perhaps you’re a meditation master looking for some in-depth topics, or maybe you’re new to your zen practice and seeking guidance. Either way, these ten titles offer a comprehensive selection to begin or continue your spiritual practice. Our selection includes poems, short stories, letters, and full-length texts all brought to life in audio. They cover various schools of philosophy and religion from traditionalists to modern practitioners.

Featured Article The Best Zen Audiobooks to Guide You to Enlightenment
Buddhist Wisdom • Philosophical Insights • Clear Narration • Practical Life Advice • Intellectual Significance

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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.

The Unfettered Mind of a Genius

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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.

A true Way

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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.

An awesome book

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

Great content

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

sublime

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