Hearts Books

I found Watercolor Fun and Free by Karlyn Holman an amazing help to me, a very beginning painter. I liked the pictures and descriptions of the materials I needed to paint as well as very descriptive instructions on how to plan and paint. I think what I liked most is her continuous sense of humor and play which made the book an entertaining and easy book to read in addition to being very helpful. I would highly recommend this book to any person looking to improve their watercolor painting skills.

This is the first exciting new painting book to come along in quite awhile. It is especially good in the area of non-objective and semi-abstract painting. There are also plenty of ideas to make your realistic paintings more unusual and personal. This is obviously written by an experienced painter and teacher who delights in exploring the possibilities. Get it, you will love it.

This book makes a wonderful addition to my art library. I'm new to watercolor and need all the help I can get. This book is a winner for students of the media.

Karlyn has created a book for everyone from
beginners to the advanced. This book if filled
with valuable techniques to inspire any artist
to grow with their own creativity. It is filled
with beautiful watercolors and instrutions to
follow...very detailed and well demonstrated.
It is a must for any library.

Read the book from cover to cover and immediately ordered the 3 videos available inside back cover. I can't wait to try some of Karlyn's techniques, it is a beautifully written and illustrated book. I sat right down and tried a couple of pages.

This modern-day Pioneer family gave up a secure life as a tenured college Professor of Philosophy to venture West to the sparsely populated state of Montana, complete with primative living conditions and harsh winters. By doing so, they connected with the land, their many dogs and themselves. While reading the book, I obtained a new meaning of my love for our little companions, and why we are so willing to expose ourselves to the sorrow we know we will suffer when their short lives are over. I highly recommend the book!

For me this precious read is best served with tea, a cozy chair, and a ray of light pouring through a window. I waited each day for just the right moment to pick it up. It is a book to savor.

I understand that Alston Chase is quite the intellectual - the author of several very heady reads. I have to say that in "We Give Our Hearts To Dogs To Tear" I can see the heart of the author, splayed for all the world to see.

This book takes the reader aside from the hustle and bustle of life and drops into the true essence of living. Maybe that shift is seen through a canine friend's field of vision or maybe because of these canine friends Alston Chase has made that shift himself.

"We Give Our Hearts To Dogs To Tear" is reflective of days gone by, of pioneers, and grit, and lasting love.

Thank you for such an endearing read.

I read "We Give our Hearts" in one sitting simply because I couldn't put it down. At variance with other "dog" books, this book delves into the man dog connection in a completely new way. Dr. Chase is a philosophy professor and his expertise in this area allows him to investigate our love for our animals in a believable and convincing way, and to answer the question about the soul of a dog. His experiences with his dogs and his love of the land make his ventures ring true. The photographs included portray his life in Montana. His unabashed love for the entities in his life that are meaningful flow beutifully. This book is a real treasure.

On one level, this is a book about the Chases' retreat to Montana wilderness and their discovery of the treasures around them, including the Jack Russell Terriers they began to acquire. But it runs deeper than that, and explores what dogs are and need to be, and how breeders are ruining them by heeding human criteria, such as form and size, and ignoring the genetic traits that keep a breed viable and healthy.

But this is also a love story, about how the Chases and their Jack Russells (and other pets) deal with each other, and how their differing personalities give and receive differing commitments and differing forms of love. There are passages of great tenderness here, but also passages of speculation: do animals have anything we might call a soul, anything that might transcend death? Might we ever be reunited with our pets beyond the grave?

There is warning here as well: we stand on a precipice. If dogs continue to be bred for purely human criteria such as those imposed by the AKC, and not for those qualities that yield a healthy, athletic animal, the time is not far off when some breeds will be ruined. They will suffer more and more disorders such as deformity, and fewer live births.

This is a love song, and we need to listen to Alston Chase's music.

Alston Chase has gone against the popular grain with his fascinating account of life on the edge of the wild in Montana with several generations of real, sometimes difficult Jack Russell terriers. They may be "cute" but they are first and foremost working dogs, with bold hearts and ambitions bigger than their bodies. While he may make you cry, Chase is never cheaply sentimental. In a time when too many people reduce dogs to surrogate children or toys, he reminds us what remarkable creatures real dogs are, and how strong a bond they will make with their human partners.

Debra Haffner's newest book does a very nice job of weaving scientific evidence with personal experience. It's a very readable book that offers practical advice for every 21st-century parent.

Aptly titled, this book offers thoughtful reassurance and guidance to parents as we navigate parenting's joys and challenges. Haffner's discussion is realistic, well-organized and addresses issues that parents today must deal with to help our children grow into emotionally healthy adults. As both a parent, and a consultant and educator to schools and organizations that provide services for children, I found "What Every 21st Century Parent Needs to Know" to be refreshing and right on target.

Debra Haffner is as accessible in writing as she is in person. She takes a lot of the fear out of examining all the "buzz" stories we are bombarded with daily as parents. I found this book to be both practical and full of perspective, especially for parents of teenagers... however I would recommend it to parents of children of all ages as part of their parenting library.

This is an excellent, practical, reassuring book for parents. Being a parent today can cause a lot of anxiety, and parents understandably worry about doing the best thing for their children. Debra Haffner offers solid, practical advice. She doesn't catastrophize about the state of the world but helps parents understand the challenges their children face. She shows how parents can lovingly guide their children and help keep them safe. This is very solid advice, and I am recommending this book to all the parents I know.

I am a therapist who has worked with parents for more than 40 years, and I am delighted to add this to the excellent parenting books that I recommend to parents. Haffner shies away from none of the critical issues, yet her research and tone are both rational and reassuring. This is an excellent complement to her previous fine works (from Diapers to Dating, and Beyond the Big Talk.) I recommend it most highly.

I haven't had a chance to read this in depth, but that's not why I ordered it. I wanted a good comprehensive list of what my children should know per grade and this is it. Best of all, it's very easy to use! User friendly always rates very high for me!

This book is aweseom for giving you a method to put Christ first in your child's education. It give you the tools to do it yourself and show you resources to assist you. Have a highlighter handy becuase you're going to want to look back at most if it from time to time!

I bought this book because it was suggested by a friend to check for any learning gaps. HOWEVER, I got much more. I came away in awe! I learned how badly I needed to renew my mind regarding education. Mrs. Sampson explains in easy to understand language how many homeschoolers begin on the right path-wanting to teach their children how to be godly- but leave this path due to fear.

This book begins with an explaination of our assumptions about education (with a great parable) and then gives examples and suggestions on how to put education in the right perspective by teaching our children what TRUE wisdom is. Mrs. Sampson gives excellent teaching ideas to make the Bible the focus of your school day. The last part of the book is full of the checklist by grade level (for up to five children).

Reading this book motivated me to get back on the right path and back on my knees making God the Lord of my homeschool NOT the state.

Two chapters of this book describe Mrs. Sampson's unique approach she calls "The Heart of Wisdom Teaching Approach." It's a great combination of many poplar practical approaches including Ruth Beechick, Charlotte Mason philosophy, and Bible methods. I also found more details in several free download files on the Heart of Wisdom site.

I have used this book over and over and have even bough copies for friends (I won't give mine up!). If you have a small voice questioning if you are on the right path you need this book.

This author also wrote a GREAT unit study on Wisdom.

I bought this book after hearing several homeschoolers tell me how it drastically changed their teaching for the better.

The focus is academic standards should not be separated from spiritual standards! It explains how we need to teach the whole child according to the child's individual God-given gifts. True wisdom progresses beyond intellectual pursuit; it is practical.

The goals outlined in this book will help you prepare, teach, and evaluate your children from a Biblical world view. It will also advise you in helping them become self-motivated, lifelong learners.

This book has four intriguing sections:

The first section explains how we have been conditioned to believe the state is competent to access our children's intelligence! You'll learn how different a Christian world view is and how to RENEW your mind to get rid of this "public education mentality." It includes a look at the Greek history of state education compared to history of Biblical education. The Hebrews focused on the home. Worship, family and academics were taught in the home, not separated subjects in individual locations. The home was more important then the synagogue. The center of all life-- religious, education, and training--was the home.

The second section explains what achievement tests are, test terms, test scores, testing limitations, avoiding testing anxiety, possible benefits from testing, states that require testing, alternative methods of evaluation, and much more.

Section III explains a new teaching approach (based on a combination of several effective approaches including Charlotte Mason, chronological history, Ruth Beechick, etc.) called The Heart of Wisdom.

The Heart of Wisdom Teaching Approach is centered around reading the Bible through in one year and the creation of a Bible portfolio. The Bible is the main focus and the core of the curriculum, with the secondary focus dedicated developing writing skills using the "writing to learn" method. The H.O.W. approach leads progressively to a renewed mind and to a self-chosen commitment to a life of intellectual and moral integrity. You can use this approach as explained, or adapt it to the methods and curriculum you are using. (Explained in detail on the Heart of Wisdom web site).

Section IV includes check lists are divided according to grade level K-8: Math, Science, Language Arts, and Social Science. Studies show "Evaluation Check Lists" are far superior to Achievement Tests. You can evaluate and make notes for up to five children with these lists.

Bible Reading checklist and a Character Traits list are also included as well as extensive glossaries and reproducible forms.

I agree with those that recommended this book- it has changed my view of education drastically!

I purchased this book after discovering another book by the same author, titled: "A Family Guide to the Biblical Holidays." This book was such an inspiration to me and helped me to re-evaluate my curriculum choices. For fans of Charlotte Mason and Ruth Beechick, this is a must read! For everyone else considering homeschooling, this book will introduce you to a God-centered method of educating your children, while ensuring you have guidelines to meet state educational standards at the same time.

I received this book for Christmas and I have already finished it. I had a very hard time putting it down. What a wonderful author Mr. Church is. Adding my laughter, tears and anger wasn't hard throughout this book! I have never felt so touched and blessed to see a story like this unfold into a true miracle! Mr. Church didn't know it at the time, but he had many angels watching over him!

Congratulations, Mr.Church, on a well written book. Reading this book was a very emotional experience for me. I laughed at times, I cried a lot for this sweet little boy & the horrible life he lived & I stayed angry through most of the book.
I was especially touched by the love you expressed for Bobby.

Mr. church has written a masterpiece. His child like insight mixed with adult experience has created a book that can not be put down. Excellent reading!

It was hard to put down. I couldn't wait to get to the next chapter. I laughed, I cried, I got angry. The resilience and unconditional love of a child is amazing.

I could not put this book down. This is a candid coming of age tale of a young boy with a not so fairytale childhood. It has the tragedy and triumph of Wally Lamb's 'She's come undone' told with the humor and warmth of Judy Blume's 'Superfudge'. The main character took me with him on his turbulent journey through childhood. He was a character that not only did I have great empathy for but I could relate to as well. This is the best book I have read in a long time because it certainly found where my heart lies.

That my niece's face lit up when I read to her the words and thoughts from children around the world as they answered provocative questions, should have been enough for me to extol the beauty of Whispers from Children's Hearts; that a young child would be curious about and connected to the hearts and minds of children from such diverse cultures and faraway lands, should have been enough for me to give this gem the highest marks; that the artwork within its shimmering pages glows with the wonder that meets a child's eye, should have been enough for me to write of the virtues of Ms. Haisha's highly anticipated story of the connected clarity of our children's insights. But as I closed the book and cradled my sleeping niece, I realized how touched and affected I was in the startling truths from these children. That their simple reminders of fairness and their unpretentious examination of the world around them, their sometimes hilarious assumptions about life and heaven above them and their attempts to understand an often confusing world, were an enormous and beautiful lesson for me... for it tapped into the childlike wonder within each of us that may ultimately bring peace and tolerance to our greater world. I highly recommend this important children's book and commend its author Lisa Haisha on such a fine work!

I just finished reading WHISPERS. I heard about the book through Lisa Haisha's monthly newsletter that I got turned on to from a friend forwarding it to me. I have never been out of the country and it is my dream. WHISPERS took me around the world and into the souls of children everywhere. It was incredible! I have to meet Lisa. I love what she is doing. This book can change lives. It has made me see the world with different glasses. And, the artwork is incredible, a definite bonus.

I loved this book. I connected to the different cultures and was awed at the wisdom of the children's voices so lovingly shared by the author. It is a fun and profound read and it even inspired me to visit all the countries...I signed up to go on a travel journey to Cambodia this year led by the author, Lisa Haisha. How cool is that?! I can't wait to meet the local kids and find out more about their world. This book is the perfect gift for everyone you know.

We sat around the dining room table, children and adults, one holiday evening last week laughing and crying over the words of such precious children we felt somehow we knew. Our children, Emi 6 years and Jon 4, asked meaningful questions and seemed to connect to the far away children living very different lives than they. Emi decided to take it to school and share "Jordan's" story, a girl from Texas, with her friends.
The point of the book, unlike most others, is a unique way for parents to help their children understand diversity and how special diversity is and that we should celebrate the uniqueness of all nationalities. This book is very special and will remain on our coffee table for all to see! My kids go back to the book every so often which impresses me. I think the pictures are awesome. The art is unexpectedly beautiful. - Fred

Reviewed by Irene Watson for Reader Views (3/06)

"There are not seven wonders of the world in the eyes of a child. There are seven million." - Walt Streightiff

Streightiff's quote starts off Lisa Haisha's book "Whispers from Children's Hearts" and I can't imagine a better way it could have started. During her travels, Haisha spoke to more than 250 children ages four through nine from Australia, China, France, Iraq, Peru, Singapore, and the United States. Her visits took her to schools, orphanages, hospitals, restaurants, parks and streets. Every child she spoke to was as different from each other as were their cultures and environment. Yet, each child has something in common - honesty.

For example,

"Is God fair? Why or why not?"

"Yes because I talk to him every night and he listens to me even when my parents don't." Nicole, 8, Australia
"Yes, she's fair, sneaky but fair." Keiko, 6, Japan
"No, because my sister died because we couldn't get her to a doctor in time because he lives so far away and we had to walk." Anupam, 7, Nepal.

"Who in the world would you most want to meet?"

"Your president because I wrote him a letter and he didn't write back." Flaca, 9, Mexico
"Buddha, because he helps me when I ask for advice. I not sure how he puts it there." Xinhua, 8, Macau
"Martin Luther King. He put the whites and the blacks together. He was a really great person." Camille, 6, United States.

"If you had one wish what would it be?"

"I'd wish for everybody to be happy...no poor countries...everybody like a family." Rani, 8, Malaysia
"I would collect all the bombs in the world and destroy them one by one so we could live in peace. I'd get the Nobel Peace Prize." Adam, 9, Israel
I would wish that I had lots of brothers and sisters because I get so lonely playing by myself when my parents are working. But my parents work because they love me so much." Jin, 6, China.

Haisha shares the children's answers to her questions in "Whispers from Children's Hearts" in a whimsical fashion, with illustrations by Tim Huhn. At first glance, the book looks like a child's book, but inside is much more. It is a book that grabs your soul on a much deeper level as you read the wise answers that come from each child. The wisdom and knowledge that comes through is an experience in itself. When I first saw the book, I thought, "oh, this will take about an hour to read through." To my surprise, it is not a book to take lightly - it is a book that makes you contemplate your own answers.

Laurie Larsen has penned a wonderful novel that is about love lost, and love found. Whispers of the Heart, is the story of Cass, a woman who has it all, only to lose the love of her life to a devastating disease. It is only from her own inner courage and strength, along with the help of her loving family, that Cass is able to withstand the cruel fate of being widowed. The healing process takes an interesting twist when she becomes friends with Trevor, a long distance friend. Their friendship deepens as time goes on, and Cass must ask herself if she is ready to open her heart to another man.

Whispers of the Heart is about relationships, and it is about making choices. Larsen writes such believable prose, that the reader experiences what Cass experiences, and we can't wait to find out what she decides, for it will truly change her life. I highly recommend this heartwarming novel.

I really enjoyed reading Whispers of the Heart and I just could not put it down. I have recommended it to several friends who also enjoy love stories. The first chapter of the book captures your interest as the story unfolds. The characters have depth and are true to life. As I completed each chapter, I eagerly wanted to keep reading so I could enjoy the rest of the story. I hope the author's second novel is as good as Whispers of the Heart!

The story opens in a way that makes the reader anticipate how the character got to where she is. The story is very believable. It is an everyday life romance that could happen to anyone. It makes you laugh and cry. Laurie Larsen proves to be an excellent new witer. I hope that she writes another book soon. I would like to read a sequel to Whispers of the Heart.

This book is not what I usually read. It is a a women's struggle to regain her life after her husband's death. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes love stories. It was well written and the story was easy to follow. It was overall an easy book to read. I enjoy adventure,horror and sci-fi books so it took me along time to finish this book---not enough adventure. I read books to take me to a world where I can get away from my own world.

I could not put Whispers down when I started to read it. Cass and Danny areso happily married. Then tradegy strikes and Cass is left alone. The courage that Cass shows keeps the reader in suspence. The experiances that Cass goes through show the reader what a strong young woman Cass is. Each chapter is heartwarming. One MUST go on with the book. The emotions run from tears to laughter to relief and finally heart felt happiness for Cass. It is a must read!

After reading it twice I bought several copies for my friends and have recommended it to many. I want every single female I know to read this book - it changed my life last summer and renewed my strength to stay patient regarding the future while choosing to give my heart to nothing else but my Father each day. Emily is clear-cut in sharing the truth, backs it up with scripture, and will surprise you with unexpected humor. I laugh and cry when I read this book! And appreciate the bible study it becomes for me when I focus on each chapter's ending. Definitely is one of my favorite books I have ever and will ever read!

This book was awesome! It really was consistent with the title. Many single books are about what to do while "waiting for a husband", but this book really broke emphasized that the time we have being single should be used serving the Lord! Most interesting was the Bible story that the book was centered around; I have read the Bible story before, but she really elaborated it and it really impacted the reading. I reccommend this book for any single. I especially enjoyed the study questions, and that actually encouraged me to keep a prayer/study journal.

This book is amazing. I thank God for the insight given to this author to interpret such an overlooked story into a guide for every woman's life. From chapter to chapter and scripture by scripture of Judges 11, Emily breaks down every detail of the story of "JD" to show just how unshakable this young girl was. I just bought this book less than a month ago and have only read it once but surely it will not be my last time reading it!!!

Emily Ryan takes a biblical, realistic approach to singleness. Rather than viewing singleness as a problem that must be overcome, she views it as an opportunity to develop qualities that will strengthen one's relationship with Christ. Her honest and relevant "pull up a chair and grab a cup of coffee" approach balances humor with empathy for those experiencing "the urge to merge." Readers of books for single women sometimes feel like they're seeing the same old tired material repackaged, but Emily bases her discussion on an Old Testament heroine, Jephthah's daughter ("JD"), and tackles the topic from a new angle, drawing helpful and inspiring conclusions for single women looking for an intelligent treatment of the subject.

This book has taught me so much in so little time! Emily Ryan spoke directly to my heart and for once I felt so encouraged when reading a book about singleness. I think the greatest thing about it is that the author takes a biblical passage and applies it so perfectly to the scenario. rather than coming up with a view and trying to support it with some random spurts of the Bible, she uses the foundation of God's Word to make an idea. i'm so excited to start a bunch of these things she encouraged me to do to grow closer in my relationship with God. I seriously think every single (or married even!) woman should read this book!

Beautiful of edition of the Tao. Plus, the simple chapter commentaries really helps me understand the meaning behind the beauty of the words.

This book is so accessible! The translation really gives amazing insights into the why's and how's of Taoism. I've read many other translations and this is one that has touched my heart. It breaks down the information in the commentary in such a helpful way. If you are interested in Taoism and really want a view inside its ways and workings this is a great book!

My other copy of the Tao te Ching does not offer the same poignant beauty that John Bright-Fey's translation does. Take the beginning of chapter 16. Mitchell says to Empty your mind. Bright-Fey says to present your confusion to the earth. Bright-Fey's words are much more beautiful and attainable to me.
Each chapter is like a bite of a very rich dessert that takes time to digest...and then produces very rich rewards. This translation gives me new vistas on the world without and also the world within myself. I have studied t'ai chi and kung fu for 12 years, and have found this copy my most complete companion on my journey into Taoism.

talking about the character of the tao source of life
is fundamentally
useless
talking about the lessons of the tao way of life is
likewise useless
because the real way is a revealed way

Chapter 14, Tao Te Ching


Is there anybody left who hasn't read the Tao Te Ching? It's been said that Lao-tzu's classic has been translated more times than there are fleas on Tarzan's dog. The cryptic musings of Lao-tzu, the Ancient Child, seem to speak directly to some funky hunger lurking in the psychic bowels of the human spirit. College kids from Hong Kong to Timbuktu have been known to hunker down with a copy of the Old Man's verses, pondering the intricacies of the Void until their eyeballs wobbled. More than a few have proclaimed that the Way that can't be called a Way is simply a linguistic puzzle of unfathomable dimensions, best pondered while stoned or in deep samadhi. So it goes for the past 2,500 years.

Early on, cultivators of the mysterious Tao received the teaching by word of mouth, at least until the proto-type of Kinkos appeared. The ancient technology for passing on spiritual wisdom was by "mind-to-mind transmission." Basically, to receive the transmission required a simple commitment - your life. A commitment not many are prepared to make.

John Bright-Fey's Whole Heart of Tao is our era's window into that atavistic oral tradition. The 12th lineage holder of an esoteric Buddhist order, the author received transmission of Lao-tzu's poetic revelations from two Taoist masters. This required him to become adept in the arts of qigong, meditation, and calligraphy. Not to mention the Chinese language. From the book's introduction, it's clear that Bright-Fey didn't take the job lightly. He is one of a few with the credentials and skills to toss the ball to the rest of us mere mortals.

This book is not the Tao Te Ching most of us are cozy with. Bright-Fey's spin on the Tao Te Ching is 180 degrees from the typical academic rehash of Lao-tzu's ancient manuscript. Bright-Fey's book aims for the guts, the viscera, not the intellect.

The oral rendition veers from the scribbled translations in that it's an actual road map to the cultivation of the Way. To go here is to leave the proverbial trail and dive into "an act of literary surrender to the poetic moment so total that the receiver of the direct transmission is fundamentally altered forever." Needless to say, stumbling into enlightenment by reading a book is about as easy as wining Power Ball without buying a lottery ticket. You'll have to look Bright-Fey up in person to find that frequency. Which is the whole point of the book: YOU must cultivate your own mystical experience. Books just tickle your amygdala into considering the first step. The Whole Heart of Tao is simply a conduit of the wiggly Way, an echo of the ineffable in the maelstrom of our topsy turvy theater of modernity.

John Bright-Fey stands out in a crowded field of authors who write about Taoism. There are plenty of other fun Tao Te Ching translations, to be sure; but, it's fair to say that, until now, we didn't have access to the kind of knowledge within the pages of The Whole Heart of Tao. Some will gnash their teeth at the idea that an underground version of one of the world's most popular pieces of literature has finally chosen to surface. Such is life.

But for those with an open mind (we are talking Taoism here), Bright-Fey has cast a sliver of light upon the fascinating tao of the Tao. That he walks the walk as an initiate of Taoism makes the adventure that much more of a dance along the razor's edge. But don't take my word for it. See for yourself.

do not be in a hurry for the future
rather allow the unnamed to flow into the named
to reveal the
present ever

Chapter 32, Tao Te Ching

Amazing! A stunning piece of revelation. One can only image the cost to the author for this act of courage. Having been a student of t'ai chi for close to 30 years, having had several teachers (one internationally known), and having read everything I can get my hands on - this book has fallen on me like a ton of bricks! I am both humbled by its depth of knowledge and excited about the possibilites. The whole topic is new and fresh to me again!

A wonderful way to impart the cultivation of Zen to those who have never gone thru the experience. I enjoyed this book as much as I enjoyed "The Whole Heart of Tao".

If you think sitting on your cushion is the only road to Zen, think again! Read this book. Then get busy.

Rev. Bright Fey has done it again! This, as the series title says, really does get at the heart of the Sermons that came from the man who started Chan or Zen Buddhism. It is has really effected me in a positive way. My dreams have been more interesting and my meditation practice feels as if it has started to deepen with the revelations inside this book. If you are interested at all in the subject of Zen Buddhism this is where to start. Ta Mo's Sermons are filled with insights, and deserve to be on the shelf with all of your other sacred texts.

The Whole Heart of Zen, by Reverend Venerable John Bright-Fey, is a remarkable book. Finally I find out what I've always wanted to know about Zen Buddhism. In only 296 pages, the author immerses us into the world of Zen. We learn about the origins of Buddhism, its migration from India to China, its main branches and their characteristics, and the reforms of Buddhism in China initiated by Ta-Mo. The historical contexts are not the main theme, however. Bright-Fey sets out to give to the reader the essence of Zen as articulated by Ta-Mo, its founder. Ta-Mo's sermons are provided in a series of "cantos," and the English translations seem to be economical and direct. However, the sermons would clearly require some explanation for those of us with little knowledge of their context and little access to their imagery and poetic devices. And this is where Bright-Fey makes a uniquely remarkable contribution to the understanding of Zen in our times, by providing commentary based on the oral traditions of which he is the sole living recipient.

For each canto, Bright-Fey provides four kinds of comments, under the headings of Mind, Body, Hand, and Heart. "Mind" tells us how a Zen practitioner thinks, "Body" describes day to day living, "Hand" gives specific contemplative instructions, and "Heart" condenses everything into a statement of core belief. The commentary covers a huge territory in very few words, offering insights into Zen cultivation that are profound, unique, and sometimes surprising. It is hard to single out specific instances for special attention, but the sections that deal with the ideas of oneness with all things, with compassion, and with non-violence are notable.

Everything about The Whole Heart of Zen invites the reader into a contemplative experience. While other books on Buddhism that I know seem complicated, arcane, and full of lists and admonitions, here the message comes through simply and precisely. At the same time, the mystical power of the message seems not at all de-mystified, but rather it is concentrated and intensified. The writing style itself is so economical and so direct that one wants to linger over every sentence and paragraph. The paper, layout, typeface, use of red, and elegantly rendered Chinese calligraphy are welcoming to the eyes. The front and back covers are firm yet soft, like a leather bound prayer book that one will hold every day for years and years. There is even a bound-in ribbon bookmark. The low price for this book seems almost like a mistake.

For the reader who approaches Zen from a traditional Christian context, as I have, the Zen of Ta-Mo presented here serves to highlight and breathe new life into my own tradition. Phrase such as "you must be born again," or "pray without ceasing" take on fresh meaning and urgency. Indeed, Bright-Fey presents Ta-Mo's message as welcoming to all, from whatever tradition. All are invited, indeed urged, to hear the message. Here is the final paragraph of the book:
"The promise of Zen is universal and available to everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, education, or religion. The philosophy of Ta-Mo is one of radical inclusion. It is nonjudgmental and completely adaptable to any life that embraces it. All that one must do is, well... do it. The Buddha's message is a simple one: Wake up! The message of Ta-Mo is likewise a simple one: Look to yourself. That is where you will find the Buddha. Those combined messages form the heart of the Zen life."

Thomas Gibbs
Professor of Music
Birmingham-Southern College

In this magnificent work you will be fully exposed to the teachings of Ta-Mo (founder of Zen / Ch'an) through an authentic lineage holder who received Ta-Mo's oral transmissions directly via an unbroken line of Buddhist Masters. Make no mistake this is not just a scholarly translation for you to read and ponder. It is a transmission, translation and accessible "Zen manual" for your body, mind and spirit. John Bright-Fey's book enables you to absorb and experience the essence of Zen teachings and put them into practice in your daily life as well as your own spiritual practices. The only thing better would be to study directly with the author face to face!