5.0 out of 5 stars
Blends theory and practise, June 1, 2003
By Prof. Robert E. Carter (Peterborough, Ontario Canada) -
This review is from: Living the Japanese Arts and Ways: 45 Paths to Meditation and Beauty (Michi: Japanese Arts and Ways) (Paperback)
What becomes abundantly clear as one reads through this book is that H.E. Davey writes from experience. He has practised several of the "ways" to a very high level, and he is able to write about his experiences in a readable, almost conversational manner. He sees quite deeply into the heart of Japanese culture, taking the reader along a path of understanding and discovery as he presents the key concepts of that tradition. In addition to the text, the marginal reminders and definitions of the key concepts reinforce what one has already encountered in the text, and serve as a glossary of important terms. Davey provides exercizes to try at home, as well. All in all, this is a first-rate book -- helpful, accessible, accurate, and often profound. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Accessible Meditation, May 15, 2003
By A Customer
This review is from: Living the Japanese Arts and Ways: 45 Paths to Meditation and Beauty (Michi: Japanese Arts and Ways) (Paperback)
H.E. Davey excels at communicating an approach for the Westerner to Japanese concepts of universality, aesthetics, and human spirituality. Written in a very accessible form, this book is an excellent introduction to those topics for the beginner; as well as being a great reference book for those already practicing any form of meditation, martial art, or fine art. Full of concrete descriptions of ideas and relationships that often go mute in Western culture. Read it over and over!
5.0 out of 5 stars
Accessible and informative, February 24, 2003
By A Customer
This review is from: Living the Japanese Arts and Ways: 45 Paths to Meditation and Beauty (Michi: Japanese Arts and Ways) (Paperback)
Davey provides a clear and comprehensive overview of the principles and aesthetic qualities that characterize the Japanese arts. Ideal for Westerners interested in Japanese arts, particularly those who have practiced an art for some time and are looking to go beyond merely practicing the form and delve into the spiritual dimensions embodied in these arts. Highly recommended.
5.0 out of 5 stars
meaning in every day, August 13, 2010
By matt (the reading room)
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)
This review is from: Living the Japanese Arts and Ways: 45 Paths to Meditation and Beauty (Michi: Japanese Arts and Ways) (Paperback)
Davey is one of my favorite authors on aesthetics, and to me, the best Western writer when approaching Japanese cultural aesthetics. I return often to this book as a touchstone to remember that life not only has meaning, but that the meaning can be played out consciously in my life by how attentive I am to my daily activities.
The Japanese excelled at seeking paths to inner refinement: tea ceremony, martial arts, music, dance, pottery, poetry, agriculture and a general outlook that understood nature and humanity to be in a relationship full of meaning (although not a transcendental meaning perhaps).
The layout of the book is very useful, as you can see from the `look inside' function. Calligraphy from the author's own hand illustrates the text, highlighting key points. Most pages are accompanied by insightful glossary-styled sidebars that rephrase his points, often using key Japanese terms.
I especially have come to appreciate the wabi-sabi approach to beauty, although I reject the materialist nihilism that lies behind the concept. Who would benefit from this book? Martial artists, artists, musicians, gardeners, poets and anyone who seeks to find a deeper meaning to the everyday cycle.
Other books of interest may include: The Essence of Budo: A Practitioner's Guide to Understanding the Japanese Martial WaysMoving toward Stillness: Lessons in Daily Life from the Martial Ways of Japan, Sword and Brush: The Spirit of the Martial Arts, The Japanese Way of the Artist: Living the Japanese Arts & Ways, Brush Meditation, The Japanese Way of the Flower (Michi: Japanese Arts and Ways), Wabi-Sabi: for Artists, Designers, Poets & Philosophers and Poems (English and German Edition)
Awesome and Unique, February 12, 2003
By A Customer
This review is from: Living the Japanese Arts and Ways: 45 Paths to Meditation and Beauty (Michi: Japanese Arts and Ways) (Paperback)
This book is unique in that it gives Westerners a comprehensive insight into Japanese arts and ways. Not many are able to capture something so inangible as Japanese aesthics as well as Davey. A great read.
5.0 out of 5 stars
