Desert Wisdom:Sayings from the Desert Fathers

This edition of sayings from the Desert Fathers is unique among many editions of the sayings, and wisdom, from the Desert Tradition. The sayings are short, well translated, but best of all, illustrated in a true Zen style. Nomura here realizes in print what not many scholars recognize, but which seems obvious to any Orthodox person of prayer who is Japanese, Chinese or Korean, or who has lived in Asia: namely, that the sayings of the great ascetics, both men and women, of the Christian Desert are very similar in manner and sometimes in content to the sayings (or Koan) of the Buddhist and Taoist ascetics. Certainly the style is the same, in which a student lives with the ascetic to learn the way of silence and contemplation (in the Christian tradition, of prayer) and memorizes the sayings of the Elder in order to preserve them. This memorization also helps in the daily life of the student.After living in China for nearly a decade, with intentional dialogue with many Buddhist ascetics in several countries, I have found Nomura's edition of Sayings very helpful for persons who are seeking the Holy Orthodox Faith, or ancient Christianity, for the first time; and also in dialogue with Buddhists who do not know about this tradition within Christianity. I only wish that the book were available in America in hardback, especially after glimpsing (years ago) a beautifully-bound version in Japan. How wonderful it would be to have a hardbound printing in English, with tall, empty pages, the lovely illustrations surrounded by emptiness, and the small sayings underneath.

Before reading this book, my spirit had been moved toward understanding "modern" disciples; seeking out the 'great cloud of witnesses that have gone before me. Saint Paul listed several from the Hebrew Scriptures, but what about for my witnesses? The history of 4th century Christianity is very much thought provoking, especially when considering our current generation of seekers of Christ and our commercialization of our faith. Christianity, in the 4th century just as in ours, was becoming ever increasingly secular in nature, and several disciplines were being forgotten. It is, to my conclusion, that the Holy Spirit led many disciples, men and women, into the desert to preserve the spiritual connectedness of the Holy union with God. "Desert Wisdom" is the birth pains of this small movement that has inspired countless generations that followed.These depictions and translations from desert sayings are articulated and inspirational. As a bonus, Henri Nouwen writes the forward for this book, which is a gem in and of itself! This book is definitely worth its price.

This is a gem of a book. Just opening it and letting my eyes move across the illustrations brings peace. The sayings cover the whole of human experience and prove that wisdom and a good sense of humor is not a modern phenomenon.

Product in perfect condition.Fast delivery.

I bought this because of the Nouwen introduction. People who like oriental art will probably enjoy the Yushi Nomura drawings.

If you are Benedictine or Franciscan this is a great book to add to your library. There wisdom can help with our day to day living.

Nice book. My kids love to read through it.

This is a lovely little book, but I’ve just realized that pages 43-46 are missing. It’s more hassle than it’s worth to return it, but very disappointing nonetheless.

Without the images I don't think that the book would be so great. The wisdom here isn't particularly noteworthy but that could simply be that the Desert Fathers (and Mothers) didn't have much to say anyway. Don't expect Buddha-like life-changing text. Having said that, the book is lovely. In the same way that Ryokan's poetry is embellished with Koshi-no Sengai's art, this is similar in style, and all the more lovely for it.

This is a very good book.

Boring

以前テレビで見て買い求めた。ゆっくり時間をかけて読みたい本。