Synopsis Enabling you to delve into the wisdom of the desert fathers and mothers, simple peasants of the fourth and fifth centuries, this work helps you learn from their insights into the human condition and their relationship to God. About the Author Henri J. M. Nouwen is one of the most popular spiritual writers of our time. He wrote more than 40 books, among them the best-selling Out of Solitude. He taught at the University of Notre Dame, as well as Yale and Harvard Universities. From 1986 until his death in 1996, he was part of the L'Arche Daybreak community in Toronto where he shared his life with people with mental disabilities.
J**E
This is a very good book.
This is a very good book.
F**N
but best of all
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.
C**N
A gem of a book
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.
M**E
A MUST!
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.
W**E
A Good Book
Though the quotations could all be put in a book of thirty pages, the accompanying drawings are delightful! The insights it gives into the desert fathers and mothers makes you ponder your own life. A good book.
C**Y
Three Stars
It was all right, but I found nothing outstanding, despite the Nouwen intro
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