An Oak Tree in the Garden:Exploring the World of Zen | Book Review

 Review of Narendra Murthy's Book - An Oak Tree in the Garden: Exploring the World of Zen.

• Title - An Oak Tree In The Garden: Exploring the World
• Author-Narendra Murty
• Genre – Non fiction
• Format - Paperback
• Pages- 175
• Publisher - The Alcove Publishers

A monk asked Joshu why Bodhidharma came to China.

Joshu replied, “An oak tree in the garden.”

The above exchange is a Mondo, a Zen dialogue between a Master and a disciple. If you are bewildered by the response of the Master, you cannot be blamed. Welcome to the world of Zen! A world which goes beyond the logical and the rational to get to the transcendental dimension. Zen is crazy! If you are too hung up on the rational and logical method, then Zen would appear shocking to you.

Zen Masters routinely use absurdity as a weapon to thwart the intellectual probing of the student. Zen believes that the state of enlightenment cannot be arrived at through a process of reasoning. Because it lies beyond the domain of the intellect. It also cannot be reached through encyclopaedic knowledge which is not relevant to the quest. The knowledge of why Bodhidharma went to China is not going to emancipate the student even one bit. So instead of answering the question, Joshu deliberately baffles the intellect of the student: An oak tree in the garden!! The intellect stops dead in its tracks. With the intellectual rambling out of the way, the Master can now work on the disciple.

Come. Taste the flavour of Zen. Soak in the wisdom of the great Zen Masters. It’s unlike anything you have experienced before.

Book #24 of 2024

Rating - 5 stars

This is my second book by the author and it also marks my 16th venture into the realm of nonfiction, and I must admit, it was worth every moment spent absorbing its content.

Within the pages of this book lies a treasure trove of 30 stories, each imbued with the essence of Zen philosophy.

From the very outset, the concept of 'Zen' captivated my attention, drawing me deeper into its wisdom. The author masterfully sets the stage with an insightful introduction, offering a brief yet illuminating overview of Zen principles and the teachings of great Zen masters. This groundwork primes the reader for a journey of introspection and enlightenment.

What truly sets this book apart is the author's meticulous approach to storytelling. Not content with merely recounting Zen tales, the author dives into each narrative with a keen eye for detail, dissecting them line by line. Drawing from a diverse array of sources including religious texts like the Bhagavad Gita and the Taittiriya Upanishad, as well as insights from spiritual leaders and scholars such as Aurobindo and Ramkrishna, the author provides a comprehensive understanding of Zen principles.

The stories of/ about the Zen masters where the answers are conveyed through enigmatic puzzles known as Koans, are brought to life with clarity and simplicity. Complex concepts are demystified through the author's lucid explanations, empowering readers to grasp the essence of Zen philosophy with ease.

While I typically refrain from annotating books, I found myself compelled to mark numerous passages for future reflection and reference.

In the tale "Temper," we discover a profound reflection on the impact of upbringing on our sense of self. It suggests that our identity may be distorted by the flaws in our upbringing. Likewise, "Visiting Card" sheds light on the insignificance of external labels such as position, name, or profession in defining our true essence. "Finding a Diamond on a Muddy Road" illustrates the transformative power of redemption, highlighting instances where individuals labeled as sinners embark on a journey toward spiritual enlightenment. Finally, the story of the Laughing Buddha offers insights into the deeper significance of Hotei, also known as the Happy Chinaman. Each narrative serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of human identity and the potential for profound transformation.

The cover design aptly reflects the book's thematic focus, while the inclusion of a 'Works Consulted' page underscores the author's dedication to thorough research. This additional resource serves as a valuable guide for readers eager to delve deeper into Zen philosophy.

In summary, I wholeheartedly bestow upon this book a well-deserved 5-star rating. Not only does it present the timeless wisdom of Zen masters, but it also provides invaluable explanations and insights, making it an enlightening and enriching read for anyone seeking spiritual enlightenment.

Also, check out the review of the author's previous work - An odyssey of the mind.

Professionally, Narendra Murty worked as a Divisional Manager in the Life Insurance industry. However, the deep driving passion of his life has been the study of various religions and philosophies - both Eastern and Western - to which he has devoted more than three decades of his life. His first book EATING HIS MONEY – The Antics of a Metaphysical Clown, contains his commentaries on twenty-five stories of Mulla Nasrudin, the enigmatic clown. The book is an expression of his understanding of Sufi philosophy which he illustrates with concepts derived from all the wisdom traditions of the world making this subtle knowledge easily accessible to the general lay readers.

Adjudged the Best Book in the Pioneer Literature Awards, 2024, his second book AN ODYSSEY OF THE MIND – Journeys in the Modern Mindscape, is a collection of twenty deeply thought-provoking essays written over a period of ten years. The subjects include psychology, philosophy, history, sociology, the impact of technology, ecology, political philosophy and even a couple of humourous and satirical jibes on our politics, society and culture.

His third book titled THE RELIGION OF WONDER is an attempt to define religion outside the context and framework of the organized religions. It is also a call to all atheists and agnostics to sincerely explore their own negation.

His fourth book is on Zen Buddhism titled AN OAK TREE IN THE GARDEN - Exploring the World of Zen where he has provided enlightening commentaries on thirty enigmatic and enchanting Zen stories.

Apart from this, he has a YouTube channel where he explores various ideas pertaining to religion, philosophy and spirituality. Presently he is devoted full time to his study and writing. Narendra is also working as a Content Creator for Sri Aurobindo Society, Pondicherry and writes every month for their online journal Renaissance.

Until the next post...