Rogue Monk (Revised): A Memoir about Zen, Disability, and Work

"Rogue Monk (Revised Edition)" is a collection of memoirs and essays first published in 2010. This edition excludes writing that has been revised for the author's memoir entitled "Mitzvah," published in 2018. This edition of "Rogue Monk" includes some photographs that were not published in the 2010 edition. It is a memoir focused on the author's experience as a Zen student, and later, a Zen Monk. David Schneider, author of Street Zen, the Life and Work of Issan Dorsey, Shambhala Press, Boston, 1993, had this to say about "Rogue Monk" in 2010: The spiritual path is a personal one; no one experiences exactly the same conditions as anyone else. On the other hand, challenges to the practitioner have remained fundamentally the same for thousands of years. The obstacles and antidotes described by the Buddha are not out of date. Thus a description of traveling the way - of coming to terms with specific obstacles, of applying or improvising antidotes - is always valuable. That Mugan Sozan Peter Schellin writes so clearly and sympathetically of his path and those along it, makes this book worth reading. That he also shows how a sense of humor bridges the small selfish life, with the big, compassionate, open way, make the reading a delight. Customer Reviews: 1) 5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating man, fascinating book February 13, 2014 Format: Paperback - Verified Purchase I heard about this book in a writing class, where it was loaned to me by a fellow student. As soon as I finished it, I ordered my own copy. The author taught me about Buddhism in its (seemingly infinite) variations, and for the first time I understood the word "Karma" that is so casually bandied about in contemporary culture. Peter Schellin understands life in the way that only a being who has worked so closely with death and suffering can--I offer him a humble thank you for sharing his life stories. Carolyn J. Harrison 2) 5.0 out of 5 stars independent & insightful May 3, 2011 Format: Paperback this book covers a lot of ground--teachers, going blind, prison sanghas, Buddhism in America, his past, profiles of people he has known--so it tends to start over with each chapter, but there are threads. his insights are refreshing and give one something to think about. i did not respond to each chapter, but some of the chapters i kept going back to: they are gems. nine bows! Andrew Campbell