Soul Sword: The Way and Mind of a Warrior

Rating:
Summary: A DELIGHT TO READ -- A GREATER DELIGHT TO EXPERIENCE
Review: I am a journalist who met and talked with Vernon Kitabu Turner before reviewing his book for a national paper.

Generally I do not like inspirational books, or those with a 'self-help' theme. Those books heavy with pretense and portent about the consequences of not following the author's advice -- whatever kind of rubbish THAT might be. Soul Sword was not so at all, assuming no knowledge that the reader couldn't himself gain by sufficient dedicated search, and experience....Kitabu's revelation of himself and his own journey demonstrates this.

It was a delight to read for this reason first. But beyond this, SS is a journey of discovery -- a slicing of the soul to reveal a cross section of yourself, now and in the future...This daily war that is a warrior's lot becomes defined by your own experiences.

SS is not only for the 'warrior' who must make the journey into himself, and to discover his potential, but for all who must fight those little daily battles.

Once you begin,you're not likely to walk away from it as another 'good read'. SS will remain with you, enriching your life and broadening your vision.

The most exciting idea in this book for me was that it is by becoming nothing that we can be everything -- a principle I believe in. It is on this ground that the battle is won.

Put it on your bookshelf: in fact put it in your purse or briefcase...

Rating:
Summary: Illuminating
Review: I have not only had the pleasure of reading Soul Sword and recommending it to my friends but I have been touched by its message. ...The author is a Dharma successor of a master and Truth is universal. Many Zen masters, ancient and current have no problem quoting the Bible. Soul Sword reveals that the author's Zen and Christian experience progressed seamlessly and without conscious design or internal conflict. He helps us to become aware that the divisions that we see are only because mind and spirit are split apart. Christ underscored this dichotomy as strongly as did The Buddha..."The mind and spirit are enmity to each other." we are told. In Soul Sword Kitabu outlines the path he took to warriorship,both physically and spirituallly, a path which brought his mind into submission to the Divine Spirit. This is what the biblical warriors, David, Joshua and Sampson also did. No one can prove that the Shaolin and Zen inspired samurai did not embrace that same Spirit in the silence of their meditation. That is their secret.

Soul Sword is not talk. When "What is Enlightenment?" magazine did nearly a 20 page aricle on the author, many people became curious and wanted to see or test him out. I witnessed an incredible demostration at Aikido of Fresno where he took on all comers in a peaceful loving manner. It was an open forum with masters and experts from any style invited to come. The author came alone. In one demonstration he knocked down six practitioners with a single finger while they resisted with all their strength. He was fluid, graceful and inspiring to all. Now that was Zen action. Religion is in the head, Soul Sword reveals it comes alive only after we put it into personal practice. By definition, when one can act from The Spirit of Heaven that is Zen. Zen is not a religion, per se. It is a word used to indicate athe methodology of taming the mind, and the activity which results from illuninated mind. D.T. Suzuki/Roshi said that Zen can be practiced by those of ANY religion. Vernon Kitabu Turner/Roshi and Soul Sword proves that it is so. Those of us here need American masters to help us understand and recover our Original nature. Who knows us better. Soul Sword is a bold step in that direction. I sincerely hope the author gives us more to digest.

Rating:
Summary: A Christian way of looking at Zen
Review: I was lucky enough to learn about the Author in an interview with Enlightenment Magazine. Hidden in the text was the title of his book that I was fortunate to find and note. Being a practitioner of both Yoga and Mediation this is exactly the boost both practices and not to mention my life needed. Vernon Kitabu Turner/Roshi, hit upon topics I had internalized and slightly understood, but was unable to communicate. And others that I needed to hear to bring me beyond the basic physical mechanics of both my practices and touch the sprit that is with in all of us. I recommend this book and " The Secret of Freedom".

Rating:
Summary: This is a book to experience.
Review: Some read for entertainment and some read for instruction. It is not often that one finds a book that meets both criteria. I found that unlike many self-help books, I actually apply this book to everyday life. Also, with colorful anecdotes that show how the author's teachings and discoveries are incorporated in his own life, the book is entertaining. I used applications from this book to improve my free throws,through the realization that there is more than one way to look at things and accomplish goals. Where as many may consider this feat miniscule, the author led me to open my mind and see the relevance in all things. To focus on what I don't know as opposed to what I do know is the key to knowledge and potential enlightenment. Vernon Turner is an eloquent writer that leaves one reminiscent of Voltaire in the way he makes the seemingly complex, obvious. Take the time to experience this work.

Rating:
Summary: Soul Sword Shimmers
Review: When I was living in Virginia Beach I met a most wonderful man, that man is Vernon Kitabu Turner. We met each other in September 1998 at a coffeehouse that he frequents. During the time that I was in Virginia, and even now as I sit out in the Gulf on the USS Carl Vinson, we talked about everything and anything. He helped me realize that there was more than one way to look at life, and many more things to life than what I know. When I bought his book I started reading it the moment I got home. Every night I would read it until I couldn't keep my eyes open. I just finished a few weeks ago, and I plan on reading it again and again. The teachings are very insightful and make you look at your life and re-evaluate the way you deal with things. I miss the face to face conversations I had with this great man. The joys of being able to communicate with him via e-mail will have to do. He makes me look at what life is, and what it could be. Thank you very much Kitabu, I wait for the day we are face to face again!

Beth Ann Charlton