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One Blade of Grass

A Zen Memoir

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One Blade of Grass

By: Henry Shukman
Narrated by: Henry Shukman
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About this listen

A memoir of author and poet Henry Shukman's lifelong journey through Zen Buddhism and the experiences in his life - both positive and painful - that fuelled his quest.

One Blade of Grass is award-winning novelist and poet Henry Shukman's account of his journey through the world of Zen Buddhism.

Raised in a rationalist household in Oxford during the spiritual heyday of the '60s and '70s, an unexpected spiritual awakening would prompt a lifelong quest to integrate the experience into his life, leading him eventually to Zen Buddhism. As Shukman gets to grips with meditative practice and struggles with anxiety, depression and the chronic eczema he had had since childhood, he discovers in surprising ways the emotional, spiritual and even physical healing that he has been searching for all along.

By turns humorous and moving, this beautifully written memoir demystifies Zen training, casting its profound insights in simple, lucid language, and takes the listener on a journey of their own, into the hidden treasures of life that contemplative practice can reveal to any of us.

©2021 Henry Shukman (P)2021 Hodder & Stoughton Limited Buddhism Spirituality Inspiring Heartfelt Thought-Provoking

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Critic reviews

"Captivating." (Times Literary Supplement)

"The book Shukman was born to write." (Natalie Goldberg, author of Writing Down the Bones)

"A wonderful and generous book." (David Hinton, author of The Wilds of Poetry)

All stars
Most relevant  
I've an interest in meditation and new to properly reading zen material. I found this to be a useful guide on how a person can use zen for a deeper connection to life and in plumbing the depths of what it means to be a whole human.

Great guide

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It’s not a clear and direct path and has many twists and turns. It was enjoyable to read this memoir and better understand the journey.

The way of zen

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This was indeed a captivating story. Henry Shukman is very likable and one feels he is trustworthy and honest. It's so fascinating to hear his journey and I felt I could relate to quite a bit of it.
Also very inspiring and has inspired me to seek out a teacher, it at least to practice more consistently.

Love this book

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Recently heard of the author from an online interview with Natalie Goldberg and bought this. It's beautifully written and Shukman makes Zen very accessible by telling the story of his life experience with it.

Very interesting Zen memoir.

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Loved this book and couldn’t stop listening. Henry is so open, honest, human and eloquent in his writing. I’ve been inspired to move deeper into zen and meditation practice by him.

Deeply inspiring

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Very moving, heartfelt story of how the Zen journey has helped Henry in his life. It is a deeply inspiring book.

Heartfelt story from a Zen master

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A heartwarming and uplifting book beautifully told by the author. No other book has resonated so strongly with me. His writing is so alive. I had severe eczema through life and was deeply touched by his perfect descriptions of it and how it affects us spiritually.
It also illuminates so many of the stages and struggles frequently encountered on the spiritual path in a way most of us can surely relate to.
I can’t praise it highly enough.

Wonderful book

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Thank you Henry for this candid narrative of your own personal journey to which I can relate so much, despite very early days. This book came to be exactly when I needed it and I’m eternally grateful.

Life changing

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Opened up a new world of Zen for me. He's a talented writer and an authentic narrator.

Brilliant

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Quite the most amazing use of language for a subject, that we are always told, defies language.
He's not converted me to Zen, a reflection only on me, but I'm so grateful to have come across this book.

His writing ability is extraordinary

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