This hard to get book packs a surprising quantity of information in its pages. Mr. Parulski covers the Okinawan bo, sai, nunchuku, tonfa and kama demonstrating both basic techniques and a traditional kata for each of these weapons! In addition, he demonstrates basic techniques for a number of Japanese weapons.

      Funakoshi, the founder of Shotokan karate tells us in his own words his view of why it is important to study karate and the benefits to be derived from doing so.

      Interesting stories about many of the Okinawan masters whose names we know today such as founders of major karate systems, including Motobu, Itosu and Kyan.

      Charlotte Joko Beck is the freshest Zen voice I have come across. Having lived the standard American woman's life of marriage, motherhood and divorce, she only began practicing Zen in her late forties. Her view is free of the patriarchal trappings of traditional Japanese Zen, and is devoid of pretension or self-importance. I return to her books regularly. (More information on Joko Beck can be found at [ http://users.net66.com/~bert/Beck.html ])

      The authors use the analogy of how a Zen cook prepares to a meal to illuminate a process for living productively and building a business. Glassman's clear vision as a Zen teacher combined with his dedication to community service has allowed him to build a productive community from formerly homeless people. This book is well written and illuminates many principles that any of us can use. I personally intend to reread this book often.

      Another book by Joko Beck, it is well worth reading. Reading any of her books is an experience worth having. (More information on Joko Beck can be found at [ http://users.net66.com/~bert/Beck.html])

      D.T. Suzuki is credited with bringing Zen to America. He was virtually the first Japanese to try to put the Zen experience into words that Americans might understand. This book is a classic.

      Shunryu Suzuki was another great Zen teacher in America. His simple Zen viewpoint is clearly presented in this classic book.

      Though first published in 1953, Herrigel's book remains popular. It is a wonderful tale of the Western mind struggling with the Japanese concepts of what it means to "master" archery.

      I didn't expect to like Deepak Chopra's books. He has become so popular, that I expected his ideas to be cheap and slick. In fact, it never occurred to me to read any of his books until I saw one of his lectures presented on PBS. Highly educated and respected, he brings the Eastern Indian perspective to the Western medicine in which he is so very well trained. Many have spoken of how the mind affects our health, but few have done it as cogently as Deepak Chopra does in this book.

      This is simply the best book on stretching I have come across. It, too, has become a classic and is a wonderful resource for anyone who exercises regularly (especially as we get a little older!).