Diary of a Zen Nun

The author recounts her struggle to overcome cancer, describes her daily schedule studying Zen Buddhism, and shares her observations on life

A Zen nun cruising along the outskirts of Paris in a Honda at 110 mph? The expatriate Midwesterner author is no ordinary Zen nun, and her unusual journal, crafted in musical, finely controlled prose, is really several books in one: an account of her triumph over ovarian cancer, purportedly achieved with the aid of Zen discipline; a nature diary full of precise details about birds, plants, fish and insects; a memoir of globe-trotting with her Japanese Zen master. While the parts don't always mesh and the musing tends to become tedious, the author's wry observations of people, places and daily events read like Zen parables on the need to "solve the problem of your own life and death" and the futility of forcing things. Watson's drawings, interwoven with the text, add personal charm; shorter chapters are wrapped around illustrations and arranged like prose poems to good effect.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Nan Shin originally wanted to call this book Every Day Living. "The point of Every Day Living as a title: what does Zen look like realized?" She brings together four narrative strands to show Zen in action, writing of a horseback journey in France, a trip around the world with her Zen master, her struggle with cancer, and one day in a Zen dojo. Any of these narratives can be seen as the main one, with the others serving as accompanying thoughts and memories. In the end, they all flow together to give a profound feeling of simply living the Zen way through all the experiences of life. Watson's exceptionally fine artwork adds to the charm of this fascinating book. Recommended for public libraries and any others with subject interest. C. Robert Nixon, M.L.S., West Lafayette, Ind.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.