I first read Zen some seven years ago, and recently picked it up again. It's just like you said - the book does something to you, yet you can't explain what it is. Two possible explanations: there is some profound change, but it can't be expressed in words OR it's an illusion of insight (similar to psychedelics). I'm still not sure which one of the two it is.
Fantastic! I hope you can shed some light on this topic, even if the map is not reality. I read Zen & Motorcycles twice and my predominant emotion was frustration, not "ah ha!" or glittering insight. I would welcome a better way to view that book.
I'm pleased you have chosen to write about this. I read and enjoyed "Zen" many years ago, but at the time I felt there was more to get out of it that I was leaving behind. Coincidentally, I came across it in my collection just a few weeks ago, and was considering giving it another go. I acquired a copy of "Lila" (which I never read) so I could follow up my second "Zen" reading with it. Now I'll enjoy seeing what you have to say about these.
I first read Zen some seven years ago, and recently picked it up again. It's just like you said - the book does something to you, yet you can't explain what it is. Two possible explanations: there is some profound change, but it can't be expressed in words OR it's an illusion of insight (similar to psychedelics). I'm still not sure which one of the two it is.
Fantastic! I hope you can shed some light on this topic, even if the map is not reality. I read Zen & Motorcycles twice and my predominant emotion was frustration, not "ah ha!" or glittering insight. I would welcome a better way to view that book.
I'm pleased you have chosen to write about this. I read and enjoyed "Zen" many years ago, but at the time I felt there was more to get out of it that I was leaving behind. Coincidentally, I came across it in my collection just a few weeks ago, and was considering giving it another go. I acquired a copy of "Lila" (which I never read) so I could follow up my second "Zen" reading with it. Now I'll enjoy seeing what you have to say about these.