Philip Toshio Sudo (1959–2002)

[July 1, 2000] I didn't like "Zen Computer" at all. This, coming from someone who found Sudo's "Zen Guitar" a very interesting and enlightening book. I have read a lot of books on Zen and have worked with computers extensively for many years. After reading this book, I feel like I haven't learned anything new about either Zen or computers. Or about not letting the occasional difficulties caused by computers to get to me. It seemed like this book couldn't make up its mind: was it a book on Zen set in a computer context, or was it a book on computers set in a Zen context? Perhaps the appropriate answer is "yes". I had anticipated something as least as informative and profound as "Zen Guitar", but that was not the case. Much of what I read seemed trite, even so silly at times I wondered if Sudo was trying to be humorous and I was taking it all too seriously. I strongly recommend "Zen Guitar" instead of "Zen Computer". At least in "Zen Guitar" the principles of Zen more naturally come forth because playing a guitar or any musical instrument is an art, and touches us in deep ways. I believe there can be mystery behind technology and its use, but that didn't come out in "Zen Computer". For anyone wanting to read about *that*, I recommend "Techgnosis" by Erik Davis.… (mere)

Unlock the song within yourself and live your life with harmony

Zen Guitar begins with a simple premise: We carry a song inside-the song that makes us human. We're all born with this song but don't kow how to unlock it. Zen Guitar offers the key. Combining the ancient wisdom of the East with the most popular Western instrument, Zen Guitar presents a path to spiritual fulfillment for music-lovers of all kinds, be they shower singers, three-chord hobbyists, or professionals.

Zen Guitar unfolds through fifty-eight lessons that establish a beginner's mind and provide focus and a guide to common missteps, continuing through technical excellence and advanced levels of Zen. Philip Sudo offers his own experiences with music to enable us to rediscover the harmony in each of our lives and open ourselves to a Zen awareness uniquely suited to the Western mind. This harmony is further illuminated through quotes from sources ranging from Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix to Miles Davis and Andres Segovia.

The Zen harmony that you develop carries through to every aspect and action in life, applying to school, work, athletics, and relationships. Zen Guitar shows how the path of music offers fulfillment in all aspects of life-a winning idea and an instant classic.

'Philip Sudo provides an obvious grounding in tradition with a fresh and original perspective. Zen is dynamic and evolving, and Zen Guitar is a fascination contribution to this growth.'-Deng Ming-Dao, author of 365 Tao

'Loved Zen Guitar...(it) is filled with beautiful metaphors to help us sing and play our song of songs-life.'-Bernie Siegel, M.D., author of Love, Medicine, and Miracles

'A simple and clear step inside the process of making music, Zen Guitar is for anyone who is willing to be in a creative mind.'-Pat Irwin, guitar player with the B-52's and composer

Philip Toshio Sudo developed the zen guitar philosophy performing in the streets, parks, and subways of New York City. He lives with his wife and children in Maui, Hawaii, where he writes and records his music.

Contents

1 The dojo Welcome
2 beginner's mind-White belt
Wear the white belt
Pick up your guitar-Tune; Play
3 Practice-White belt to black belt
The twelve points of focus-Spirit; Rhythm; Technique; Feel; Perfection; Mistakes; Stages and plateaus; Discipline; Limits; Follow through; Taste; Collaboration
The Twelve common missteps-Self-doubt; Instant gratification; Ego; Halfheartedness; Overearnestness; Speed; Competition; Obsession; Mishandled criticism; Failure to adjust; Loss of focus; Overthinking… (mere)