The Secret Power Within: Zen Solutions to Real Problems

I think it's fair to say up front that "The Secret Power Within - zen Solutions to Real Problems" by Chuck Norris is not meant to be an in depth research tome on the history of Zen Buddhism or martial arts. Chuck is open about this being just his story, just his views on what he has gone through in life and what it has taught him. With that understood, I think he's written the book exceedingly well, that he is honest about sharing the things he's experienced, and that readers can take a lot of valuable insight away from reading it.Chuck intermingles talk of his activities in well known motion pictures with the tragedies in his personal life, the history of him learning martial arts, and how Zen benefits your daily activities.You learn how sword fighters learned to develop a oneness with their surroundings. This oneness was just as important - if not more - than learning technical moves. There are koans and stories, examples from real life and fun tidbits.There are also use-this-right-now practical advice items. For example you must be *in* the moment you are in right now. "There is only now." Give the best you can to whatever it is you are doing. Meditation can help you develop a calm, relaxed mind so that you're ready for whatever life rolls out to you.If you have a negative thought that seems stuck in your mind, write it down on a piece of paper and then burn it. Let it go with the ashes.Chuck aims to live his life by the words of the Dalai Lama - "If you can, help others - if you cannot do that, at least do not harm them."Chuck provides daily tips to reach this goal. Exercise, eat healthy foods, meditate. Have positive-minded friends who support you and keep learning and growing. Don't be judgmental - let people take their paths and wish them well. Don't obsess about material things - health and love are far more important.If there's any flaw I could find with the book, oddly it's in the printing. The print quality of the book gets fuzzy at times. Maybe they used a sub-standard printer or had a bad run of ink? It was a very unusual problem I've only encountered rarely in all the books I've read.Highly recommended, and the advice he provides can help any person improve their world and daily serenity.

I have been involved for more than 60 years in numerous martial arts (Karate-Do, Judo, Jujitsu, Kenjutsu, and Tanto-Jutsu) as well as many other combative (Wrestling, Boxing, and Military Combatives) systems. I am always searching for books and other material to increase my overall knowledge of anything to do with martial arts philosophy. When I saw this fantastic 185 page hardcover book (The Secret Power Within: Zen solutions to real problems by Chuck Norris) on Amazon for a bargain price I immediately purchased it.I have never personally met the author (Chuck Norris), Joe Lewis and many other old time martial artists who were at the height of their popularity. I was also a new black belt at that time but I only entered Shotokan Karate tournaments; however, I had great admiration and respect for those early American karate pioneers. I found this book a real page turner because I could relate to the many experiences of the author. My own personal discovery of Zen and the Asian martial arts is still evolving today even though I am well into my senior years.This wonderful and thought provoking book relates the personal experiences of Chuck Norris and how those life lessons are indeed also lessons in the Zen philosophy. Some of the topics in this book includes the following: You can get there from here, Zen is where you find it, the taste of Zen, stay in the moment, just do it, winning and losing, get out of your own way, control your emotions, there are no limitations, conquering yourself, the shadow warrior, climbing the inner mountain, Ki: the universal power and many other fantastic Zen lessons.Over the years I have read numerous books on the subject of Zen and this one is one of my favorite volumes dealing with real life experiences and Zen. If you are a martial artist this book should be part of your personal library. I loved it.Rating: 5 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Shotokan Karate: Practical Combat Karate for the street)

I dint know that Chuck Norris can write such a good book. I saw him first in Delta Force movie when I was probably around 10 years of age. Though I liked the lead star in the movie( Chuck) I am no particular fan of him. I dint even recognize that he is the guys who fought against Bruce Lee in Way of the dragon(Return o the dragon) climax untill recently. I purchased this book, as a used book, from Amazon for a dollar or so. Otherwise I would not have taken the risk of buying this book :)). But after reading a few pages something in the book made me read it to the end within a few days. The book was captivating and a good entertainer. Each chapter will more or less give you some idea that you can incorporate into your day-day life. This book is way different from the typical self improvement book and is also not a self improvement book. Many of the anecdotes provided in the book are very inspiring and highly useful. Some of the ideas and thoughts are Chuck's own personal beliefs. Its not an instructional book about any practice or concept. If the ideas provided in the book are followed it can definitely improve ones life.

Chuck Norris has seemed to do it all. However if you have never read this book then there is more. Mr. Norris gives real common sense self help tips for being the best a person can be. He does this in the most effective way possible. He shares parts of his own life. It was quite surprising to read that the great Chuck Norris was quiet and reserved. He also noted that his self confidence was there but needed to be developed. He goes into personal detail to explain the difficulties he encountered in life. More important then that he shares how he overcame those obstacles. In doing that he gives the reader real strategies that can be used to help them overcome isues and challenges in their lives. This book was so interesting I read it in one day.

I really enjoyed this book,Chuck has a wonderful conversational writing style.As an acomplished martial artist Chuck explains where he came from and how he applied the ideas of martial arts to modern life.Even though Norris has acheived so much it strikes you that he is a very humble individual. An absolute Joy to read. I found his book very upliting and helpful.Ideal for non-martial artists as well.

good read prompt delivery

I bought this book very cheaply but have to say it is one of the best I have read.Chuck is very upfront and down to earth with what he writes.The world today needs more people [men] like him.

Definitely a fake print as the quality of the front cover was awful, especially for the price

Very good,all in order.