This book is an excellent introduction to Zen thinking for the traditional Western mind. Through an easy to understand introduction and explanation, followed by examples of Zen wisdom I started understanding Zen philosophy a little bit better. For me as a Westerner, this book was a great resource to find out more about philosophy of Buddhism.
             "Zen" means meditation, contemplation, pondering. And unlike other formal religions it does not concentrate on a God as an object, statue, or other material symbol. It is much more deep, and requires philosophical thinking and concentration to understand. And unlike other priests, Zen Masters are guides rather than teachers. It really made me realize why I cannot follow religion I was born into [Christianity]. Most of what I was taught about it remained just as a fairy tails to me. I saw the lack of devotion in churches, and always felt like I could never fit into that society. After reading "Into the Fire" and "The Wisdom of the Zen Masters" I now believe that I would have been more religious if I was born Hindu or Buddhist. It just makes much more sense overall, especially Buddhism that has much more philosophy in it, and I was able to find some answers to the questions, that I couldn't find earlier in Christianity.
             The wisdom of the Zen Masters that author put in this book is an outstanding resource of what I call a soul food. After I read each one of them, I unintentionally lifted my eyes from the book and thought over it again. It is mostly could be applied to everyday life, but we are too busy to think about it the way Zen Masters would. Sometimes it is hard to get over thing, or let go of the anger, or realize that just talking won't do the things. After reading and understanding the stories of Zen Masters I believe that in the future I remember them in some certain life crossroads.
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