Nothing on My Mind: Berkeley, LSD, Two Zen Masters, and a Life on the Dharma Trail

I just finished this book a few days ago, and I am quite glad I read it. Mr. Storlie writes with an eloquent and absorbing voice, and he offers an authoritative and thoughtful perspective on psychedelic experimentation, the counterculture of the late 60s, and ultimately, Zen Buddhism. This book, for me, was like a delicious and nutritious meal served up at exactly the right time. This will not be the case for all readers. I should say that I am someone who has a specific curiosity for that bit of American history that took place when I was only a child and only vaguely aware of its power and dark underpinnings. I have heard it said that the political revolution of the late 60s began to falter at precisely the same time it began to transition into a cultural revolution. Without necessarily intending to do so, Storlie seems to support (as well as explore) that notion. But, for me, Storlie's narrative is most valuable for the perspective it offers on the growth and movement of Zen in American culture. I say this because a specific question has thrashed about in my own mind for at least ten years now, and that is: "Am I a Buddhist?" If you are like me, that is, you think you might be one, and perhaps would like to be able to call yourself one, but don't think you qualify, this book should be useful to you too. So, "thank you" to the very masterful artist and sensible human, E.F. Storlie.

A valuable first-hand gonzo-historical account of many of the second generation of Zen teachers in America. Read this along with 'How the Swans Came to the Lake', for more nitty gritty detail of what it really takes to get a Zen Center going on a day-to-day basis. Though the author has few dramatic 'Three Pillars' type 'enlightenment' stories to relate, then again, neither do most long-term Zennies! But at the end, equanimity arises nevertheless, amazing! Bodhi, Svaha!

Its not easy making cultural transitions, and the transplanting of zen from japan to america has its rough spots. Suzuki said "I can show you my japanese zen, but you'll have to make your own american zen." Storlie conveys his own struggles, awkward changes and personal difficulties; I wish that the taste of his successes been sweeter. The bitterness of what he hasn't achieved remain longer on the tongue. Chazen Ichimi