Book Review - The Fox Who Fooled The Monk by Kai Tsukimi

Why a fox,  you wonder? In the words of the author, 'If Zen ever decided to play tricks, it would likely wear a red tail. The fox is clever. Mysterious. It shows up when you are not looking, then vanishes when you reach for it.'

Like all the other books of Kai, this too has 33 short zen-centric stories. A monk sets up camp in a forest, wanting to live in solitude. Except, he finds he is never really alone. 

Sometimes, a flash of a red tail.

Sometimes a pawprint.

Sometimes a half-eaten fruit.

Sometimes a giggle.

The fox reveals itself to him little by little. With every glimpse and encounter with the fox, something inside the monk shifts and transforms. 

Not much happens in the stories yet they are wholesome. Most of them have open endings, urging the reader to reflect and learn from the story. However every chapter is serene and soothing to read. The elusive and mysterious fox will hold your attention and keep you engaged throughout the book. The monk, with his silent solitude brings a calm aura to the stories. 

There are some questions in the book that ask for self-reflection and inquiry. The stories, while not easy to decipher, teach one thing in common - not every thing needs to be understood. It is enough if we live through some experiences without trying to solve mysteries or seek solutions. It is after all the very essence of Zen - to simply BE. 

I would recommend this book to all those interested in Zen philosophy and who are looking for enticing and philosophical reads.