Robert Aitken, in this very inspiring book, illuminates the higher states of consciousness that are available to all who are willing to experience them through the practice of Zen. He demonstrates how our minds and lives can become like 'clover' in the way it nurtures and is being nurtured by the soil it lives in by sharing its goodness. For to become compassionate, he gives us deep insight into the paradoxical nature of the Ten Grave Precepts of Zen, which are not written in stone to be obeyed, but more as encouragement and aspiration. Overall, there are many inspiring words in this little book that assisted me at those times when I felt Zen was hard going and I was almost overwhelmed by my ego telling me that the whole practice of Zen was pointless. It assisted me to welcome these inner resistances whilst keeping my commitment to the whole Zen way of life.