Given my interest in Zen Buddhism it is perhaps a little difficult for me to be truly objective about this book. This book is of direct interest to me and I have to say that I was blown away by it.
Merzel has dedicated most of his adult life to the pursuit and teaching of Zen and for much of that time he taught and practiced in a traditional manner. After being exposed to Voice Dialogue methodology by founders Hal and Sidra Stone, Merzel found his life and discipline moving in a new direction, the present sum of which is to be found in Big Mind Big Heart. Voice Dialogue is the practice of personalizing and talking to our different 'selves' to bring about the reintegration of 'lost' selves and create a harmonious balance and interplay between the different aspects of our psyche.
The mock conversations (between Merzel and aspects of his own psyche) are fascinating and the reader can really gain an appreciation of how the Big Mind Big Heart approach can and does work. Much of the book is made up of these conversations and they clearly demonstrate how the mind can be moved towards satori. The book also includes a CD which is well worth listening to and gives you a taste of what a one-on-one session is like as Merzel leads a radio host in a Voice Dialogue session. The CD also includes a guided meditation designed to enhance the BMBH experience.
Whether or not the BMBH approach can duplicate the results of seated or dynamic mediation or not, I don’t know. I have to say I am doubtful that full satori can be experienced in this way. But it is nevertheless a very thought provoking and interesting read and I do think the techniques can prove useful to increase self-awareness and as a prelude to spiritual realization. Big Mind Big Heart will particularly appeal to followers of Zen and those interested in spiritualism and personal development in general. As for martial artists, I think the technique could easily be adapted to re-integrate 'lost' aspects of our psyche. A conversation with 'Fear' for example would prove immensely beneficial to anyone training in a fighting art.
