Opening to You: Zen-Inspired Translations of the Psalms Paperback – February 25, 2003

Everything I had hoped! Without sacrificing content, this book brings a fresh angle to the rich legacy of psalmody. To those who are experiencing an inner revolt against the traditional trappings of Christianity, these translations are especially important. So many of us rebel against the narrow, vengeful and militaristic sense of a tribal god which permeates the psalms. The translator deftly distills the essence of each psalm while minimizing these tribal aspects.By no means should these translations replace the more literal ones. The psalms embody the rich cultural heritage of the Jewish religion. That this translation strips that heritage away is both its value and its detriment. But it opens a path to the psalms for those who have turned away from them, and allows others to return to the traditional translations with fresh eyes.

These are fascinating, beautiful as an inciteful reflection on more traditional interpretations.

Absolutely wonderful book on the Psalms. Highly Recommended

Although we know that the psalms are poetry, taking them out of the context of the Old Testament and positioning them as independent meditations somehow makes them seem more relevant. Certainly not a line by line translation, nor scholarship from the standpoint of historical context, these interpretations are nonetheless inspirational to anyone walking a spiritual path, no matter the origin of their journey.

Fisher gives a beautiful account of his Jewish roots and Zen practice-combining wisdom to reveal deep insight into the Psalms. I've continued involvement in my Episcopal church while practicing Vipassana for the last 8 years. This book gave me new insights into understanding "God"-staying with the devotion--Would recommend to anyone in Judeo-Christian tradition-either currently practicing or if you've ever been in that tradition and left it. You will see deeply the truth behind the psalms.

Psalms are already wonderful in the King James version, but this translation really brings out the light and the deep spirit much better. Wonderful for reading aloud as well. Very lyrical and modern in a way that does not lose the original meaning, in fact enhances it. Highly recommended for a new way to look at an old form.

Excellent. I read through the psalms regularly using different translations.This is a fresh view with language that helps me hear the psalms differently.I recommend this work highly. The only downside is that he did not translateall 150 psalms. Other than that-- I am hooked!

I give this book to lots of people who are looking for a relationship to the psalms who cannot approach them from the Hebrew or who may not appreciate the traditional English translations. I find Norman's take on the psalms to be unique, refreshing and very accessible. I often read them at the services I lead or for funerals.