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For a thousand years the men and women of Kensho have been evolving a way of living. a civilization that combines technology and spirit in a fashion that the visionaries of old Earth could hardly as the two essential parts of a healthy whole, rather than as deadly enemies out to destroy each other.
In another century Kensho would have become invulnerable to the violence of Earth, but the starship, bristling with fearful weapons, an armada at its beck, is orbiting the planet now. Is there no alternative but to submit to the conquerors? Must the New Humanity return to the sad old ways of Earth? There is one possible way out--but if it fails, the people of Kensho will pay the price of annihilation.
In another century Kensho would have become invulnerable to the violence of Earth, but the starship, bristling with fearful weapons, an armada at its beck, is orbiting the planet now. Is there no alternative but to submit to the conquerors? Must the New Humanity return to the sad old ways of Earth? There is one possible way out--but if it fails, the people of Kensho will pay the price of annihilation.
- GenresScience FictionFantasy
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 1, 1981
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About the author
Dennis Schmidt
96 books11 followersThere is more than one author with this name
From Wikipedia: Dennis Arthur Schmidt was an American science fiction and fantasy author publishing from 1978 to 1990. Common threads in his books are religion, discipline and mystical enemies.
See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dennis_S...
From Wikipedia: Dennis Arthur Schmidt was an American science fiction and fantasy author publishing from 1978 to 1990. Common threads in his books are religion, discipline and mystical enemies.
See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dennis_S...
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
September 28, 2017
Satori is a masterful blend of light storytelling and some of the basic principles of Zen Buddhism. The story takes place in the far future on the long-lost Earth colony of Kensho. The Kenshites, stressed for centuries by a unique natural phenomenon they call the Mushin, have had to adapt for their own survival to elements of what the author calls the Universal Way of Zen.
During this same time, Earth and its star-spanning domain have fallen under a pseudo-scientific oligarchy that tolerates no non-conformity, the ‘worst’ of which is religion. Colonies must submit or be destroyed. With this background, a scout ship slips in from the Mother World, sent to find out what happened to the lost colony founded by a Zen Master.
The book is told from two points of view, from an operative from each side infiltrating to gather information and sow discord. From Kensho comes Myali, a young Seeker attempting to travel an uncertain path to save her world from destruction. The Earthmen send down Dunn, a reluctant and very broken spy, desperate to make sense of the voices in his head.
The Zen parables will likely cause some confusion to a first time reader, in no small part because that’s what they’re designed to do. However, they are but passages of interest, and not essential to enjoying the conflict between Old Earth and Homo Kensho. Repeated readings (and perhaps some further curiosity) will move the reader from the perspective of the student to that of the master. And Satori is I believe one of those science fiction gems one comes back to re-read now and again. Recommended you give it a try.
During this same time, Earth and its star-spanning domain have fallen under a pseudo-scientific oligarchy that tolerates no non-conformity, the ‘worst’ of which is religion. Colonies must submit or be destroyed. With this background, a scout ship slips in from the Mother World, sent to find out what happened to the lost colony founded by a Zen Master.
The book is told from two points of view, from an operative from each side infiltrating to gather information and sow discord. From Kensho comes Myali, a young Seeker attempting to travel an uncertain path to save her world from destruction. The Earthmen send down Dunn, a reluctant and very broken spy, desperate to make sense of the voices in his head.
The Zen parables will likely cause some confusion to a first time reader, in no small part because that’s what they’re designed to do. However, they are but passages of interest, and not essential to enjoying the conflict between Old Earth and Homo Kensho. Repeated readings (and perhaps some further curiosity) will move the reader from the perspective of the student to that of the master. And Satori is I believe one of those science fiction gems one comes back to re-read now and again. Recommended you give it a try.
November 28, 2025
I was worried the third installment in the Kensho series might start repeating itself, but I was pleasantly surprised. Schmidt once again delivers a unique story, weaving in new Zen-infused insights and an engaging plot sparked by a visit from Earth. The Kensho inhabitants have evolved once more, giving the book a genuinely fresh and renewed feel.
January 28, 2008
A wonderful blend of martial arts, Zen, and science fiction. Part of the Way-Farer series.
September 30, 2023
Light years ahead of its time. A cautionary tale of what can happen when the minds of men are not managed. When people seek power for its own sake. When fear of the unknown causes war and destruction. How to find peace in the midst of panic. How to find silence within a raging storm. How to embrace total Being and connect with the Oneness of it all. Recommend to lovers of Science Fiction and the philosophy of Zen.
June 28, 2013
One of my favorite Zen books in a science fiction setting.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews