Wise Tales from the East

In this illuminating anthology, Kaplan (Buddhist Apologetics in East Asia), lecturer at Hebrew University of Jerusalem, brings together 49 parables from East Asia and India. Though many of these stories, like “A Piggyback Ride” (a lesson in letting go of the past), will be familiar to readers interested in Buddhism, Kaplan’s articulations of them flow well and move briskly to key points. Some readers may find that Kaplan’s lack of additional commentary on the individual stories—including very little explanation of background on the monastic and philosophical traditions they come from—leaves his rehashings devoid of necessary context. Kaplan’s indulgence in a short coda or question at the end of some of the stories generally weakens them—such as his addendum to “Beautiful Flaws,” which adds that the woman who was unknowingly watering flowers on her way to a water well eventually picks them to beautify her home. While the stories find a fuller rendition in other American Zen overviews, Kaplan brings a good ear and quick pacing to these classic tales. (Self-published)