Phil Jackson is known as one of the best coaches of the United States having trained a number of players and teams. This former basketball player has proved himself several times as the coach of Chicago bulls and Los Angeles Lakers. The teams grabbed numerous titles under his coaching. Phil as an author discusses the relevancy of several concepts to the issues that are in front of players, teams and other people in his book, Sacred Hoops: Spiritual Lessons of a Hardwood Warrior. He talks about the methods that he has used to train the players, how to perform as a group, think collectively, look ahead of individual issues, overcome rage and jealousy but still play belligerently. This paper discusses Phil Jackson’s book, concepts discussed by him and several related aspects.
The author was born in an orthodox Christian family in North Dakota. He started playing basketball in his childhood and it became hi religion more than the Christianity. He was introduced to Zen when he entered into college and found it very useful and interesting. He started meditation which made his mind calm and helped him in concentrating. Zen helped him in being a good player as well as a great coach. Phil finds Zen very impressive and calls himself a Zen Christian though he is still believes in the Christianity like any other Christians. Phil has received a lot from the eastern philosophy as well as he gives credit to his upbringing in Pentecostal Christianity. He has learnt so many things by incorporating eastern and Native American philosophy together and uses the learning as techniques in the game. He used his learning in training of several players and helped them in winning titles as well as in leading a good life with positive thoughts. Phil assigned the role of every player strategically and taught them to play with selflessness. He helped them in developing visualization, vision, made them aware of these qualities and enabled them to use all these qualities.
People wonder how he maintained his supremacy for so long and Phil in reply of this question says that his dream has never been just to win the championships but he tried to manage basketball and spiritual exploration jointly. He writes in his book “My dream was not just to win championships, but to do it in a way that wove together my two greatest passions: basketball and spiritual exploration. On the surface, this may sound like a crazy idea, but I sensed that there was a link between spirit and sport”.
It is good to conclude that Phil Jackson has accomplished tremendous heights in his life through a positive approach. This great player and great coach has filled his life as well life of others with the positivity by using religious spirituality and other qualities that he acquired in his lifetime. Phil Jackson in his book has mentioned examples of several players whom he trained and helped them in being the best using all his learning and experiences of his life. The book has inspired several players and other people in achieving their dreams and in making their life better.
Reference
Phil Jackson, Hugh Delehanty and Bill Bradley. (2006). Sacred Hoops: Spiritual Lessons of a Hardwood Warrior. New York: Hyperion Books.
