Dimensions
135 x 210 x 17mm
As a young monk training in the Thai forest tradition, Ajahn Brahmavamso slept on a door reclaimed from a rubbish tip because the newly established monastery couldn’t afford beds; he ate frog on rice for his daily meal because food was scarce during the monsoon; he learnt plumbing and bricklaying because the monastery needed to be built and the monks couldn’t afford to pay tradesmen. More recently, he has taught the timeless Buddhist philosophy to Westerners from all walks of life, led meditation groups in Australian prisons, and counselled the distressed, the sick and the bereaved. The stories that emerge, like the experiences they reflect, are thoughtful, funny and enlightening. He also relates many wise teachings from his saint-like and renowned, ‘unconventional’ teacher, Ajahn Chah, and his early years in the Thai forest provided fertile ground for humour.
The traditional Buddhist teachings are at the heart of Ajahn Brahmvamso’s tales, but his stories often appear to be parables or follow the punchline of irreverent and clever jokes used to launch into a deeper exposition of subjects such as mindfulness, wisdom, unconditional love and compassion. In each story the raw edge of truth is evident. These modern tales of hope, love, pain and forgiveness cleverly relate the timeless wisdom of the Buddha’s teachings and the path to true happiness.
