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Structured as a patchwork of conversations, recollections, and lyrical encounters, this rich spiritual autobiography allows readers to eavesdrop on a restless soul in quest of self, God, and home. The memoir tells the story of an American who became intrigued by Buddhism through his love of Asian art and who decided to study the discipline in a Japanese Soto Zen monastery. In Part One, the author gives an account of his life in the Hosshinji monastery in Obama, Japan, detailing his daily routine and his participation in a traditional Takuhatsu almsgiving ceremony, a Sesshin period of intensive meditation, and a Jukai Buddhist initiation ceremony. Part Two describes the author's difficult search for a Buddhist temple to continue his religious practices upon returning to the United States. Part Three deals with the author's involvement in the International Institute for Field-Being and details how his Buddhist training helped prepare him for that venture. Part Four describes obstacles the author has encountered as a lone Buddhism practitioner since his training.
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What is a word? I mean to that brain of ours, a sound distinctly different from tree branches in motion or those of leaves hanging down uncertain what to do next. We get simple instructions from tree noises except for getting out of the way should one of them collapse. Not much information was gathered after a life of staring up at trees in awe, not even a smile. The reason is obvious. We have to be told what a word is when struck on the ears for the first time, generally intended to identify some object that can bring danger or caring or usefulness. After that identification, its clear sailing. The word grows like the tree does, with additional information tacked on to get you to laugh or c...