Author: Christopher Titmuss
Publication Information: Boston : Shambhala, 2000
Number of Pages: 207
Subject Headings: Buddhism -- Doctrines.Appeal: This is a thoughtful work on personal enlightenment. The author presents his understanding of Buddhist teachings in a straightforward manner that offers spiritual advice without condescension. The book is formatted in a series of concise, easily digestible essays grouped together by theme. Each essay is illuminated with relevant, often humorous anecdotes or folk tales that support the particular idea being taught.
Plot Summary: This non-fiction work is a series of essays and thus, has no actual plot to speak of. The essays are interconnected, though, under the unifying theme of spiritual awakening. Each essay speaks to an everyday experience and how the teachings of the Buddha, or dharma, pertains to that experience. The essays often contain cogent anecdotes and stories of enlightenment that help the reader better understand a particular element of Buddhist teaching. These essays are short and often infused with humor or an overall light tone. This approach serves to create an enjoyable reading experience that moves at the reader's own pace. This calm and thoughtful text proves an excellent entry into Eastern philosophy.
Similar Authors and Works: Bloom, Pamela (ed.) The Power of Compassion: Stories That Open the Heart, Heal the Soul, and Change the World (2010) - explores personal reflections on Buddhism; Piyananda, Bhante Walpola, The Bhodi Tree Grows in L.A.: Tales of a Buddhist Monk in America (2008) - positive impact of Buddhism on lives; Nisker, Wes, The Big Bang, the Buddha, and the Baby Boom: The Spiritual Experiments of My Generation (2004) - exploring spirituality and culture
Relevant Fiction Works and Authors: Hesse, Hermann, Siddhartha (1951); Wheeler, Kate (ed.) Nixon Under the Bodhi Tree and Other Works of Buddhist Fiction (2004); Roach, Michael, The Garden: A Parable (2000)
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