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Buddhaland Brooklyn: A Novel
by
Richard C. Morais (Goodreads Author)
“The life of a man is like a ball in the river— no matter what our will wants or desires, we are swept along by an invisible current that finally delivers us to the limitless expanse of the black sea.”
So reflects the elderly Buddhist priest Seido Oda as he considers the life that brought him from an idyllic mountainside village in Japan to the bustling streets of Brookly...more
Hardcover, 244 pages
Published
July 17th 2012
by Scribner
(first published July 1st 2012)
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Seido Oda is a small child living with his family in the village of Katsura, Japan at the foot of Mount Nagata. His parents, Otou and Okaa, run an inn which caters to pilgrims of the fictional esoteric Buddhist cult of the Headwater Sect of Mahayana Buddhism. While Seido spends his time fishing with his older brother Daiki, something dark is happening to his father. He seems distant and when he is eleven years old Seido is sent to become an acolyte at the temple up the mountain. Soon after trage...more
A delicate weave of our desire to find freedom and unity through spiritual enlightenment and a cultural identity's possessive claim on an individual's world perception. Oda is a rather unlikely character, with life events that have dealt him a karmic calamity of discomfort, shame and fear. He has to face his own hypocracy, arrogance and misguided beliefs through his american buddists and their perculiar interpretations and practices of the buddist faith.
I particularly like the poem;
Over Brook...more
I had read The Hundred-Foot Journey by Morais last year and I really enjoyed it, but I think I liked this one even more. It is the story of Oda and his journey from his boyhood with his family in Japan to adjusting to being an acolyte in a Buddhist monastery at the age of eleven to being responsible for the opening of a new temple in Brooklyn.
Morais does a wonderful job with making Oda a complex and interesting character to read about. His journey through life was filled with hardships and surpr...more
Morais does a wonderful job with making Oda a complex and interesting character to read about. His journey through life was filled with hardships and surpr...more
This is a feel good listen with dharma (though the Buddhist sect depicted is fictional). The novel is unique and not at all saccharine, though it fits in the "happily ever after without angst" category. It's such an easy read, yet this novel has substance and poetry! I'm tempted to call it Paulo Coelo light, but I don't mean that as negative.
The publisher's descriptors of "fairy tale" and "fable" may mislead fantasy fans. While it can be heard as a fable about finding oneself, it's a storyline/...more
The publisher's descriptors of "fairy tale" and "fable" may mislead fantasy fans. While it can be heard as a fable about finding oneself, it's a storyline/...more
Seido Oda is a socially awkward, shy yet occasionally prickly Buddhist priest, who at the age of 41 is sent from his home monastery in Fukushima to oversee the construction of a new temple in Brooklyn, NY, and to educate the eclectic group of American followers. Oda is horrified by the assignment -- he's lived at the monastery since the age of 11, and following a childhood tragedy that occurred shortly after he became a Buddhist acolyte, he has shut himself off as much as possible from people, p...more
1 like · like · see review
An 11 year old boy is sent to a temple by his family to become a Buddhist priest. Living within the temple he grows up to live a very sheltered and conservative life where he is happy to be practicing his religion alone. The Head Priest then chooses him to build and start the first Buddhist Temple in Brooklyn with an American congregation who believes Buddhism is more a way of life and has very little education in the actual tenets of the religion. This is a great book. I like how it had drama b...more
The story begins in the remote mountain regions of Japan and monk Seido Oda is reflecting on his childhood and how be came to enter the temple as a small child. The reader is taken to a traditional family in a small village and introduced, one by one, to Oda's family. His hardworking parents, the brothers he adores and his small sister. Each character is brought to life by Morais, he draws each one perfectly - capturing each individual and giving them a real presence.
Oda himself is something of...more
Oda himself is something of...more
This new novel, like meditation, encourages calm thoughts and some new insights into oneself and one’s culture. But it brings some laughs, too.
I gravitate to books that bring a culture to life, and since I’ve never been to Japan, I appreciated the subtle ways that Richard Morais introduces the Japanese mindset in Buddhaland Brooklyn . What we are used to, we assume, is “right” so we have no trouble reading about the culture of Japan–as Americans, comparing it to our own American culture.
In this...more
I gravitate to books that bring a culture to life, and since I’ve never been to Japan, I appreciated the subtle ways that Richard Morais introduces the Japanese mindset in Buddhaland Brooklyn . What we are used to, we assume, is “right” so we have no trouble reading about the culture of Japan–as Americans, comparing it to our own American culture.
In this...more
This novel follows a Bhuddist Priest's life from childhood to maturity, from Japan to Brooklyn, and from rote parroting of precepts to thoughtful and deeply enriching faith and devotion.
I absolutely adored this book. Rich and fully drawn, Seido Oda's journey feels more like an autobiography than a work of fiction. The detail in this story is incredible, and it's so well-written that you can spend hours reading and be surprised that so much time has passed.
Several times I found myself checking th...more
I absolutely adored this book. Rich and fully drawn, Seido Oda's journey feels more like an autobiography than a work of fiction. The detail in this story is incredible, and it's so well-written that you can spend hours reading and be surprised that so much time has passed.
Several times I found myself checking th...more
All any of us can hope for are moments of enlightenment along the paths of our rocky, emotional lives. These paths twist dangerously, even for the priests of this imaginary sect of Buddhism, but the opportunities given along the way reach beyond the fetters of experience. We are all capable of recognizing our fears, acknowledging them, and walking past these anxieties "like rude relatives" who we have to tolerate.
In order for the novel to unfold and connect to each of us, we must have the histor...more
In order for the novel to unfold and connect to each of us, we must have the histor...more
An interesting storyline: a twelve-year old boy in Japan is sent off by his family to become a Buddhist monk, and a few weeks later his whole family is killed in a fire that destroys the inn that the family has operated for three generation. Twenty-some years later, the monk is sent to New York City to oversea the construction of temple there (in Brooklyn) and to act as their first priest.
Some interesting characters.
Perhaps because our main character is very insular and self-protective we didn't...more
Some interesting characters.
Perhaps because our main character is very insular and self-protective we didn't...more
it was ok. It came at a time when there were some very poignant and thought provoking bits that helped me relax through some stressfull situations, but the rest of the story is not that memorable or noteworthy. Also, it has made up neighborhoods in Brooklyn, and i always hate when writers make up neighborhoods and towns and streets.
I especially liked how the protagnist is overwhelmed by how bad everything in New York smells. I liked that most of his assault on the senses happened via his nose,...more
I especially liked how the protagnist is overwhelmed by how bad everything in New York smells. I liked that most of his assault on the senses happened via his nose,...more
It was a little gem of a book. The story is about a Buddhist monk transported from his tranquil surroundings in mountain Japan into the heart of Brooklyn. Here East meets West, two cultures clashes and something completely unexpected is born from this mix. This book does not pretend to be too serious; the story is very simple and beautifully written. The characters are not very well developed, the conclusion is a little bit artificial, but overall it is an uplifting tale of human spirit, capable...more
Just days after his reluctant initiation into the Buddhist priesthood at eleven years old, Oda's entire family is killed in a fire that razes their inn. Determined to honour his family, Oda dedicates his life to studying the principles of his religion and finds comfort in the quiet rituals of his existence. He is bewildered when, as Oda nears his fortieth birthday, he is sent to New York to oversee the establishment of the sect's first Buddhist temple, certain his social awkwardness and conserva...more
1 like · like · see review
This is a delightful book. I think a bit of knowledge about Buddhism would be of benefit to the reader in understanding some of the terms and traditions used. I loved the contrast between the main character Seido's life in Japan and the culture shock of Brooklyn. I especially enjoyed his New York companion and assistant, Jennifer, and how their relationship developed. This is a novel that lets us see our own prejudices and judgements but also not to be so harsh with our selves and keep our essen...more
An enlightening (sorry) story about one man's physical and spiritual journeys from childhood innocence in rural Japan, through the simplicity of Buddhist priesthood in a Japanese temple, to his latest journey, as a leader of American Buddhists in Brooklyn, New York. In his attempts to teach others about enlightenment and Buddha nature, his students help him to discover his own Buddha nature.
A good book for the Buddhist-curious, but also just a nice tale of human nature and growth.
A good book for the Buddhist-curious, but also just a nice tale of human nature and growth.
Thank you Goodreads First read giveaway! I really loved this book! Is a fictional story that reads like a true account of a man who becomes a Buddhist Priest. The first part of the story takes you into the world of Japanese culture with vivid descriptions of temple life and the beautiful surroundings of a small village mountainside retreat. Part two takes the priest to Brooklyn New York to assist in the building of a temple. Humorous cultural misunderstandings, thought provoking self discovery a...more
Another incredible story from Richard Morais, author of 'The Hundred-Foot Journey'.
A Japanese Buddhist priest who has lived almost his entire life in spiritual solitude, arrives in Brooklyn, NY to oversee the building of a new temple, and finds life in the city overwhelming and in dire need of the proper Buddhist teachings. He, in the process, learns more than he expected. Brilliant, beautifully written!
A Japanese Buddhist priest who has lived almost his entire life in spiritual solitude, arrives in Brooklyn, NY to oversee the building of a new temple, and finds life in the city overwhelming and in dire need of the proper Buddhist teachings. He, in the process, learns more than he expected. Brilliant, beautifully written!
3.5 stars. I have had so many creative writing teachers say, "write what you know." So I am amazed at how the author writes so well about a Buddhist priest. The book reads like its a memoir by Reverend Oda, it's amazing to me how the author voices this character. I agree with a review I read from someone else that the Japanese beginning of book seemed more authentic and the Americans were more like caricatures. After reading The Hundred Foot Journey, I'm so impressed with Morais' talent at writi...more
I thoroughly enjoyed this thoughtful book about a Japanese priest from an imaginary Buddhist sect who moved to Brooklyn to supervise the building of a temple. His views of propriety and the practice of Buddhism is changed from his new experiences that lead to great self awareness and acceptance of himself and those around him.
A fun read,especially if you lived in NYC in the "New Age" revolution of the 80s, 90s, and beyond! The interactions between the two cultures is handled in a witty and informative style. The prejudices that are brought to spiritual study and the expectations are cleverly shown.
This novel begins in a small town in Japan, where a young Oda is sent off to become a Buddhist Priest. This
is a high honor in the family. As he matures, and because of his English Oda is told to go to New York where
he will help the Buddha people as their new Temple is being built. Life in Brooklyn is a far cry from Japan and
so are the people. Oda has come a long way to find out the true meaning of being enlighten.
Sadly I never warmed to the protagonist, notwithstanding the predictable prickly at the start, sees the light in America and becomes loveable in the end. There's something that just didn't ring true for me with this, although of course I come with my own biases.
I liked the story. I know little about Mahayana Buddhism and was interested to learn how it differs from Theravada Buddhism. The protagonist's frustrating inability to be emotionally engaged reminded me of men I've known, so it really rang true for me.
This was easy and entertaining reading. I want to read more books by this author as a result. Pleasing imagery and similes; not twee.
Really enjoyed this book. A truly original story involving a Buddhist priest from Japan who is sent to Brooklyn and spends his time grappling with modern society. The characters and story are truly entertaining, whilst also posing some philosophical questions which really make you think.
Although a few times I had to force myself to keep going, this book is a wonderful book with a really feel good story overall. This author should be very proud.
I liked the details about rural Japan. But I couldn't figure the main character out. Is he just shy, or is he a curmudgeon? He seemed inconsistent. As soon as the story moved to Brooklyn, it nosedived for me. No depth to the American characters.
The book seemed to be going in this direction: start with a persnickety Japanese guy, have him become annoyed with Americans who like Japanese culture but get the details wrong, then have him come to like the Americans after all. Familiar story, but I'd s...more
The book seemed to be going in this direction: start with a persnickety Japanese guy, have him become annoyed with Americans who like Japanese culture but get the details wrong, then have him come to like the Americans after all. Familiar story, but I'd s...more
Loved it! I'm just back from a trip to Japan and this book portrayed the country and people perfectly. A very pleasant read.
Decent novel, a bit short and a bit "how I put it all together at the end of my life" but enjoyable to read.
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“Have you noticed, to get fresh air into a house after a hard winter, you must sometimes use a little force to open the window that has for too long been sealed shut?”
—
3 people liked it
“The life of a man is like a ball in the river, the Buddhist texts state - no matter what our will wants or desires, we are swept along by an invisible current that finally delivers us to the limitless expanse of the black sea. This image rather appeals to me. It suggests there are times when we float lightly along life's surface, bobbing from one languid, long pool to another. But then, when we least expect it, we turn a river bend and find ourselves plummeting over a thundering waterfall into the churning abyss below. This I have experienced. And more.”
—
2 people liked it
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Aug 25, 2012 01:49pm