Adventures with the Buddha: A Buddhism Reader

by Jeffery Paine

The flavor, the savor, and the sense of Buddhism as revealed through personal stories of Westerners who lived it. Many books on Buddhism will edify you, but will they entertain you? Here, finally, is a book that yields an understanding of Buddhism; not by its metaphysics or rituals but through real characters and true stories as dramatic as those in the most imaginative novel. Jeffery Paine has assembled the breathtaking adventures of nine Westerners who traveled in China, Tibet, and Japan, in Nepal and India, and in that new Buddhist frontier, America, chanced across Buddhism, and made it an integral part of their lives. Through vivid travel writing and gripping human tales, the reader is exposed not just to the theory of Buddhist philosophy and practice but also to what it looks like from the inside. From enchanting, now-lost kingdoms in Asia to the American workplace where a practitioner is profitably applying the dharma, Adventures with the Buddha is a tour de force across nations, generations, and, ultimately, spirituality.

Genres: Buddhism, Spirituality

410 pages, Paperback

First published November 26, 2004

Reviews

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

An oddly random collection of writings (Michael Roach, really?!), but much of it is fascinating (notably but not only the selections by Alexandra David-Neel, Lama Anagarika Govinda, Jan Willis).

[Maurice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some interesting stories of journeys on the path.

[Eldon New]

Read twice.

[Barbara Schutt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book where the author compiles many other Buddhist spiritualist and their quest for wisdom. Going on their adventures to seek out master teachers in the East. Great read!

[Chris Lemig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book. Excerpts from the writings of Westerners who have gone in search of the mysteries of Buddhism throughout the 20th century. It's filled with fantastic tales that read like living myths, as well as practical insights into how a Westerner might incorporate Buddhism into his or her life.

[Mara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaging introduction to Buddhism from multiple view points.

[Aramis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm glad I saved this one for when I was in Bali. Some great ideas about life.

[Stephanie Curran · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this book and will finish it at some point. I read the first two sections and wanted to read more Alexandra David Neel....

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the perspectives on Buddhism from Tibet 100 years ago to NYC today.

[Nan · Rating 4 out of 5]

both his books on Buddhism wonderful