Product Description

Bhikkhu Nyanasobhano has taken one of the oldest traditions of Buddhism and presented it in its most natural surroundings: the natural world in which we live. His examination will appeal both to practitioners and to those interested in broadening their knowledge of Buddhism through an enjoyable literary exploration.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1393853 in Books
• Published on: 2003-09-16
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 192 pages

From Amazon.com
Don't let the knotty name of this American monk put you off. Nyanasobhano is one of the most melodious new voices in Western Buddhism to come along in some while. He is Thoreau in robes, and he takes us walking into the woods of present wonder. At bottom, Nyanasobhano teaches us the basics of Buddhism: Theravada Buddhism, the Sri Lankan storehouse of India's ancient tradition. Landscapes of Wonder is a primer on the basics of Buddhism: the Four Noble Truths, the Noble Eightfold Path, karma, meditation, and such. But the lessons are to be discovered in fallen trees, soaring birds, and winter landscapes. "Our pilgrimage need not be long, as the world counts distance, but epic nonetheless: over the barriers of habit, through the forests of doubt, beyond our circumscribed consciousness toward a freedom as yet scarcely imagined." There is still an occasional rawness and creeping pedantry in Nyanasobhano's voice, but his eloquence overshadows them and introduces us to truly wondrous landscapes. --Brian Bruya

From Publishers Weekly
In this collection of essays, Nyanasobhano emphasizes that enlightenment comes to us through an appreciation of the natural world. Through his writings about luxuriant woods, destructive floods and even a vase of chrysanthemums, he presents the cycle of life and death as the process we must understand if we are to break free from it and escape rebirth and continued suffering. The writing is often grandly inspiring. For instance, Nyanasobhano is convincing in discussing the shortcomings of romantic love, and he urges us to respect all life no matter how seemingly insignificant. But many of the essays are heavy on the fire and brimstone as he admonishes against sexual immorality. Even so, Nyanasobhano's often exhilarating prose makes for a moving and memorable book.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
An American Buddhist monk in the Theravadan tradition ruminates on Buddhist practice. The moving prose, bordering on poetry, discusses the intersection of nature and the mystical. (LJ 7/98)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.