The Bodhi Tree Grows in L.A.: Tales of a Buddhist Monk in America

by Bhante Walpola Piyananda

Book Overview

Truth is regularly stranger than fiction for the abbot of a Buddhist temple in the far-from-tranquil inner city of Los Angeles, California. Whether he is talking a dangerously unbalanced man out of... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 159030568X
• ISBN13: 9781590305683
• Release Date: June 2008
• Publisher: Shambhala
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.5" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

Wonderful, entertaining, humorous and absorbing!

A jewel of a book! Piyananda is the only author/monk of his kind, and this book and his earlier book SAFFRON DAYS IN L.A. contain wonderful stories of his life in America, the difficulties he encountered and those brought to him, and how he dealt with them using Buddhist teachings. Piyananda illustrates all the basic principles of Theravada Buddhism through these absorbing, entertaining and often humorous tales. I laughed out loud many times when reading about the crazy cross cultural mixups that happen when a robed monk meets American society. This book and its sibling can each be read in an afternoon, but they will stay with you for a long time. I look forward to revisiting the book in the future. Definitely 5 stars!

More of the same -- and that's great!

Bhante charms with another collection that's very much like his first book, Saffron Days in L.A. -- charming, informative Dhamma stories with a touch of humor and which truly address life in these modern times in our United States. Highly recommended.

The most unexpected of places can be the setting of a profound religious experience.

The most unexpected of places can be the setting of a profound religious experience. "The Bodhi Tree Grows in L.A. Tales of A Buddhist Monk in America" is the author's personal and introspective reflections on his time in Los Angeles. He spreads his wisdom with enlightening tales about assisting those who need help when they need it most, and how to apply Buddha's teachings in even the most un-Zen of settings. "The Bodhi Tree Grows in L.A." is highly recommended to American Buddhists everywhere who want to maintain their faith in their chaotic world.

Bhanteji Does it Again!

The Venerable Dr. Bhante Walpola Piyananda has done it once more. He has written another wonderful example of the way a Buddhist should live and be in this world. The Bodhi Tree Grows in L.A. is similar in spirit and style to his previous book; Saffron Days in L.A., but, this book is more in-depth when it comes to the Buddha's Teachings. In Saffron Days it was more about his experiences and how he applied The Buddha's Teaching's to various situations he encountered. Some humourous, some not so humourous. In The Bodhi Tree, it is more about how Bhanteji uses the Dhamma to counsel others on their own path to Nibbana. From reviving the Bhikkhuni (Nun's) Order to conducting Buddhist Weddings to talking to a disturbed individual out of his homicidal tendancies. I loved this book just as much as the first. I really have nothing negative to say about it. Hontu Sabbepi Panino (May all be well and happy)