Tag enlightenment

True Nature: New Book From a Favorite Author

Reg Spittle 4 Comments

Greetings, readers and trail blazers.

I highly recommend a new book by a young author whose first effort was my favorite book of 2020.

David Smart’s True Nature: The Wise Woman in Nepal and Searching the Himalayas for Enlightenment is a captivating story about his adventurous quest that was filled with twists.

His first book is The Trail Provides: A Boy’s Tale of Walking the Pacific Crest Trail. I have read a library full of trekking books and The Trail Provides is the one I couldn’t put down.

Here is the Amazon description of True Nature:

“After receiving a mysterious invitation to train with a spiritual guide in Nepal, David and his monastic friend Bradley leave behind their old lives and embark on a journey to find spiritual enlightenment.

“The two soul searchers find themselves on a madcap trip through the chaotic streets of Kathmandu and the breathtaking peaks of the Himalayas. Along the way, they meet a few friendly nomads, a clever businessman with an enticing offer, and a wise woman who teaches them unexpected lessons about friendship, soulmates, and ultimate liberation.

“Filled with more than 50 photos from David and Bradley’s real-life travels, True Nature is a captivating blend of adventure, spiritual insight, and personal reflection. Whether you’re looking for a companion novel for your own spiritual journey or simply want to escape into a dream-like adventure, start reading True Nature today.”

I would love to hear your thoughts about David’s work.

Dalai Lama: How to Practice

Reg Spittle Leave a comment

How to Practice: The Way to a Meaningful Life is a brief guidebook to Buddhist thought and practice.

Are you interested in a quick look at His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s philosophy? Or are you hoping to pick up some meditation tips? Or are you devoted to attaining enlightenment? This book has value for all three quests.

For 10 years, I have been puzzled about possible conflicting values from Buddhist teachings and reality. The exiled leader of Tibet promotes liberation from wants, not just for monastics, but lay people too. That means no expensive clothing and other high-cost material goods. But, during a 2009 visit to a Buddhist monastery in China, I saw monks with top-of-the-line cell phones and even one who drove a BMW.

“I thought Buddhist monks were to live a simple life and avoid attachment to material belongings,” I said to a woman guiding a group as one monk talked on his cell phone.

She quickly answered. “This is modern Buddhism. Some monks even drive expensive cars.”

What do you think?

I wonder what the Dalai Lama would say. He flies mostly on chartered planes and, on the rare occasion that he joins a commercial flight, I hear he is upgraded (free) to business or first class. Is this consistent with his philosophy?

Nonetheless, the Dalai Lama has devoted his life to his teachings around the world, urging followers to do no harm and to help others. He writes specifics about these two virtuous actions in this book.

Not a Buddhist? Or are you non-religious? I don’t think it matters because in this book you will discover wisdom for any life that looks for morality, calm, and selflessness.