In Search of Bliss. A Tale of Early Buddhism.
Cambridge. Pegasus Elliot Mackenzie Publishers, 2019. Stock ID #176444 A novel which tells the tale of Kshemapala a monk from the North who has been tasked with an important scholarly mission: fill in the gaps in the history of the monk, Ananda, the Buddha's close companion, about whom there are legends but few facts. To achieve this he must journey south, towards the source of many of the stories and also towards experiences which will challenge his perception of his practice and of himself. Highly trained in Buddhist meditation techniques and detachment, he must take in and study the evidence, and understand the behaviour and choices of a monk from the past who seems to have done things rather differently. Along the way, Kshemapala is assisted by old and new acquaintances and teachers, and thrown into peril by his confrontation with the supernatural, despite his years of discipline. He is challenged mentally, physically and metaphysically, all of which lead him to consider his own direction. When referring to this item please quote stockid 176444.
402pp, very good paperback copy.
Price: $25.00 AU