During the first half of this century the forests of Thailand were home to wandering ascetic monks. They were Buddhists, but their brand of Buddhism did not copy the practices described in ancient doctrinal texts. Their Buddhism found expression in living day-to-day in the forest and in contending with the mental and physical challenges of hunger, pain, fear, and desire. Combining interviews and biographies with an exhaustive knowledge of archival materials and a wide reading of ephemeral popular literature, Kamala Tiyavanich documents the monastic lives of three generations of forest-dwelling ascetics and challenges the stereotype of state-centric Thai Buddhism. Although the tradition of wandering forest ascetics has disappeared, a victim of Thailand's relentless modernization and rampant deforestation, the lives of the monks presented here are a testament to the rich diversity of regional Buddhist traditions. The study of these monastic lineages and practices enriches our understanding of Buddhism in Thailand and elsewhere.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
This book deserves a wide audience,
By Tom Riddle (Bangkok, Thailand (originally Ohio)) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Forest Recollections: Wandering Monks in Twentieth-Century Thailand (Paperback)
As a Westerner who has done a lot of meditation in Thailand over the last 18 years, I've been curious to know the history of meditation in Thailand. I've also wondered about the Tudong or wondering monks whom I've occasionally seen here. This book explains it all. It is also very inspirational for serious meditators and might even inspire people who are curious about meditation.As far as I can tell (having spent about a year in Thai monasteries), Kamala is right on the button in everything she writes. My only complaint about the book is that the footnotes are in the back instead of at the bottom of the page. This book should deserves a wide audience.
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Facing your Fears in the Forest,
By Jacqueline R. St John "Serendipppppppppppity" (Boulder Junction WI) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Forest Recollections: Wandering Monks in Twentieth-Century Thailand (Paperback)
I live in the North Highlands Forest in WI. The urban lifestyle I departed from before coming here to live permanently did not develop the sensitivities this environment requires. I noticed I was " afraid to go out" I might encounter bears, wolves, coyotes etc. I might get eaten etc. This book deals with it all. The Forest Monks have taken their place in the forest as part of the cycle of life and achieved harmony with the various animals. The meditations are very useful and appropriate for those dealing with the transformation and assimilation into life in the Forrest. Anecdotes of encounters were very helpful in letting go of the fear factor. I wrote this review so I haven't been eaten by a pack of coyotes yet. But I hear the Moon Dogs singing around my house often.I enjoy their vocalizations now that I am not scared half to death of them.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Forest Recollections : Wandering monk in Thailand,
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This review is from: Forest Recollections: Wandering Monks in Twentieth-Century Thailand (Paperback)
Very good book . This was exactyly what I was looking for, since long time.
This is a very well and detailled information concerning the forest monks in Thailand .
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