In the Valley of the Gods: Journals of an American Buddhist in Nepal [Paperback]

Steven Clorfeine (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2000

In these journals, writer and performer Stephen Clorfeine brings an experienced eye and heart-felt insight to daily life in Nepal, which reveals the rich complexity of its people and culture. Here is a place where ordinary reality is interlaced with peaceful and wrathful deities, with sacred caves, and with the mingled devotion of Hindu and Buddhist traditions. In the Valley of the Gods reflects the mindfulness, immediacy and compassion of the author’s spiritual commitment and the directness and humor of both Nepalese and Tibetan communities. The beautiful prose is amply supported by lively photographs from the author’s extended journeys to Nepal.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

New Yorker Clorfeine, a photographer, performer, writer, and longtime practicing Buddhist, taught in Katmandu for several months in 1995 and returned four years later to undertake a pilgrimage and retreat. This very modest book consists of diary entries recording his activities and thoughts. Clorfeine describes such everyday activities as bargaining with vendors, trekking, ordering tailor-made clothing, warding off persistent beggars, and dealing with the seemingly inevitable stomach problems along with his spiritual experiences under the influence of the Venerable Thrangu Rinpoche. While Clorfeine remains solid in his religious convictions, he presents a rather gritty and unflattering view of Katmandu itself. In addition, the book makes for choppy reading and reveals more about the author and his impressions than about Nepal and Buddhism. As such it will find a limited audience in most libraries. A secondary purchase. Harold M. Otness, formerly of Southern Oregon Univ. Lib., Ashland
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

STEPHEN CLORFEINE is the author of several books of prose poems, teaches and performs his work in the U.S. and abroad. He lives in New York’s Hudson Valley

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Barrytown/Station Hill (November 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1581770618
• ISBN-13: 978-1581770612
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.9 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,735,957 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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