Review: The Bodhi Tree Grows in L.A.: Tales of a Buddhist Monk in America (Bhante Walpola Piyananda)

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Via Todd Mayville

on Oct 12, 2008

Review: The Bodhi Tree Grows in L.A.: Tales of a Buddhist Monk in America (Bhante Walpola Piyananda)

The Bodhi Tree Grows in L.A. is a collection of stories that Piyananda, the abbot of Dharma Vijaya Buddhist Vihara, uses to illustrate how the dharma applies in everyday life; in his case, his life in Los Angeles. Each story concludes with a verse from the Dhammapada that has been demonstrated in an everyday situation as well as some extraordinary situations, including the destruction of the Bamiyan Statues and the L.A. riots after the Rodney King trial, in which Piyananda also demonstrates how living the dharma also applies This is an excellent book for those looking for guidance on how to apply the Buddha’s teachings to modern life. Available from Shambhala Publications and your local, independent bookseller.

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Todd is a single dad of four diverse and lively kids, and is an English teacher and climbing team coach at a local public high school. A rock climber, cyclist and avid reader, Todd also practices yoga and meditation as often as he possibly can, which helps him stay at least a little centered and sane.