" A compelling read . . . part travelogue, part primer, part spiritual quest. Garfinkel brings a reporter ' s sharp eyes to an elusive topic. " -- Tony Horwitz, author of Blue Latitudes and Confederates in the Attic
" Narrating his observations of contemporary Buddhist practice and meetings with Buddhists in situations that include traditional Buddhist strongholds and places in the West, where the Dharma has only recently arrived, Perry Garfinkel presents Buddhism as a practical approach to human problems. The Buddha ' s teaching remains refreshing and relevant today, because, more than two and a half thousand years ago, he invited people to listen, reflect and critically examine what he had to say in the context of their own lives. " -- His Holiness the Dalai Lama
" Garfinkel dramatically demonstrates that the socially engaged Buddhism movement is growing globally and touching millions of minds and hearts -- including his own. " -- Thich Nhat Hanh
" Garfinkel ' s global search for the essence of Buddhism today is in turn entertaining, informative and enlightening. As a raconteur of the Dharma, Garfinkel is as lively a guide as anyone could hope for on such a pilgrimage -- Woody Allen in the footsteps of the Buddha. " -- Daniel Goleman, author of Emotional Intelligence

From the Hardcover edition.