Buddha's Apprentices

Sumi Loundons Blue Jean Buddha was hailed by the New York Times Review of Books as a bellwether anthology--mapping the spiritual trails followed by a generation of American Buddhist youths. The Buddhas Apprentices examines that territory in fuller detail, telling twenty-six more stories of this powerful spiritual path, including the stories of many teenagers. The book shows us the common challenges that spiritually hungry young adults of today might face, with a focus on the identity issues around personality, profession, and lifestyle. Also included are several affirming essays from prominent older Buddhists, recalling their first encounters with Buddhism. The Buddhas Apprentices inspires, examining the tectonic shifts that young, spiritually-inclined people undergo as they leave home, search for partners, consider commitment and marriage, and build their lives. Furthermore, they tell of how Buddhism changes and enhances their abilities to face lifes difficulties. Sumi Loundons rich and youthful commentary lets us appreciate each contributors individual voice, and helps us to see how they contribute to the always-evolving chorus of modern Buddhism. The Buddhas Apprentices can be considered a sequel to Sumi Loundons Blue Jean Buddha, but goes beyond that work by giving extra attention to teens and young adults and including pieces from Thich Nhat Hanh, Lama Surya Das, and a truly diverse array of younger author/contributors.