markle Posted December 21, 2003 Report Share Posted December 21, 2003 I'm halfway through a really interesting book at the moment called 'Ten Thousand Miles Without a Cloud" by Sun Shuyun. This woman grew up through the Cultural Revolution but after studying in England decicdes to retrace the footsteps of Xuanzang a Chinese monk that travelled to India 1500 years ago. This is the monk in The Monkey King legend. She is not a devout Buddist so there is no the usual overbearing spiritual ponificating, but it is an honest observation of what Bhuddism is and means to different people. Also it looks at the history of Buddhism, which is really facinating especially since she visits so many of the important sites. It was only published this year by Harper Collins. Anybody with even a passing interest in Buddhism and especially it's history then this is a really interesting read. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pattaya127 Posted December 21, 2003 Report Share Posted December 21, 2003 I saw a book with the same story line, retracing steps of a chinese monk (same one maybe), but written by a westerner. Unfortunately, can't recall the title or author. About retracing steps, there is a book, discounted in West Coast bookstores, for a meager 6 or 7 $, by Andrew Marshall, who is rekindling the memory of an english guy who introduced soccer to Burma some 120 years ago, and became an authority on Shan States tribes and cultures. Also a travelogue as the author retraces the itinerary and tribulations of the english guy, in modern (?) day Burma. It is absolutely riveting, great and transporting read.: THE TROUSER PEOPLE (counterpoint editions/2002) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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