Sumi Loundon’s 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 Buddha’s 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 Buddha’s 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 life’s
difficulties.
Sumi Loundon’s rich and youthful commentary lets us appreciate each
contributor’s individual voice, and helps us to see how they contribute
to the always-evolving chorus of modern Buddhism.
The Buddha’s Apprentices can be considered a sequel to Sumi Loundon’s 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.
219 pages. Paperback.