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Thomas Jefferson: Lessons from a Secret Buddha
"A Thomas Jefferson historical fiction mashup book to make you think....."
Thomas Jefferson. Few in world history could claim such an astonishing array of talents and achievements. A true American legend, he played a pivotal role in the founding of a new nation. But one mysterious facet of his life has remained secret up till now, only recently uncovered from the archives thanks to a trusted friend. Timeless life and well-being lessons to treasure. An amazing story that intertwines the best of ancient Eastern philosophy with the spirit of the American Revolution.
Thomas Jefferson. Few in world history could claim such an astonishing array of talents and achievements. A true American legend, he played a pivotal role in the founding of a new nation. But one mysterious facet of his life has remained secret up till now, only recently uncovered from the archives thanks to a trusted friend. Timeless life and well-being lessons to treasure. An amazing story that intertwines the best of ancient Eastern philosophy with the spirit of the American Revolution.
- GenresHistoryNonfiction
134 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2012
12 people are currently reading
476 people want to read
About the author
Suneel Dhand
2 books14 followersLocation: Boston, United States
Dr. Suneel Dhand is board-certified in internal medicine. He was born in London and grew up in Berkshire, England. Suneel went to medical school at Cardiff University and then moved across the pond, completing his internal medicine residency in Baltimore, Maryland. He currently lives in Boston, and practices as a hospital medicine physician.
Suneel’s clinical interests include frontline healthcare quality improvement, improving hospital processes, enhancing patient experience, and healthcare information technology development and integration. He regularly writes about these topics. As well as his clinical duties as a frontline doctor (which he enjoys the most), Suneel has experience in the implementation of hospital IT systems, and was the lead hospital physician for the successful implementation of a Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE) system in Worcester, Massachusetts. Suneel also has experience in a number of different healthcare environments and systems. In addition to practicing as a physician up and down the East coast, including in Florida, he previously worked in the United Kingdom’s National Health Service, and undertook an elective experience in Australia, where he worked with the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Suneel held a faculty position with the University of Massachusetts Medical School as an Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine, regularly teaching medical residents and students. He has authored numerous articles in clinical medicine that have been published in leading medical journals, covering a wide range of specialty areas. He has also authored chapters in the "5-Minute Clinical Consult" medical textbook. His other main area of interest is preventive medicine and wellness, and he is the author of two well-being books; High Percentage Wellness Steps, and the historical fiction book, Thomas Jefferson: Lessons from a Secret Buddha.
When he is not working in the hospital or on healthcare-related projects, Suneel enjoys running, cycling, playing tennis and golf, traveling (he tries to visit a different country every year), and getting back to London as often as possible!
Visit his personal website at: www.suneeldhand.com
Also follow him at:
Amazon: amazon.com/author/suneeldhand
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/SuneelDhand
Dr. Suneel Dhand is board-certified in internal medicine. He was born in London and grew up in Berkshire, England. Suneel went to medical school at Cardiff University and then moved across the pond, completing his internal medicine residency in Baltimore, Maryland. He currently lives in Boston, and practices as a hospital medicine physician.
Suneel’s clinical interests include frontline healthcare quality improvement, improving hospital processes, enhancing patient experience, and healthcare information technology development and integration. He regularly writes about these topics. As well as his clinical duties as a frontline doctor (which he enjoys the most), Suneel has experience in the implementation of hospital IT systems, and was the lead hospital physician for the successful implementation of a Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE) system in Worcester, Massachusetts. Suneel also has experience in a number of different healthcare environments and systems. In addition to practicing as a physician up and down the East coast, including in Florida, he previously worked in the United Kingdom’s National Health Service, and undertook an elective experience in Australia, where he worked with the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Suneel held a faculty position with the University of Massachusetts Medical School as an Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine, regularly teaching medical residents and students. He has authored numerous articles in clinical medicine that have been published in leading medical journals, covering a wide range of specialty areas. He has also authored chapters in the "5-Minute Clinical Consult" medical textbook. His other main area of interest is preventive medicine and wellness, and he is the author of two well-being books; High Percentage Wellness Steps, and the historical fiction book, Thomas Jefferson: Lessons from a Secret Buddha.
When he is not working in the hospital or on healthcare-related projects, Suneel enjoys running, cycling, playing tennis and golf, traveling (he tries to visit a different country every year), and getting back to London as often as possible!
Visit his personal website at: www.suneeldhand.com
Also follow him at:
Amazon: amazon.com/author/suneeldhand
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/SuneelDhand
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 9, 2024
The last 2-3 chapters are the best. Recommend reading that first, then go to the beginning…
August 30, 2012
I received a copy of this book from the author for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review - and all conclusions are my own responsibility. Review received through FreeBOOKSY reviews.
I will admit that I adore history that focuses on the “how they got there” rather than the more mundane dates and places. And I think that correspondence is one of the best ways to share that journey than just the dry facts that encompass a CV. One of the intriguing figures for me has always been Thomas Jefferson: I wanted to try to understand how someone so erudite and learned on so many subjects, so eloquent and advanced for even the ‘well educated’ men of his time could so separate his beliefs to segregate by race, and maintain slaves. Not just maintain, but be one of the premier slave owners in the Virginia colony during his lifetime.
There have been many books about Jefferson, some purely conjecture, others pure fact. None quite attempted to address the questions I had in a book that was enjoyable and informative: until now.
Taken from a series of letters preserved through the years by a group of spiritually enlightened Buddhists; we are taken on a journey of Jefferson’s life that is highlighted in correspondence placed in context of the historical happenings in the burgeoning colonies that would soon comprise the United States of America. This is a unique and enjoyable perspective on the influence that one man, serving as a mentor of health and spiritual well-being can have on the psyche and behavior of the author of the Declaration of Independence.
While we are well versed now (and think it a reasonably modern practice) on eating healthily and in moderation while exercising regularly: it was not a common practice or knowledge in Europe or the West in the early 18th century. Nor was meditation and finding a center point of calm. But Jefferson was introduced to all of these theories from his teacher and correspondent Buddha Bhai (meaning Learned brother).
Set in a series of vignettes each of which center around a principle or step in the Buddhist tradition, we see Jefferson through his early years: growing from troubled teen to voracious reader and learner, to sloth, to a reluctant if eminently eloquent spokesman for the revolution. We are given insight into his discomfort with a “primary” religious tradition becoming the norm for the new country, and his realization that slavery was inherently amoral. We are allowed the opportunity to marvel at his curiosity and facility with languages and learning: be impressed with his willingness to embrace science and the scientific method. This is an opportunity to review what you know about Jefferson, and gain some new insight.
All of the letters are shared within context of the day: we are told what is happening in the colonies, where Jefferson is in his studies, what events are surrounding the letter. This places the words and the events into a rare perspective of witness to all of the information available to the letter’s recipient, at the time they opened the envelope. And then, we are treated to Jefferson’s reactions: whether from letter or the multitude of ‘specialized’ notebooks he kept updated with near obsessive precision.
The writing is tight and informative, the author is a trained physician who realized early on in practice that “well-being” encompassed more than just physical health, but was often hindered by poor lifestyles of his patients that were solely dietary in nature. And then he was introduced to a group of sages, or wise men, secluded in the Nepalese Himalayas. It was they who shared the stories contained within.
If you are open to reading about Jefferson in a very different way than you have yet encountered, and you are open to the enlightenment provided by the Buddha Bhai, you will find this an easy and enjoyable read, one that gives a brief insight into the development of a character.
I will admit that I adore history that focuses on the “how they got there” rather than the more mundane dates and places. And I think that correspondence is one of the best ways to share that journey than just the dry facts that encompass a CV. One of the intriguing figures for me has always been Thomas Jefferson: I wanted to try to understand how someone so erudite and learned on so many subjects, so eloquent and advanced for even the ‘well educated’ men of his time could so separate his beliefs to segregate by race, and maintain slaves. Not just maintain, but be one of the premier slave owners in the Virginia colony during his lifetime.
There have been many books about Jefferson, some purely conjecture, others pure fact. None quite attempted to address the questions I had in a book that was enjoyable and informative: until now.
Taken from a series of letters preserved through the years by a group of spiritually enlightened Buddhists; we are taken on a journey of Jefferson’s life that is highlighted in correspondence placed in context of the historical happenings in the burgeoning colonies that would soon comprise the United States of America. This is a unique and enjoyable perspective on the influence that one man, serving as a mentor of health and spiritual well-being can have on the psyche and behavior of the author of the Declaration of Independence.
While we are well versed now (and think it a reasonably modern practice) on eating healthily and in moderation while exercising regularly: it was not a common practice or knowledge in Europe or the West in the early 18th century. Nor was meditation and finding a center point of calm. But Jefferson was introduced to all of these theories from his teacher and correspondent Buddha Bhai (meaning Learned brother).
Set in a series of vignettes each of which center around a principle or step in the Buddhist tradition, we see Jefferson through his early years: growing from troubled teen to voracious reader and learner, to sloth, to a reluctant if eminently eloquent spokesman for the revolution. We are given insight into his discomfort with a “primary” religious tradition becoming the norm for the new country, and his realization that slavery was inherently amoral. We are allowed the opportunity to marvel at his curiosity and facility with languages and learning: be impressed with his willingness to embrace science and the scientific method. This is an opportunity to review what you know about Jefferson, and gain some new insight.
All of the letters are shared within context of the day: we are told what is happening in the colonies, where Jefferson is in his studies, what events are surrounding the letter. This places the words and the events into a rare perspective of witness to all of the information available to the letter’s recipient, at the time they opened the envelope. And then, we are treated to Jefferson’s reactions: whether from letter or the multitude of ‘specialized’ notebooks he kept updated with near obsessive precision.
The writing is tight and informative, the author is a trained physician who realized early on in practice that “well-being” encompassed more than just physical health, but was often hindered by poor lifestyles of his patients that were solely dietary in nature. And then he was introduced to a group of sages, or wise men, secluded in the Nepalese Himalayas. It was they who shared the stories contained within.
If you are open to reading about Jefferson in a very different way than you have yet encountered, and you are open to the enlightenment provided by the Buddha Bhai, you will find this an easy and enjoyable read, one that gives a brief insight into the development of a character.
May 22, 2012
What if Thomas Jefferson had a quasi-Buddhist advisor (who focuses on wellness) and his letters were recently discovered? Suneel Dhand has written a book that explores these themes in a pleasant and clear little book.
Suneel Dhand is a doctor who has focused on wellness. You can follow his tweets about wellness.
At times reading Thomas Jefferson: Lessons from a Secret Buddha I was a bit incredulous. This Buddha friend participated in the Boston Tea Party? I mean, I believe in engaged Buddhism and all, but the Buddha didn't get involved in the various kingdoms of his time beyond advising kings on how to deepen their spirituality. He didn't take to modern political protesting. As revolutionary as he was, he operated mostly on a personal level, he was a revolutionary of the internal world.
In many ways, this wasn't the Buddha I recognize, he was more like a modern wellness guru, and a political activist. Like Dr. Suneel Bhand perhaps. Perhaps I took the word "Buddha" too literally regarding the historical Buddha. There were many politically active buddhist including Ashoka The Great. There's no telling what the Buddha would have done in Revolutionary America. And this is an honest act of imagination.
Dr. Bhand says the quotes are from the Buddha, but I have the feeling they were more along the lines of fake Buddha quotes. I can't actually prove that, but I do know the "live in the now" stuff isn't so much exact Buddhism, but a vague kind of modern version. Mindfulness in the Buddhist context is much more specific. Not that I mind different definitions of mindfulness and wellness. And you can create any kind of Buddha you want, there's no such thing as blasphemy in Buddhism. "My thinking was so uptight," as the Dude says. I think it's a kind of western thing to be such a fussbudget. In the east syncretism is much more acceptable, I imagine. Alas, that was my initial reaction to this fine book. He's really trying to put forth the positive wellness aspects of certain approaches of Thomas Jefferson that are congenial to eastern ways.
When I settled in to this Buddhist inspired wellness guru (instead of quibbling about his vision of the Buddha), Thomas Jefferson and the American Revolution, I enjoyed this book on revolutionary history and the wellness of one of our great founders. Dr Bhand is also the author of a book on wellness, and I take his comments about wellness seriously. I think I would like Dr. Suneel Dhand if I ever met him, and I think he's tackled an awesome project of retranslating eastern spirituality into western culture by weaving into Thomas Jefferson's life a kind of eastern guru of wellness. A very impressive book. Thank you.
Suneel Dhand is a doctor who has focused on wellness. You can follow his tweets about wellness.
At times reading Thomas Jefferson: Lessons from a Secret Buddha I was a bit incredulous. This Buddha friend participated in the Boston Tea Party? I mean, I believe in engaged Buddhism and all, but the Buddha didn't get involved in the various kingdoms of his time beyond advising kings on how to deepen their spirituality. He didn't take to modern political protesting. As revolutionary as he was, he operated mostly on a personal level, he was a revolutionary of the internal world.
In many ways, this wasn't the Buddha I recognize, he was more like a modern wellness guru, and a political activist. Like Dr. Suneel Bhand perhaps. Perhaps I took the word "Buddha" too literally regarding the historical Buddha. There were many politically active buddhist including Ashoka The Great. There's no telling what the Buddha would have done in Revolutionary America. And this is an honest act of imagination.
Dr. Bhand says the quotes are from the Buddha, but I have the feeling they were more along the lines of fake Buddha quotes. I can't actually prove that, but I do know the "live in the now" stuff isn't so much exact Buddhism, but a vague kind of modern version. Mindfulness in the Buddhist context is much more specific. Not that I mind different definitions of mindfulness and wellness. And you can create any kind of Buddha you want, there's no such thing as blasphemy in Buddhism. "My thinking was so uptight," as the Dude says. I think it's a kind of western thing to be such a fussbudget. In the east syncretism is much more acceptable, I imagine. Alas, that was my initial reaction to this fine book. He's really trying to put forth the positive wellness aspects of certain approaches of Thomas Jefferson that are congenial to eastern ways.
When I settled in to this Buddhist inspired wellness guru (instead of quibbling about his vision of the Buddha), Thomas Jefferson and the American Revolution, I enjoyed this book on revolutionary history and the wellness of one of our great founders. Dr Bhand is also the author of a book on wellness, and I take his comments about wellness seriously. I think I would like Dr. Suneel Dhand if I ever met him, and I think he's tackled an awesome project of retranslating eastern spirituality into western culture by weaving into Thomas Jefferson's life a kind of eastern guru of wellness. A very impressive book. Thank you.
February 11, 2023
A wonderful gem, new insight into Thomas Jefferson.
What a delicious surprise!
This early encounter with a Buddhist teacher explains a lot about Thomas Jefferson's very cosmopolitan outlook on things. The story is amazing and enjoyable, and it enriches our understanding of Jefferson immeasurably.
He met this teacher when he was in his teens, and evidently he was an influence throughout his life.
Surprisingly, he also was taught a plant-rich diet, and apparently, he tried to follow it all his life. This alone is an interesting fact, because it indicates an early focus on the plant-based diet, right in line with the experience that T. Colin Campbell also had when he was on a sabbatical in Oxford in the 80's at one point, and he found the books of an ancestor of his who was a doctor in the UK 150 years ago then, and was amazed to find a parallel to his own work
This book deepens my interest in the figure of Thomas Jefferson. A deeply meditative streak runs through his life, which I have written about in my own book, Closing the Circle. His reflections on Jesus and his work while assembling what was later dubbed the Jefferson Bible, but what he called "The life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth," are an early indicator of the challenges of trying to follow the teachings of Jesus amidst a culture that is overwhelmingly Christian. One might not always agree with Jefferson's selection criteria for which statements of Jesus were or were not authentic, but overall it was clear that he deeply reflected on what Jesus was actually teaching, The addition of this little book just adds to our understanding of this contemplative dimension of Jefferson's character and how he was never a one-deminsional actor in the political domain, but a deep thinker who imparted to the American experiment a profound connection with the spirit.
What a delicious surprise!
This early encounter with a Buddhist teacher explains a lot about Thomas Jefferson's very cosmopolitan outlook on things. The story is amazing and enjoyable, and it enriches our understanding of Jefferson immeasurably.
He met this teacher when he was in his teens, and evidently he was an influence throughout his life.
Surprisingly, he also was taught a plant-rich diet, and apparently, he tried to follow it all his life. This alone is an interesting fact, because it indicates an early focus on the plant-based diet, right in line with the experience that T. Colin Campbell also had when he was on a sabbatical in Oxford in the 80's at one point, and he found the books of an ancestor of his who was a doctor in the UK 150 years ago then, and was amazed to find a parallel to his own work
This book deepens my interest in the figure of Thomas Jefferson. A deeply meditative streak runs through his life, which I have written about in my own book, Closing the Circle. His reflections on Jesus and his work while assembling what was later dubbed the Jefferson Bible, but what he called "The life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth," are an early indicator of the challenges of trying to follow the teachings of Jesus amidst a culture that is overwhelmingly Christian. One might not always agree with Jefferson's selection criteria for which statements of Jesus were or were not authentic, but overall it was clear that he deeply reflected on what Jesus was actually teaching, The addition of this little book just adds to our understanding of this contemplative dimension of Jefferson's character and how he was never a one-deminsional actor in the political domain, but a deep thinker who imparted to the American experiment a profound connection with the spirit.
July 24, 2012
I won this book as an advance reading copy from Goodreads.
The book describes the relationship between Thomas Jefferson and a traveler who goes by the name of Buddha Bhai. The book progresses through the early life of Jefferson, and how the correspondence and friendship he has with Buddha Bhai changes his lifestyle and influences his future as one of the Founding Fathers of America. The actual text of the letters is included in the book, interspersed with events in Jefferson's life.
As a person who tries to live in accordance with Buddhist principles, I found it very interesting how much it seemed that Jefferson himself lived the same way. It was something I definitely never heard anything about while studying American history in school. This book has definitely piqued my interest and makes me wonder how much these Buddhist travelers helped shape other events in American history, or their impact on any other noteworthy Americans.
Lessons from a Secret Buddha is a great read for anyone who is interested in more of Jefferson's background from a different viewpoint than what is traditionally written about him.
The book describes the relationship between Thomas Jefferson and a traveler who goes by the name of Buddha Bhai. The book progresses through the early life of Jefferson, and how the correspondence and friendship he has with Buddha Bhai changes his lifestyle and influences his future as one of the Founding Fathers of America. The actual text of the letters is included in the book, interspersed with events in Jefferson's life.
As a person who tries to live in accordance with Buddhist principles, I found it very interesting how much it seemed that Jefferson himself lived the same way. It was something I definitely never heard anything about while studying American history in school. This book has definitely piqued my interest and makes me wonder how much these Buddhist travelers helped shape other events in American history, or their impact on any other noteworthy Americans.
Lessons from a Secret Buddha is a great read for anyone who is interested in more of Jefferson's background from a different viewpoint than what is traditionally written about him.
June 20, 2012
The book was a very interesting read, I've not read a book that went through a notable revolutionary personage's life during the revolution. The book was very inspiring, sharing many valuable life lessons. Also very reader friendly, it was a relaxing read. If one is looking for an inspiring read, are a fan of Thomas Jefferson, or enjoy alternate perspectives on history, I would recommend you read this book.
The only thing I would have liked to see, that was missing, was more evidence to back up the story. I believe that any time an alternate perspective on history is posed, it is the author's responsibility to show evidence for the new information. That withstanding, I would still recommend reading this book!
The only thing I would have liked to see, that was missing, was more evidence to back up the story. I believe that any time an alternate perspective on history is posed, it is the author's responsibility to show evidence for the new information. That withstanding, I would still recommend reading this book!
June 20, 2012
Lessons from a Secret Buddha gives much insight to the private life of one of our founding fathers and how he used the power of religious thought and action into daily living. Dhand offers an inside look to how it was brought into his life and how it was used throughout his many career aspirations and accomplishments.
With all the controversy surrounding what historians and DNA specialists have discovered today, it is amazing that Jefferson was practicing the Buddhist ways when one of the four noble truths is to cease desire. That makes it to where any inkling I would have of Buddhist ways in Jefferson's private life would contradict what the book makes him out to be today.
With all the controversy surrounding what historians and DNA specialists have discovered today, it is amazing that Jefferson was practicing the Buddhist ways when one of the four noble truths is to cease desire. That makes it to where any inkling I would have of Buddhist ways in Jefferson's private life would contradict what the book makes him out to be today.
October 27, 2012
This very small book totally fascinated me. I had never really thought of Thomas Jefferson as Tom! The concept was really new and interesting. A correspondence between Jefferson and someone who referred to himself as Buddha Bhai and gave "Tom" insights from some ancient group of philosphers.....except the philosphers have become secretly active in the world during the early days of forming America. The picture formed of Jefferson was the kinder one. He is seen as extremely bright, inventive, thoughtful, personally anti-slavery, in love with his wife, a good father and a self-effacing President. Jefferson was a favorite of mine and this book reenforced that.
August 17, 2012
Delightful novella which spans the lifetime of Thomas Jefferson and intersperses it with a series of letters from a fictional Buddhist guru, which coincide with changes he made to his lifestyle depicting a somewhat Eastern perspective.
Thoughtfully done and an excellent short chronology of political events that touched his life and how his unique way of thinking and being, influenced those around him. A wonderful light read for summer.
Full review can now be read here at 'Word by Word'.
Thoughtfully done and an excellent short chronology of political events that touched his life and how his unique way of thinking and being, influenced those around him. A wonderful light read for summer.
Full review can now be read here at 'Word by Word'.
July 28, 2012
I got this book off Kindle free books. It tells about the way Thomas Jefferson developed his life and how he developed good eating habits, exercise routines, reading every book he could get his hands on, moral standings and how he got to be so influential with the government. It gives very good ideas for any person to use in their life to make it better.
September 23, 2012
I won this book as an advance copy. I never would have thought to read a book like this but really enjoyed reading it. It was a fast read and very engaging. I knew very little of Thomas Jefferson and got a nice overview of his life and viewpoints.
I would recommend this book to anyone because it is such a well organized and easy read.
I will be looking for more titles by this author.
I would recommend this book to anyone because it is such a well organized and easy read.
I will be looking for more titles by this author.
September 23, 2012
Fictional account of Thomas Jefferson with numerous factual historical events and a plethoria of quotes from Thomas Jefferson. At at time when this nation is in peril, I found the book to be very enjoyable and a reminder of just how far we have come from the original idea of this nation and just how lost we really are.
November 3, 2012
I won this book in a goodreads giveaway. An interesting book of tips on good health, well being and enlightenment mixed with history. This book was very easy to read and hard to put down. I would recommend to anyone who likes history or just wants some tips on living a healthier lifestyle.
May 28, 2013
I don't necessarily believe that Jefferson was a practicing buddhist but I found his writings and their comparison to buddhism wonderful. Jefferson's intelligence and philosophy transcends time and remains relevant today.
Want to read
June 12, 2012 I received my book Jun 12, 2012. I won this free book on first reads giveaway. Thank you!
August 5, 2012
Please go to my book review blog for a full review...
http://bibliophilelibrary.com/2012/08...
http://bibliophilelibrary.com/2012/08...
August 16, 2012
This book gave you a new and different insight into Thomas Jefferson. It was well written. I won this book on th Goodreads First reads!
February 19, 2023
Excellent book!!!
January 17, 2013
Good fast read. Interesting story. Would recommend to friends especially seeing as a friend lent it to me
February 13, 2014
very, very interesting....
July 19, 2014
I thought this was very interesting
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews