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Buddha's Breakfast: Life at a Japanese Temple
''...Most foreigners travel to Japan to work as language teachers.
Very few go to live and work at a 16th century Buddhist temple.
Englishman Ben Stevens has been at 'Daionji' (the name of the temple in Nagasaki City) for over three years. In his revealing new book, he details his life there, set against a rich tapestry of Japanese history, culture and tradition.
Exactly what is Buddha's Breakfast? Who is the mysterious Old Man of the Mountain - and why is he being sought by the police? What do Buddhist priests and monks get up to in their 'down-time'? What takes place at the temple, when the hours of darkness and light are equally balanced? And are there really any benefits to building your own coffin, and praying to it while you are still alive?
'Buddha's Breakfast: Life at a Japanese Temple' is a 'must-read' for anyone interested in the Land of the Rising Sun....''
Very few go to live and work at a 16th century Buddhist temple.
Englishman Ben Stevens has been at 'Daionji' (the name of the temple in Nagasaki City) for over three years. In his revealing new book, he details his life there, set against a rich tapestry of Japanese history, culture and tradition.
Exactly what is Buddha's Breakfast? Who is the mysterious Old Man of the Mountain - and why is he being sought by the police? What do Buddhist priests and monks get up to in their 'down-time'? What takes place at the temple, when the hours of darkness and light are equally balanced? And are there really any benefits to building your own coffin, and praying to it while you are still alive?
'Buddha's Breakfast: Life at a Japanese Temple' is a 'must-read' for anyone interested in the Land of the Rising Sun....''
116 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2012
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60 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
February 21, 2013
This book is a series of anecdotes about life as a gaijin working at a Japanese temple. It's nice to see Japan from a perspective other than that of a grief stricken ESL teacher or the twisted gaze of an otaku; Ben Steven's puts a lot of effort into painting a picture of Japan as he sees it. Many fun and interesting tales to be had.
The only downside I see in this book is the lack of a proper introduction and conclusion; without them it does feel a bit off to have such a cold start to the book, jumping straight into the tales and having to pick up who everyone is along the way, as well as the abrupt end to the book, where as it does in deed leave out on a pleasant note it does sort of feel unfinished.
A great book for those with an interest in Japan who are looking for a new perspective into the land of the Rising Sun.
The only downside I see in this book is the lack of a proper introduction and conclusion; without them it does feel a bit off to have such a cold start to the book, jumping straight into the tales and having to pick up who everyone is along the way, as well as the abrupt end to the book, where as it does in deed leave out on a pleasant note it does sort of feel unfinished.
A great book for those with an interest in Japan who are looking for a new perspective into the land of the Rising Sun.
May 16, 2013
Buddha's breakfast is a fast and easy read for anyone interested in life in Japan. It's written 'from the horse's mouth' and the details he includes demonstrate his deep and abiding interest in life in a foreign culture. The tales and observations he makes from the standpoint of being the caretaker/janitor are probably best served with a dash of outsider observer. Without that distinction it is unlikely Ben would have been able to 'see' things that those born to the culture probably don't notice. Excellent.
September 2, 2013
Very entertaining and good hearted series of vignettes about the author's time spent as a gardener and caretaker in a Japanese Buddhist monastery.
January 12, 2014
A book detailing the life a European living and working in Japan at a Buddhist temple. Very interesting and better than all the books written about English teachers in Japan.
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February 25, 2016kindle (memoir) 230 KB
March 28, 2017
This was a very entertaining read. I have no way of knowing how accurate it is, but I did enjoy the book.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews