Buddhaland Brooklyn: A Novel

by Richard C. Morais

“A vivid portrait of faith lost and found through the eyes of a Japanese Buddhist monk in America” (Shelf Awareness) as he makes his way from an isolated monastery in Japan to the bustling streets of Brooklyn, New York.Seido Oda spent his boyhood in a small mountainside village in rural Japan. When his parents hand him over to the monks at the nearby Buddhist monastery, he devotes himself to painting, poetry, and prayer—and avoiding human contact. But his quiet life is unexpectedly upended when he is ordered by his superior to open a temple in Brooklyn. New York is a shock to the introverted Oda, who now must lead a ragtag army of eccentrics who make up the local Buddhist community. After tragedy strikes, Oda finally realizes his own long-buried sadness and spiritual short­comings. It is only with newly opened eyes that Oda comes to find in Brooklyn the home he has always sought.

Genres: Fiction, Buddhism, Japan, Novels, Contemporary, Audiobook, New York

257 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2012

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seido Oda is a socially awkward, shy yet occasionally prickly Buddhist priest, who at the age of 41 is sent from his home monastery in Fukushima to oversee the construction of a new temple in Brooklyn, NY, and to educate the eclectic group of American followers. Oda is horrified by the assignment -- he's lived at the monastery since the age of 11, and following a childhood tragedy that occurred shortly after he became a Buddhist acolyte, he has shut himself off as much as possible from people, preferring to spend his time painting and writing poetry. After arriving in Brooklyn and meeting the American followers, he's even less enthused, finding them needy and ill-mannered, and he's appalled by what he sees as their inability or unwillingness to learn and follow traditional Buddhist doctrine.

Over time, he begins to form relationships with the people around him, though he still maintains a careful distance from most, with the exceptions of Jennifer, his assistant who both helps him understand the internal politics of the American temple's Board of Directors and also cooks most of his meals, and Michael, a mentally ill young man who Seido feels responsible for. When Michael commits a drastic act, Seido must reexamine the ghosts of his own past.

Overall, an enjoyable read, smartly written and quietly funny. But with the exception of Seido, the characters often veered off into being half-formed caricatures. It's especially irksome with Jennifer, whose relationship with Seido is redefined again and again, because it's impossible to see what motivates her, and some of their conversations late in the book are just, for lack of a better word, dopey.

In terms of Buddhist doctrine, Morais comes right out and says while he did some research, he also just made a lot of it up, which I suspect might really irritate people who are knowledgeable about Buddhism (which I'm not). I also wonder if there's a certain chiding effect of his admitting that -- the unspoken rebuke being that Seido became a happier person once he allowed the American followers to craft their own doctrine, and the reader should do the same with the author. If so, it's a point that's probably well-taken, but I don't think it lets Morais entirely off the hook. I do know that he didn't try too hard to get the very little Japanese he uses correct (his romanji transliterations are non-standard), so I'm guessing the other more technical aspects of the book aren't so great as well. All of this was mostly a non-issue for me in terms of enjoying the book, but it does make me knock a star off my rating for it.

[Nicholas Trandahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Buddhaland Brooklyn' is the first novel written by Richard Morais that I've read. What a wonderful treasure, a slice-of-life work of contemporary fiction seasoned with Buddhism and urban Americana. This novel centers around a year in the life of a Japanese Buddhist Reverend sent to New York City by his order to open a Buddhist temple for American Believers. The seasons in 'Buddhaland Brooklyn', as they are in my own debut novel of contemporary fiction, are immensely important to the story and the demeanor and nature of the protagonists of the story. It's a piece of literature with a massive emphasis on character as opposed to plot. It is about life and people, and that is something that appeals to me when I read fiction and write my own novels.
I've been a Buddhist since I was in my middle teens, and I've found my solitary practice of it here in America a massive struggle at times. I've mostly felt like the many confused Believers that Reverend Oda encounters in New York, struggling to find the secret of Enlightenment and peace and tranquility in the dusty depths of ancient doctrines and texts written in cultures far different than the one that I'm a part of. What I was shocked to discover soon after opening this book, a little bit of a guilty literary vacation between my constant reading of Fitzgerald and Hemingway and Woolf, is that I was becoming very emotional throughout the story. And even as I write this review I find it curious, my emotions and the tears that would suddenly spring from my eyes. I wept at Oda's discovered humility, I wept at Buddhist realizations and questions that I myself have struggled with, I wept at the loss Oda experiences early in his life in Japan, and I wept at the protagonist's realization of Enlightenment, at Michael's struggles with mental illness that I myself am very familiar with, at Jennifer's alienation from her own family. Somehow this novel, this work of fiction, has made me and my own bastardized solitary practice of whatever Buddhism I can glean from the religious books I pick up from New Age shops feel not quite so alone and empty. This novel has unexpectedly changed me. And for that, Mr. Morais, I am exceedingly thankful.

Nicholas Trandahl,
Author of 'Clark's Turning Leaf' and 'An Uncomfortable Life'

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been on my shelf for months, apparently patiently waiting for the right time to be read. By the author of the 100 Foot Journey (which I read AND saw - the movie that is), this slender book is profoundly enlightening, rather like an epic haiku. You will find humor, truth, faith, tragedy, and humanity. Other reviewers are far more adept at describing the story so I will just sum up by saying this is on the top of my list for this year (though it is a 2012 publication). The Reverend Oda will stay with me for a long time and I am grateful for his company.

[J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seido Oda is a small child living with his family in the village of Katsura, Japan at the foot of Mount Nagata. His parents, Otou and Okaa, run an inn which caters to pilgrims of the fictional esoteric Buddhist cult of the Headwater Sect of Mahayana Buddhism. While Seido spends his time fishing with his older brother Daiki, something dark is happening to his father. He seems distant and when he is eleven years old Seido is sent to become an acolyte at the temple up the mountain. Soon after tragedy strikes his family back in Katsura and Seido is left an orphan and introverted on his journey toward priesthood. Over the years he becomes more removed from the company of others till one day he is sent on a mission to Brooklyn, New York to open a new temple and he is confronted with his humanity.
This is a charming novel filled with little haiku and some Asian wisdom. I have studied Nichiren Buddhism and actually knew some of the Brooklyn NSA members, and when, the author implies that they are “outcasts” from mainstream American life, he is not fictionalizing. The author claims that the religion is not based upon the NSA, but the similarities are astounding. The one problem I have is that the relationships that the main character has in Japan are not solid. This may be the authors intention, however, to show Seido’s alienation from others. The portrait that the author paints of Brooklyn and the Buddhist practice is lovingly rendered and I would believe that he writes from experience. If that is true it is not just a charming little novel, but an honest one and I am glad I read it.
You do not have to be from Brooklyn, or have an interest in Buddhism to enjoy the novel (I am long past any interest in religion myself). This is a well written fish-out-of-water novel that takes us on a journey of awareness through a dark valley into the light of day.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a feel good listen with dharma (though the Buddhist sect depicted is fictional). The novel is unique and not at all saccharine, though it fits in the "happily ever after without angst" category. It's such an easy read, yet this novel has substance and poetry! I'm tempted to call it Paulo Coelo light, but I don't mean that as negative.

The publisher's descriptors of "fairy tale" and "fable" may mislead fantasy fans. While it can be heard as a fable about finding oneself, it's a storyline/fictional memoir from everyday life with little of the fantastic except if you believe faith in a spiritual world - one that is shared by many faiths- is fantasy.

I found this novel just as I needed something fresh - It really gave my spirit a lift. I've listened to many Christian and Buddhist books about becoming less judgemental-- this novel worked better than nonfiction at getting me there. I haven't enjoyed a novel so much since many, many books ago.

[Rosemary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A novel about a Japanese priest who is tasked with setting up a temple in Brooklyn for American practitioners of his sect, and finds it quite a challenge - which it would be. There are some funny moments, like when two other priests come to visit from Japan and spend two minutes looking at the temple site and six hours shopping for golf paraphernalia. Rev Oda himself is often confused by his American flock but solid in his faith and sometimes inspired. He won't compromise on doctrinal matters in order to retain followers - this is very realistic to anyone familiar with Japanese Buddhism. It's the traditional way or the highway! But his sincerity comes across strongly, as do the psychological demons from his past.

[Chris Mattern · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story, I learned many things about Japan and Buddhism and enjoyed the culture shock of a Japanese priest transplanted to New York City. Wonderful descriptions of both lands, spirituality and dealing with grief. Would recommend to everyone.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delicate weave of our desire to find freedom and unity through spiritual enlightenment and a cultural identity's possessive claim on an individual's world perception. Oda is a rather unlikely character, with life events that have dealt him a karmic calamity of discomfort, shame and fear. He has to face his own hypocracy, arrogance and misguided beliefs through his american buddists and their perculiar interpretations and practices of the buddist faith.
I particularly like the poem;
Over Brooklyn
The sliver moon of silver
Reveals the jagged roof.

The moon's light is only due to the sun's light reflecting off it. The light reflecting off the 'jagged roof' is a reflection from a reflection, without which we wouldn't see at all.
Whether we see a jagged roof or a neighbours roof is our reflection from a state of mind- changing all too fast.
One spiritual light source, many life reflections; this novel entertains and quietly reflects ways we judge and therefore sentence ourselves. Very cool!

[Mandi Scott · Rating 2 out of 5]

The best thing about this novel is its title--which makes for a very disappointing read. How can a book tantalizingly named Buddhaland Brooklyn be such a let down? Primarily because the main character is such an intellectually narcissistic bore, it becomes tedious to read about his life. Secondly, the cast of characters the protagonist Reverend Oda meets in New York City are mostly eye-rolling stereotypes. Finally, the author's aloof and sterile depiction of this particular sect of Japanese Buddhism makes each page of this tale about as interesting as surgical gauze.

[Correen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moving from being an ordinary little boy in rural Japan to leadership of a Buddhist Temple not in Japan, our protagonist demonstrates the quest for enlightenment. It is touching, tragic, and humorous. I enjoyed his approach to problems, his turbulent self, and his ability to learn from disappointment.

[Roberta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really loved this book. I had a little trouble getting started and read a few other books before coming back to it. His journey (literally and mainly metaphorically) is so human, so real, that it's very moving. I heard this described as a comedy and it definitely has comedic moments but I found it deeper and more moving.

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an absolutely lovely book! Calm, peaceful writing, descriptive and thought provoking all in equal measures. If you enjoyed The Hundred Foot Journey by the same author, you should surely enjoy this too. Loved it.

[Adelyne · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded down.

I enjoyed this story of Reverend Oda more than I thought I would, from how he entered the priesthood in Japan and eventually left to set up a branch in New York. The tone transitioned well from a scared young acolyte who had lost his family, including a dearest brother that he was very close to, in a murder/suicide by his father to a more confident but still skeptical fully-qualified reverend sent as a missionary to America. The fish-out-of-water feeling was well-communicated and I enjoyed learning through his eyes not only about the cultural differences between America and Japan, but also the differences in the way in which Buddhism is viewed in the two societies.

I've kind of experienced both the situations that Seido finds himself in, albeit in less extreme situations. I grew up in a society where Buddhism is a fairly common religion, was similar to the way in which he embraced the faith because of being born into a Buddhist family, although as the book shows he showed an inclination towards the occupation from a young age, choosing prayer beads as a gift instead of toys . I then moved and now live in England, where the Western Christian-dominated society is similar to what he experienced in New York, and where Buddhism tends to attract a totally different group of people. I never really thought about it in that way though, until the book made it clear, and I appreciated how it made me think about the differences in situation.

The book is generally well-researched and well-written, the pace dropped off a bit in the middle and I found the entire episode with Michael a bit of a distraction - it needed to either be fleshed out a bit more or left out altogether , though perhaps this is in part on purpose to show a sense of confusion too on the part of Oda.

[Byzbets · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written as a memoir, this book unfolds as a basic primer about Zen Buddhism with a gentle critique of American society as experienced in Brooklyn Heights in the late 20th or early 21st century. There are a few sections that could be used as a very basic introduction to the study of Buddhism and the history of the religion.

[Colleen Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the main character. Lovely read.

[Shelleyrae at Book'd Out · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just days after his reluctant initiation into the Buddhist priesthood at eleven years old, Oda's entire family is killed in a fire that razes their inn. Determined to honour his family, Oda dedicates his life to studying the principles of his religion and finds comfort in the quiet rituals of his existence. He is bewildered when, as Oda nears his fortieth birthday, he is sent to New York to oversee the establishment of the sect's first Buddhist temple, certain his social awkwardness and conservative views render him ill equipped to deal with the assignment.

Oda is shocked on his arrival in New York, not only by the towering buildings and busy streets, which are an assault on the senses after a lifetime spent in a small mountain village, but also with the motley group of worshipers seeking spiritual enlightenment.

"You'll be very impressed" he said "...I've been giving a series of lectures on the proper Buddhist practice, based on my extensive study. It's very rigorous. Intellectually."
"This is commendable. And the lectures are based on what study material?"
"Tons of books. The Reader's Digest Encyclopedia of Religion, Tales of Siddhartha, Buddhism for Dummies. The list goes on and on." p86

Reverend Oda is horrified, if not surprised, by this conversation with a member of the Temple board just days after his arrival. It seems to him that the American flock tend to pick and choose the most convenient principles of Buddhism to follow. Oda however is intent on imposing order and proper practice on the Believers, though with little hope of success.

Morais shares some astute commentary about the assumption of cultures, society and religions in Buddhaland Brooklyn. It begins when Oda is greeted by his spiky haired, gum chewing assistant, Jennifer, at the airport and makes assumptions about her intelligence, her commitment and even her sexual orientation based on his own prejudices. Oda judges the American Buddhist community incapable of true faith, annoyed by their resistance to the rituals of the faith. When challenged the Reverend says,

"I teach American Believers what they need to hear, Mrs Graham, not what they want to hear. This is the duty of the Priest. I am sorry but I cannot bend the Eternal teachings simply to accommodate current tastes" p174

in rebuttal he is asked,

"Tell me, have you ever honestly asked yourself what part of the Headwater Sect's doctrine is genuinely the Buddha's path to enlightenment and what part of this Buddhist practice is just Japanese cultural habits and biases masquerading as something profound?" p175

I was dismayed to learn that Morais took quite extensive liberties with the Buddhist doctrine in the novel 'mangling' it with mysticism and even American psychoanalysis theory. The Headwater Sect is entirely fictional, which I don't mind, but the corruption of the Buddhist principles somehow dilutes the essence of the novel for me, though I'm not even sure entirely why.

The cultural and spiritual conflicts of Buddhaland Brookland are also an integral part of Oda's journey from innocent boy, to pious acolyte to New York Chief Priest. Almost imperceptibly, as the months pass and Oda becomes entangled in the New York Buddhist community, his rigid views begin to soften, precipitating a crisis that allows Oda to make peace with his place In New York, and his past.

Overall I enjoyed Buddhaland Brooklyn, more than I expected to, despite my disappointment in the fictionalisation of Buddhism. The characters are interesting, the cultural conflicts thought provoking and the writing fluid (though the Haiku a little pretentious) and I am willing to recommend Buddhaland Brooklyn to the curious.

[Peter · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book went from 4 stars down to two. I was actually thinking of giving it only one. It is the story of a Japanese Buddhist priest called Oda. He is transferred to Brooklyn New York to build a temple.

The book started well. But as soon as the action moved to USA it deteriorated. It sometimes reminded me of "Letters Back to Ancient China" by Herbert Rosendorfer where the main character also struggled with the modern culture. Only that Rosendorfer's book is a brilliant fascinating and funny novel. Buddhaland Brooklyn is none of this. It isn't even very funny.

What really put me off is the little knowledge the author has about Buddhism. More research would have done the book some good. He might then have avoided sentences like "The Buddhist gods have sent Michael to me..." There are no Buddhist gods. And "I whispered to Miss Laura that I would have to leave as I could not participate in a Catholic religious service." which is ridiculous. Buddhism is the one religion which accepts other religions and no Buddhist would think they couldn't participate in another religion's service.

The book tapers out at the end into the expected "All is good" happy ending. No surprises. Over all a very shallow story about religion, conflicts and the mandatory love story.

[Vishvapani · Rating 3 out of 5]

A coming to America story, and mostly interesting (for me) as an attempt to describe the experience of an Asian Buddhist teacher - in this case a thinly disguised Nichiren Shoshu priest in coming to the West as a Dharma teacher. The writing about Japan is predictably 'delicate'; then comes a dose of social observation once Oda comes to the US. I would have enjoyed a bit more comedy, Trollope-style at the Americans' expense here.

The novel really comes into its own in the final section, which charts the priest's growing self knowledge. In fact, I found this surprisingly convincing: how an American-styke emphasis on emotional and psychological awareness challenges, merges with and finally augments a more traditional way of thinking about Buddhist teachings.This made it also a surprisingly good evocation of the mindset of Nichiren/Pure Land-style Buddhism.

[Derek Baldwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is very good, especially in the last third or so when the Buddhist temple, and it’s first senior monk, both flourish together. The author should be credited for his patience and humanity in allowing us to learn along with this sad monk that really all that has meaning in life is life, and it is to be rejoiced in even in all of its pain. Some of the “religious” content is rather lightweight, but this is a novel, not Dhamma. And very worth a read: I found it insightful, amusing, and quite moving, especially the scene with the birds. A very pleasant surprise indeed. 🙏

[Snap · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are some fine reviews of this book so I am not going to get carried away! I loved this book. I laughed. I cried. I enjoyed reading about introverted Oda moving to Brooklyn to start a Buddhist temple. Talk about a fish out of water! May we all find our tranquil light.....

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enlightenment

It's not the words that are important, it is how they resonate with the chord of the heart that makes a good read. This is good.

[Jacob Michaels · Rating 1 out of 5]

Had to put it down after 100 pages, I could only cringe so much. If I may rant:
The first chapter had me crying, and I had such high hopes, but by the end of the 5th, I was nauseous.

Plot: Japanese Buddhist is tasked to open a Brooklyn temple in the 2000s

My problem w this heap of dung is I cannot suspend my disbelief. He’s made the Americans so utterly incompetent that it only reads as “I’m a white guy who knows about this Asian thing but most Americans don’t and I hate them for it” Buddhist temples have been in the US for over 150 years, so to think in the cultural center of the western world that these wealthy and educated New Yorkers would be so utterly clueless and inept as to how to conduct themselves that before the priest arrives they were teaching themselves with “Buddhism for dummies” I find it insulting to every party involved. If it was set in 1950 or in Iowa, fine…but the priest has a cellphone in New York City! When uptown at Columbia they have one of the most prestigious Japanese programs in academia?? I could only tolerate Morias’ Western self-loathing for a 100 pages before I closed it for good. Sayonara baka na hon!

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really a 3.5 score. It was a light, sometimes humorous story about a Japanese Buddhist priest setting up a temple in Brooklyn and experiencing significant culture shock as he does so. I enjoyed the portrayal of Reverend Oda and found his treatment to be complex and interesting. I think I may have learned some new things about Buddhism, but it is hard to tell when the author, although a Buddhist, made up the particular sect in the book (https://almabooks.com/interview-richa...). Many of the New Yorker characters felt like stereotypes and their fates were often so predictable that it was almost a relief when the story delivered them there and it could move on. I think the schizophrenic man was also not portrayed quite accurately, so again, it pulled me out of the story to wonder what other interesting things about Japanese culture and Buddhism may not have been quite right as well. I enjoyed The Man With No Borders more, and saw the fishing connection between the two books.

[Laura Burges · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a practitioner of Zen Buddhism here in the West since 1975, I picked up this book with interest.
While there were engaging passages and characters here, the superficial knowledge of Buddhism baffled me. It seems to me that anyone taking up this topic would want to do enough research to honor the practice. For example, Buddhists are called "practitioners," or "students," not "believers." There are many missteps like this that undermined my trust in the author. I know that this is a fictional sect so maybe that explains the discrepancies but in my experience, Buddhists sit cross-legged on cushions or in chairs. We kneel during service and in tea ceremony, not when meditating. We chant the sutras; we don't call them "prayer." There is no indication that this author has engaged in any of these practices himself. There is also little understanding here about how devastating it has been, in some Buddhist sanghas, for the teacher to have sexual relationships with their students.

[Edwin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I beg to differ with the review from O ... this is nothing like a "hilarious romp." Not at all. Still, it's pleasant storytelling. I'm not familiar with the sources the author used for his imagined sect of Buddhism, and it may actually reflect some actual aberrant schools of practice. but in my personal experience with Tibetan Buddhism, the Buddha is not the external god the story makes him out to be, and there is no mention of meditation practice at all. This seems more of what the author is familiar with in Western Christianity and is inaccurately and somewhat irresponsibly imposed on Buddhism as if there were a direct corelation. I would not recommend it to my friends and family lest they form a completely inaccurate view of what Buddhist beliefs actually are. Read the disclaimer at the end of the book before you start! All said, it is, however, a sweet story of growth and gentle transformation, which is well written and an enjoyable read.

[Tary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this account of a young boy who becomes an acolyte of the Headwater Sect of Japanese Buddhism at the age of ten. After learning the sect’s teachings, Oda was sent from his mountain temple to Tokyo to the university there, where he learns English by studying English romantic poetry. In his 30’s the sect sent him to the U.S. to supervise the construction and opening of the first U.S. temple in Brooklyn. He finds it difficult to adjust, which results in both funny and heartbreaking episodes. A note at the end says that the novelist made up this sect, though from what I know about Buddhism, it seemed real to me. A particularly nice part of the book were the many haiku Reverend Oda quoted in various situations.

[Tama · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buddhaland Brooklyn is just what you would expect when a 39 year old monk from rural Japan is asked to "set up" a temple in Brooklyn, New York...... what a fun juxtaposition of emotions, settings, food, idioms, customs, climate, sensations et alii
this is a laugh out loud, light and fun read..... there is a good amount of very real japanese and Brooklyn anecdotes and background to keep you interested. The characters, although exaggerated, are believable and fun to root for. Good vocabulary and dialogue.... nice writing.
I would recommend this as an entertaining, funny story.

[Nick · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I found the descriptions of certain environments, especially 1960s rural Japan, fascinating and convincing. The overall message is nice, even deep; and the two main characters take shape nicely. What disturbed me was the pacing. Some developments rush by, while others move so slowly I began to lose interest. An example of the too-fast variety would be Seido's college years in Tokyo. For the too-slow aspect there is the first few months in Brooklyn. I recommend this book, especially to those interested in Buddhism. But I wish the execution matched its potential.

[Sandy Gaul · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this book and was rather glad I did. Sometimes, when a book is slow to evolve, listening to it helps propel one to persist. The main character, a Buddhist monk, is sent to Brooklyn to help guide the Buddhist community there. He finds Americans and their methods of practicing Buddhism rather irritating, but he eventually comes to appreciate their sincerity and desire to embrace Buddhism.

[Bill Traves · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful read I was surprised how immersed I was in odas story as it seemed very slow to start but built to show a rich character I really cared about. Great insight into Buddhism and a very eclectic and funny group of characters as well as some sad ones as well. I’m definitely going to read 100 foot journey now as well.