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Anatta: Heart of Wisdom
In the spirit of The Snow Leopard by Peter Matthiessen comes a series of contemplative essays and poetry that restore our connection to each other and ourselves.
In Anatta: Heart of Wisdom, award-winning author, alpinist, and Buddhist practitioner Michael Schauch brings us to places where stories reign: among bones nestled in crystal-lined sky caves, in villages atop the high Himalaya, and within the warmth of a backyard campfire. Our stories are vehicles for our memories, individual identities, and shared cultures...but can we connect to an older story, one that transcends time and the barriers between us?
Anatta—the Buddhist idea of “non-self,” or non-attachment to permanence—is a necessary antidote to our uncertain times. Schauch demonstrates that by immersing ourselves in the wonders of nature, we can ignite an ancient connection and deep loving-kindness. He shows that the way to resolve conflicts with others is to first resolve conflicts within ourselves—an essential practice in an age of increasing war and polarization.
By weaving tales of the metaphysical with Buddhist ways of seeing, and with refreshing bursts of humour and grace, Schauch reconnects us to the beauty of everyday life—the stories that connect us across time and place, and the primordial way back to the heart.
“Anatta is a beautiful presentation of what the Buddhists call shunyata— an ultimate Nonduality. You’ll learn the meaning of nonduality, and why every single mystical tradition the world over maintains that ultimate Reality is nondual. I highly recommend you buy this book and begin this most important quest for yourself.”
—Ken Wilber, author of Finding Radical Wholeness
“Schauch writes about liberation—not through escape but through intimacy with life as it is. By attuning to the wisdom of the heart, we begin to live from a place of connection rather than control.”
—Sharon Salzberg, author of Lovingkindness and Real Life
“Schauch invites us on a profound journey beyond the ‘conceptual mind’ to the very ‘language of the Heart.’ Through this series of contemplative essays and stories, Schauch weaves together Tibetan and Japanese Buddhist insights to explore the sacred wisdom of ‘non-self’ and our deep interdependence with all living things. This book is a ‘sword of light’ for those ready to cut through the illusion of separateness and come home to the wisdom of Earth.”
—Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo, author of The Heroic Heart and Reflections on a Mountain Lake, and Founder of the Dongyu Gatsal Ling Nunnery
“Schauch’s collection of essays takes us on some astonishing adventures around the world. His well-crafted and layered prose shows remarkable inclusivity and sensitivity in spiritual, natural, and cognitive realms. Ultimately, Anattā feels like shelter in challenging times.”
—Bernadette McDonald, author of Alpine Rising and Freedom Climbers
“Schauch’s treasure of essays offers a wondrous glimpse of experiences that are beyond language and yet conveyed, ironically, through his beautiful words and gift of story. He illuminates possibilities for transcending the illusion of our separateness and guides us to tap into the vastness of our hearts and our interconnection with the natural world. Expansive and inviting, this little book is a trusted wellspring of wisdom and inspiration to return to time and again.”
—Susan Bauer-Wu PhD, RN, author of A Future We Can Love and Leaves Falling Gently
“Anattā is a small book brimming with valuable insights and ageless wisdom. As a lifelong Buddhist practitioner and an experienced mountaineer, Schauch recounts incredible adventures and profound experiences in high, remote places. Shining through his gentle prose is the message of our interconnectedness with each other and with nature. In these difficult times, Anattā brings comfort, hope, and a guiding light.”
—Maria Coffey, author of Explorers of the Infinite and Where the Mountain Casts Its Shadow
"The sentiment of Schauch’s work is notable and the language is often gorgeous. A spiritual treatise with moments of emotional resonance.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Michael Schauch delves into the metaphysical in this dazzling collection of essays… His observations are as resonant as those of Thich Nhat Hanh and Pema Chödrön. Seekers on the path toward self-awareness will treasure this beautiful, brave book.”
—BlueInk Review (starred)
"A moving collection of spiritual essays, Anattā combines adventure stories and explorations of grief with ancient wisdom in order to illuminate the sacred interconnectedness. The descriptions are vivid and ethereal in equal measure, evoking a sense of spiritual awakening.”
—Foreword Clarion Reviews (4/5 Stars)
In Anatta: Heart of Wisdom, award-winning author, alpinist, and Buddhist practitioner Michael Schauch brings us to places where stories reign: among bones nestled in crystal-lined sky caves, in villages atop the high Himalaya, and within the warmth of a backyard campfire. Our stories are vehicles for our memories, individual identities, and shared cultures...but can we connect to an older story, one that transcends time and the barriers between us?
Anatta—the Buddhist idea of “non-self,” or non-attachment to permanence—is a necessary antidote to our uncertain times. Schauch demonstrates that by immersing ourselves in the wonders of nature, we can ignite an ancient connection and deep loving-kindness. He shows that the way to resolve conflicts with others is to first resolve conflicts within ourselves—an essential practice in an age of increasing war and polarization.
By weaving tales of the metaphysical with Buddhist ways of seeing, and with refreshing bursts of humour and grace, Schauch reconnects us to the beauty of everyday life—the stories that connect us across time and place, and the primordial way back to the heart.
“Anatta is a beautiful presentation of what the Buddhists call shunyata— an ultimate Nonduality. You’ll learn the meaning of nonduality, and why every single mystical tradition the world over maintains that ultimate Reality is nondual. I highly recommend you buy this book and begin this most important quest for yourself.”
—Ken Wilber, author of Finding Radical Wholeness
“Schauch writes about liberation—not through escape but through intimacy with life as it is. By attuning to the wisdom of the heart, we begin to live from a place of connection rather than control.”
—Sharon Salzberg, author of Lovingkindness and Real Life
“Schauch invites us on a profound journey beyond the ‘conceptual mind’ to the very ‘language of the Heart.’ Through this series of contemplative essays and stories, Schauch weaves together Tibetan and Japanese Buddhist insights to explore the sacred wisdom of ‘non-self’ and our deep interdependence with all living things. This book is a ‘sword of light’ for those ready to cut through the illusion of separateness and come home to the wisdom of Earth.”
—Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo, author of The Heroic Heart and Reflections on a Mountain Lake, and Founder of the Dongyu Gatsal Ling Nunnery
“Schauch’s collection of essays takes us on some astonishing adventures around the world. His well-crafted and layered prose shows remarkable inclusivity and sensitivity in spiritual, natural, and cognitive realms. Ultimately, Anattā feels like shelter in challenging times.”
—Bernadette McDonald, author of Alpine Rising and Freedom Climbers
“Schauch’s treasure of essays offers a wondrous glimpse of experiences that are beyond language and yet conveyed, ironically, through his beautiful words and gift of story. He illuminates possibilities for transcending the illusion of our separateness and guides us to tap into the vastness of our hearts and our interconnection with the natural world. Expansive and inviting, this little book is a trusted wellspring of wisdom and inspiration to return to time and again.”
—Susan Bauer-Wu PhD, RN, author of A Future We Can Love and Leaves Falling Gently
“Anattā is a small book brimming with valuable insights and ageless wisdom. As a lifelong Buddhist practitioner and an experienced mountaineer, Schauch recounts incredible adventures and profound experiences in high, remote places. Shining through his gentle prose is the message of our interconnectedness with each other and with nature. In these difficult times, Anattā brings comfort, hope, and a guiding light.”
—Maria Coffey, author of Explorers of the Infinite and Where the Mountain Casts Its Shadow
"The sentiment of Schauch’s work is notable and the language is often gorgeous. A spiritual treatise with moments of emotional resonance.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Michael Schauch delves into the metaphysical in this dazzling collection of essays… His observations are as resonant as those of Thich Nhat Hanh and Pema Chödrön. Seekers on the path toward self-awareness will treasure this beautiful, brave book.”
—BlueInk Review (starred)
"A moving collection of spiritual essays, Anattā combines adventure stories and explorations of grief with ancient wisdom in order to illuminate the sacred interconnectedness. The descriptions are vivid and ethereal in equal measure, evoking a sense of spiritual awakening.”
—Foreword Clarion Reviews (4/5 Stars)
170 pages, Paperback
Published September 15, 2026
About the author
Michael Schauch
2 books43 followersMichael Schauch is an alpinist and award-winning author who lives to explore the depths of nature and the human spirit and share the beauty of connection he discovers along the way.
His books have received accolades from authors including Ken Wilber, Bernadette McDonald, Sharon Salzberg, Stephen Cope, and Wade Davis, as well as from book reviewers such as Kirkus, BlueInk (starred), and Foreword. His work has appeared in Elephant Journal, Unity Magazine, and Thrive Global, and has had notable mentions in Lions Roar, the Vancouver Sun, and the South China Morning Post.
For fifteen years Michael has been a mentor and supporter of Tibetan Buddhist youth in Kathmandu, Nepal, and many young members of his community in Canada. He holds an MBA from Queens University and is a member of the Explorers Club.
He and his wife Chantal make their base camp in the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Nation (Squamish, BC), nestled in the rugged Coast Mountains and temperate rainforests of the Pacific Northwest.
IG @mikeschauch
His books have received accolades from authors including Ken Wilber, Bernadette McDonald, Sharon Salzberg, Stephen Cope, and Wade Davis, as well as from book reviewers such as Kirkus, BlueInk (starred), and Foreword. His work has appeared in Elephant Journal, Unity Magazine, and Thrive Global, and has had notable mentions in Lions Roar, the Vancouver Sun, and the South China Morning Post.
For fifteen years Michael has been a mentor and supporter of Tibetan Buddhist youth in Kathmandu, Nepal, and many young members of his community in Canada. He holds an MBA from Queens University and is a member of the Explorers Club.
He and his wife Chantal make their base camp in the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Nation (Squamish, BC), nestled in the rugged Coast Mountains and temperate rainforests of the Pacific Northwest.
IG @mikeschauch
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
September 27, 2026
This book is a moving and artful way of connecting us to Eastern and Buddhist ideas of rebirth (journeys through the bardo), non-attachment, loving-kindness, and non-self.
The stories and poems weave together a recurring theme: the author’s own experience of the power of immersing oneself in nature to uncover and unleash these ancient truths and wisdom—in what the author beautifully calls “the language of the heart”.
Beautiful, short, and accessible, yet challenging—challenging, at least, to a Western materialist like myself. Accessible in the sense that it is concise and an absolute pleasure to read; challenging in the sense that it invites you to question some of the assumptions through which you understand yourself and the world.
This book made me think, and it made me cry. Ultimately, I LOVED this book, and I know I’ll read it again and again.
Highly recommended.
The stories and poems weave together a recurring theme: the author’s own experience of the power of immersing oneself in nature to uncover and unleash these ancient truths and wisdom—in what the author beautifully calls “the language of the heart”.
Beautiful, short, and accessible, yet challenging—challenging, at least, to a Western materialist like myself. Accessible in the sense that it is concise and an absolute pleasure to read; challenging in the sense that it invites you to question some of the assumptions through which you understand yourself and the world.
This book made me think, and it made me cry. Ultimately, I LOVED this book, and I know I’ll read it again and again.
Highly recommended.
September 19, 2026
I’ve been describing Anatta as a retreat for the mind.
What I appreciated most about Michael’s book is that you don’t need to come to it with any particular spiritual beliefs. There is something in it that feels much more universal than that. It is really about our humanity and the connection we have to one another.
It made me slow down and think about things I don’t always make space to think about in everyday life. Michael writes in a way that feels open and thoughtful rather than telling you what you should believe.
Whatever your own beliefs are, this book offers something special. It is a beautiful reminder of how connected we really are as human beings.
What I appreciated most about Michael’s book is that you don’t need to come to it with any particular spiritual beliefs. There is something in it that feels much more universal than that. It is really about our humanity and the connection we have to one another.
It made me slow down and think about things I don’t always make space to think about in everyday life. Michael writes in a way that feels open and thoughtful rather than telling you what you should believe.
Whatever your own beliefs are, this book offers something special. It is a beautiful reminder of how connected we really are as human beings.
September 29, 2026
In this book, Mike has woven together seemingly disparate, yet deeply connected threads into a beautiful message that I think we could all benefit from hearing if not for the first time, then simply as a reminder that we are one.
Review of advance copy
An inspiring read. I enjoyed the Buddhist teachings woven through Mike’s storytelling of his unique life experiences. A reminder of how precious life and breath is, in the now.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
What a gem of a book.
Reading this is like a meditation beside a gentle forest stream, with wisdom filtering through evergreen branches and dappled sunlight.
Through stories and poems, the author takes us to the heart of Buddhist practice, illustrating how we don't need to go anywhere, or learn anything, or do anything special. The only task is to simply be.
A beautiful sense of calm descends while reading.
I am purchasing this book as a gift for special Buddhist friends, as well as loved ones who find their spirituality in nature.
Just a few of the treasures I want to remember are:
"Perhaps then it is not about us trying to change the world but to liberate our inner awareness enough to understand we are small parts of something far greater and far more intelligent than we know."
"I remember blinking, as I had done millions of times in my life before -- nothing extraordinary about it. Except this time, when my eyes reopened after that millisecond of darkness, I now saw the world in a completely new way -- all around me had become a vast spectrum of colors. I no longer saw the definited shapes of people and things but rather the energetic makeup of everything. It was as if I could see the interdependent particles coalescing as myriad brushstrokes flowing every which way, surrounding and thravelling through everything, tracking every movement. I could still see people and objects, but they appeared as watermarks, faded behind auras and sinuous streams of colors."
"There's a great clarity that occurs when a loved one dies. A sudden sharpness of memory and thought, at least for a time."
Thank you to the author and publisher for an advance review copy of this book.
Reading this is like a meditation beside a gentle forest stream, with wisdom filtering through evergreen branches and dappled sunlight.
Through stories and poems, the author takes us to the heart of Buddhist practice, illustrating how we don't need to go anywhere, or learn anything, or do anything special. The only task is to simply be.
A beautiful sense of calm descends while reading.
I am purchasing this book as a gift for special Buddhist friends, as well as loved ones who find their spirituality in nature.
Just a few of the treasures I want to remember are:
"Perhaps then it is not about us trying to change the world but to liberate our inner awareness enough to understand we are small parts of something far greater and far more intelligent than we know."
"I remember blinking, as I had done millions of times in my life before -- nothing extraordinary about it. Except this time, when my eyes reopened after that millisecond of darkness, I now saw the world in a completely new way -- all around me had become a vast spectrum of colors. I no longer saw the definited shapes of people and things but rather the energetic makeup of everything. It was as if I could see the interdependent particles coalescing as myriad brushstrokes flowing every which way, surrounding and thravelling through everything, tracking every movement. I could still see people and objects, but they appeared as watermarks, faded behind auras and sinuous streams of colors."
"There's a great clarity that occurs when a loved one dies. A sudden sharpness of memory and thought, at least for a time."
Thank you to the author and publisher for an advance review copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Such a refreshing read!
I love how this collection of short stories stimulates thoughts and questions in my own mind when reading it... and for later contemplation. Relaxing and reflective.
The author (Michael Schauch) presents seven experiences in geographically different locations that invoke something beyond what might be otherwise be expected. From mountainsides in Alaska, to a bone cave in Nepal, to temples in Japan, he translates events and occurrences in an attempt to make sense of the unusual. He does such an incredible job of expressing his emotions and describing his surroundings that you can easily imagine it as if you were there. A valuable addition to the connection of nature to mind, body and soul.
I love how this collection of short stories stimulates thoughts and questions in my own mind when reading it... and for later contemplation. Relaxing and reflective.
The author (Michael Schauch) presents seven experiences in geographically different locations that invoke something beyond what might be otherwise be expected. From mountainsides in Alaska, to a bone cave in Nepal, to temples in Japan, he translates events and occurrences in an attempt to make sense of the unusual. He does such an incredible job of expressing his emotions and describing his surroundings that you can easily imagine it as if you were there. A valuable addition to the connection of nature to mind, body and soul.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Michael Schauch’s book Anatta reads like a love letter to life.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Anattā does indeed feel like "shelter in challenging times." The stories are deeply transporting, layered with wisdom that reconnects with what is, reminding the reader to keep in the practice, to remain centred and connected to the true self. This little book offers profound insight toward navigating our beleaguered world.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews