Caves, Huts, and Monasteries: Finding the Deeper Self Along the Footpaths of Asia

by Mark Kacik

When the anxiety of materialistic excess overcomes your soul, and you hear a cry from deep within, what do you do? Author Mark Kacik traveled the remote back roads of Asia in search of a peaceful mind, a deep understanding of self, and an alternative to his hectic and materialistic American lifestyle. Probing remote footpaths and following the breeze of his soul, Kacik serendipitously encounters Buddhist masters in out-of-the-way temples and monasteries, where he is given deep meditative exercises and lessons in awareness, consciousness, and mindful living. Follow Kacik's spiritual odyssey as he travels through the timeless deserts of India, the frigid Himalayas of Nepal, scorching Vietnamese jungles, and the culturally rich Korean mountains and has surprising and sometimes terrifying adventures. Meet the incredible people he comes face-to-face with who lead lives so amazingly different from his own. Caves, Huts, and Monasteries is more than a The vibrant descriptions of faraway jungles, mountains, and deserts, along with jewels of advice gifted from masters of various Buddhist traditions, speak to the heart of spiritual seekers of any faith tradition. Kacik shares the teachings that affected him most deeply; those that helped evolve his perception of self, and taught him that peace can settle in the wailing soul that remains open and still. Because all of us get stuck; all of us sometimes want to scream; all of us have heard our deeper self crying for more substance in our lives.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction

298 pages, Paperback

First published September 15, 2015

About the author

Mark S. Kacik is a spiritual seeker who has traveled the world studying local religious practices and customs. Although his practice is rooted in Japanese Zen, it is significantly influenced by Tibetan, Vipassana, Vietnamese, and Korean traditions as well.
An avid backpacker and backcountry adventurer, he has learned to thrive by living simply and seeing in nature an unfathomably complex expression of the Divine.
Kacik is a mechanical engineer with an interest in the mysterious intersection of quantum physics, astrophysics, philosophy, psychology, and spirituality. He lives in Cleveland, Ohio, with his wife, Jayne.

Reviews

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recommend this book to anyone seeking guidance on meditation methods and/or knowledge about basic Buddhist beliefs. Although his subject is profound, Kacik’s writing style makes it easy to comprehend.

[Marc Mannheimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actually a four and a half. I loved this book. I bought it b/c Mark was doing a discussion about it at a cafe. It took me a while to get to it, but I am very glad I did. A very interesting progression from type-A spiritual seeker to finding some gems on the road to enlightenment, and asking very good questions along the way. Beautifully described scenery, anecdotes and "characters" (or, real life friends).

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in awe of this author’s dedication and adventurous spirit. I have met him several times. He is the husband of a good friend. He experienced seven months of travel and study all over Asia. He lived in bone chilling caves in the mountains and in sweltering huts in Vietnam and other locales while studying Buddhism. Some of the monasteries allowed only two meals a day; some only one. Discipline! Through Kacik I got a deep look at Buddhism and their cultural and worship rituals as they vary from country to country. Some of it really resonates for me. I continue to recommend this book to friends.

There is a lot to learn about meditation here!

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

i really enjoyed reading about mark's spiritual journey. i discovered that i could use much of this information to impact my own spiritual journey. i highly recommend this book!

[Rome Doherty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book, as it echoed some of my own reasons to go to Burma and meditate.

[Ti Bryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

More accessible to layperson readers than pure buddhism "theory" would.