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All Our Waves Are Water: Stumbling Toward Enlightenment and the Perfect Ride
In this meditative memoir—a compelling fusion of Barbarian Days and the journals of Thomas Merton—the author of Saltwater Buddha reflects on his "failing toward enlightenment," his continued search to find meaning and a greater understanding of grace in the world’s oceans as well as everyday life.
Born to a family of seekers, Jaimal Yogis left home at sixteen to surf in Hawaii and join a monastery—an adventure he chronicled in Saltwater Buddha. Now, in his early twenties, his heart is broken and he’s lost his way. Hitting the road again, he lands in a monastery in Dharamsala, where he meets Sonam, a displaced Tibetan.
To help his friend, Jaimal makes a cockamamie attempt to reunite him with his family in Tibet by way of America. Though he does not succeed, witnessing Sonam’s spirit in the face of failure offers Jaimal a deeper understanding of faith. When the two friends part, he cannot fathom the unlikely circumstances that will reunite them.
All Our Waves Are Water follows Jaimal’s trek from the Himalayas to Indonesia; to a Franciscan Friary in New York City to the dusty streets of Jerusalem; and finally to San Francisco’s Ocean Beach. Along his journey, Jaimal prays and surfs; mourning a lost love and seeking something that keeps eluding him.
The poet Rumi wrote, "We are not a drop in the ocean. We are the ocean in a drop." All Our Waves Are Water is Jaimal’s "attempt to understand the ocean in a drop, to find that one moon shining in the water everywhere"—to find the mystery that unites us.
Born to a family of seekers, Jaimal Yogis left home at sixteen to surf in Hawaii and join a monastery—an adventure he chronicled in Saltwater Buddha. Now, in his early twenties, his heart is broken and he’s lost his way. Hitting the road again, he lands in a monastery in Dharamsala, where he meets Sonam, a displaced Tibetan.
To help his friend, Jaimal makes a cockamamie attempt to reunite him with his family in Tibet by way of America. Though he does not succeed, witnessing Sonam’s spirit in the face of failure offers Jaimal a deeper understanding of faith. When the two friends part, he cannot fathom the unlikely circumstances that will reunite them.
All Our Waves Are Water follows Jaimal’s trek from the Himalayas to Indonesia; to a Franciscan Friary in New York City to the dusty streets of Jerusalem; and finally to San Francisco’s Ocean Beach. Along his journey, Jaimal prays and surfs; mourning a lost love and seeking something that keeps eluding him.
The poet Rumi wrote, "We are not a drop in the ocean. We are the ocean in a drop." All Our Waves Are Water is Jaimal’s "attempt to understand the ocean in a drop, to find that one moon shining in the water everywhere"—to find the mystery that unites us.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 21, 2024
68 people are currently reading
764 people want to read
About the author
Jaimal Yogis
19 books228 followersJaimal Yogis is the author of numerous books including Saltwater Buddha, The Fear Project, and All Our Waves Are Water, which have been internationally praised and translated into numerous languages. More recently he has been writing children's books like Mop Rides the Waves of Life, which was named a 2020 Favorite by the Children's Book Review and one of the best sportsbooks for all ages by Book Riot. The next picture book in the series, Mop Rides the Waves of Change, comes out this July from Parallax Press and Penguin Random House, and his middle-grade graphic novel series, City of Dragons, also releases this fall, 2021, from Scholastic. Jaimal's award-winning journalism has appeared in publications like The Washington Post, ESPN Magazine, The Atlantic, and many others. He lives near San Francisco's Ocean Beach with his wife Amy and their three boys.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
January 18, 2018
Like many of the best things in life, this book is circular - it starts at the ending, ends at the beginning. That's an apt metaphor for a book largely about water. After all, what are tides and waves but a cycle of energy?
All Our Waves Are Water is less about surfing than it is about the author's journey toward balance or, to put it in the Zen term, nonduality. The search for enlightenment is of necessity an ongoing process, and Jamail Yogis shares the path his search has taken him on in an open, engaging way. In this second memoir, a sort of sequel to Saltwater Buddha, we follow him all over the globe, and in each place he shares the pearls of personal wisdom he learned. In some ways his journey is remarkable; in other ways it's strikingly mundane. But this is the point--we all struggle to transcend the mundane, while at the same time learning how to embrace it and in turn embrace our own nature.
If you're looking for a book that touches on the oneness of nature (particularly of the ocean, because the quest for the perfect tube is a rather large part of this story) and how it relates to divinity without being hit over the head with any one school of spiritual thought, you'll probably love this memoir like I did. It's extremely well written. It's one of those fast reads that makes you want to slow down and appreciate the thoughts Yogis shares. He's a good teacher, almost incidentally inspirational. Even if you could care less about surfing (the subtitle is "Stumbling Toward Enlightenment and the Perfect Ride"--interpret that as you will), following along on Yogis' journey is fascinating. He makes a compelling case for both living in the moment and in striving for the best.
You don't have to have read Saltwater Buddha first. All Our Waves Are Water stands on its own merits. It's lovely, comforting, and if you want to learn from it, you will. If you simply want to sit back, read, and enjoy, that works too.
All Our Waves Are Water is less about surfing than it is about the author's journey toward balance or, to put it in the Zen term, nonduality. The search for enlightenment is of necessity an ongoing process, and Jamail Yogis shares the path his search has taken him on in an open, engaging way. In this second memoir, a sort of sequel to Saltwater Buddha, we follow him all over the globe, and in each place he shares the pearls of personal wisdom he learned. In some ways his journey is remarkable; in other ways it's strikingly mundane. But this is the point--we all struggle to transcend the mundane, while at the same time learning how to embrace it and in turn embrace our own nature.
If you're looking for a book that touches on the oneness of nature (particularly of the ocean, because the quest for the perfect tube is a rather large part of this story) and how it relates to divinity without being hit over the head with any one school of spiritual thought, you'll probably love this memoir like I did. It's extremely well written. It's one of those fast reads that makes you want to slow down and appreciate the thoughts Yogis shares. He's a good teacher, almost incidentally inspirational. Even if you could care less about surfing (the subtitle is "Stumbling Toward Enlightenment and the Perfect Ride"--interpret that as you will), following along on Yogis' journey is fascinating. He makes a compelling case for both living in the moment and in striving for the best.
You don't have to have read Saltwater Buddha first. All Our Waves Are Water stands on its own merits. It's lovely, comforting, and if you want to learn from it, you will. If you simply want to sit back, read, and enjoy, that works too.
February 9, 2018
Jaimal Yogis has a cool, authentic voice. This means that even if you're reading about an experience that is foreign to you - for me, this is surfing - you feel as if you are being guided along by a friend who is just taking you on a tour of one part of the human experience.
In Yogis' case, there are multiple parts of the human experience that he's touring with the reader as friends: Heartbroken wanderer, student of Buddhist meditation, world traveler, friend of sweet teacher Sonam, intrepid surfer and journalist and finally, attentive father and husband.
While non-surfers may not find that there is a neat overlap between meditation, reflection and the world of surfing (I maybe projecting because this is very far outside of my own experience as a city girl, as cool as I think surfing is) the unevenness of it, the choppiness here (couldn't help it, we're talking about the ocean) actually reinforces the "stumbling" aspect of the title.
Water is massive and shapeless and yet, it shapes everything, a lot like destiny. Yogis' destiny is singular like everyone's but he doesn't make it feel superior or gnarly or anything trite you would associate with surfing. Instead there is resilience, his refreshing trademark honesty and reflection that offers an education for those who want to ride life's waves instead of being submerged under them.
(So hard to write about this book without using water puns or cliches - my fault, not his.)
In Yogis' case, there are multiple parts of the human experience that he's touring with the reader as friends: Heartbroken wanderer, student of Buddhist meditation, world traveler, friend of sweet teacher Sonam, intrepid surfer and journalist and finally, attentive father and husband.
While non-surfers may not find that there is a neat overlap between meditation, reflection and the world of surfing (I maybe projecting because this is very far outside of my own experience as a city girl, as cool as I think surfing is) the unevenness of it, the choppiness here (couldn't help it, we're talking about the ocean) actually reinforces the "stumbling" aspect of the title.
Water is massive and shapeless and yet, it shapes everything, a lot like destiny. Yogis' destiny is singular like everyone's but he doesn't make it feel superior or gnarly or anything trite you would associate with surfing. Instead there is resilience, his refreshing trademark honesty and reflection that offers an education for those who want to ride life's waves instead of being submerged under them.
(So hard to write about this book without using water puns or cliches - my fault, not his.)
Read
August 27, 2017Forgive the bad joke, but I’ve really done a deep dive into Jaimal Yogis body of work this past week. I watched the documentary about his life – Saltwater Buddha while reading his latest book released in July 2017 titled All Our Waves are Water – Stumbling Towards Enlightenment and the Perfect Ride . I fully enjoyed the road trip by journeying along through Jaimal’s life and times through both celluloid and print.
All Our Waves are Water is a continuation of Jaimal’s book Saltwater Buddha in which he takes readers on his journey from boy to man – or grommet to older surf dude (I have no idea what the accepted surfer vernacular is around this – forgive me). It’s a wild trip taken by someone who started out like many of us – seeking escape from suffering through drugs, drink and running away from home. He comes to develop a solid relationship with surfing, spirituality and seeing the world as a means of self-discovery, relaxation and personal goal setting. As he says in the book, “Surfing was Zen for the stormy world.”
Carrying the torch from Saltwater Buddha, All Our Waves picks up with a 23-year old Jaimal in India to try to secure credentials to help him get into Columbia Journalism school. He bounced around looking for work and eventually found a job as an English translator for a young Tibetan monk named Sonam. This auspicious meeting was one that transformed Jaimal greatly as Sonam’s outlook towards life was something that changed his outlook as well. The story of their friendship gives all kinds of good heart feels. The young monk’s memories of Tibet and his family are bittersweet, and his wish to return is painful to read.
Jaimal finds the beauty and the wisdom in everything that surrounds him, and the foundation of this book relates to exactly this level of perception of his environment – both internal and external. This book is like sitting around the campfire with an old friend who tells the best stories.
He has a profound ability to create the most vivid and beautiful landscapes through his descriptions of the many locations he has visited. India, Mexico, Israel, Bali – heck even New York City in winter becomes magical through his descriptive lens. It’s clear that he’s connected to nature and has a profound gift for being able to detail what he witnesses around him. Beyond the settings he exposes readers to, he provides insight into the people he meets on his various journeys. You’ll discover the “Queen of Ocean Beach,” Sari a boatload of surfers, and other assorted characters– each person dropping wisdom in Jaimal’s life.
He quotes Rumi in capturing the essence of what his writing is about as he says, “this book is an attempt to understand the ocean in a drop.” As such, the ocean is a central character in the book. We’re gifted with the words of a ‘spiritual surfer’ – someone who asks the deep questions and plunges into the rip curl even though they are scared witless. Jaimal’s understanding of Buddhism is placed in the context of surfing. Emptiness, nonduality, compassion, interdependence, enlightenment – it’s all par for the course when you’re floating on your board waiting to catch the next wave. He has many other experiences, notably at the Wailing Wall that encompass Christianity so this book can best be defined as spiritual rather than exclusively Buddhist in tone.
As you would expect is the case with someone who both travels to remote locales as well as cavorting on monster-sized waves, there are accidents, bails, and near-death experiences. There are also stories from being away on retreat, something that can also feel like a death-defying drop into a rogue wave the size of a building. He deftly describes the mental and physical processes he experienced while on retreat or during meditation – something that helps other practitioners see that they’re not alone in having loopy feelings or thoughts arise when on the cushion.
Fear is another central theme in the book, and it’s something that Jaimal has explored in a previous book titled The Fear Project . He has no shame in speaking to his fears – worries about grad school, about surfing, about his relationships – he gets into all areas of his life where fear lurks below the surface.
All Our Waves are Water is a surf travelogue blended with the journey of a spiritually minded individual. For those who aren’t familiar with either the landscape of surfing or the spiritual space, you’ll discover new lands and take an interest in Jaimal’s experiences as he navigates through his youth and the challenges and joys found in the process of finding (and losing, then rediscovering) oneself. It’s an engaging read that kept me highly interested, and for anyone who enjoys books about travel from the first person point of view, you won’t be disappointed. I’m looking forward to Jaimal’s next book as he transitions from a young father to a grizzled old spiritual surf dude.
All Our Waves are Water is a continuation of Jaimal’s book Saltwater Buddha in which he takes readers on his journey from boy to man – or grommet to older surf dude (I have no idea what the accepted surfer vernacular is around this – forgive me). It’s a wild trip taken by someone who started out like many of us – seeking escape from suffering through drugs, drink and running away from home. He comes to develop a solid relationship with surfing, spirituality and seeing the world as a means of self-discovery, relaxation and personal goal setting. As he says in the book, “Surfing was Zen for the stormy world.”
Carrying the torch from Saltwater Buddha, All Our Waves picks up with a 23-year old Jaimal in India to try to secure credentials to help him get into Columbia Journalism school. He bounced around looking for work and eventually found a job as an English translator for a young Tibetan monk named Sonam. This auspicious meeting was one that transformed Jaimal greatly as Sonam’s outlook towards life was something that changed his outlook as well. The story of their friendship gives all kinds of good heart feels. The young monk’s memories of Tibet and his family are bittersweet, and his wish to return is painful to read.
Jaimal finds the beauty and the wisdom in everything that surrounds him, and the foundation of this book relates to exactly this level of perception of his environment – both internal and external. This book is like sitting around the campfire with an old friend who tells the best stories.
He has a profound ability to create the most vivid and beautiful landscapes through his descriptions of the many locations he has visited. India, Mexico, Israel, Bali – heck even New York City in winter becomes magical through his descriptive lens. It’s clear that he’s connected to nature and has a profound gift for being able to detail what he witnesses around him. Beyond the settings he exposes readers to, he provides insight into the people he meets on his various journeys. You’ll discover the “Queen of Ocean Beach,” Sari a boatload of surfers, and other assorted characters– each person dropping wisdom in Jaimal’s life.
He quotes Rumi in capturing the essence of what his writing is about as he says, “this book is an attempt to understand the ocean in a drop.” As such, the ocean is a central character in the book. We’re gifted with the words of a ‘spiritual surfer’ – someone who asks the deep questions and plunges into the rip curl even though they are scared witless. Jaimal’s understanding of Buddhism is placed in the context of surfing. Emptiness, nonduality, compassion, interdependence, enlightenment – it’s all par for the course when you’re floating on your board waiting to catch the next wave. He has many other experiences, notably at the Wailing Wall that encompass Christianity so this book can best be defined as spiritual rather than exclusively Buddhist in tone.
As you would expect is the case with someone who both travels to remote locales as well as cavorting on monster-sized waves, there are accidents, bails, and near-death experiences. There are also stories from being away on retreat, something that can also feel like a death-defying drop into a rogue wave the size of a building. He deftly describes the mental and physical processes he experienced while on retreat or during meditation – something that helps other practitioners see that they’re not alone in having loopy feelings or thoughts arise when on the cushion.
Fear is another central theme in the book, and it’s something that Jaimal has explored in a previous book titled The Fear Project . He has no shame in speaking to his fears – worries about grad school, about surfing, about his relationships – he gets into all areas of his life where fear lurks below the surface.
All Our Waves are Water is a surf travelogue blended with the journey of a spiritually minded individual. For those who aren’t familiar with either the landscape of surfing or the spiritual space, you’ll discover new lands and take an interest in Jaimal’s experiences as he navigates through his youth and the challenges and joys found in the process of finding (and losing, then rediscovering) oneself. It’s an engaging read that kept me highly interested, and for anyone who enjoys books about travel from the first person point of view, you won’t be disappointed. I’m looking forward to Jaimal’s next book as he transitions from a young father to a grizzled old spiritual surf dude.
November 27, 2019
I just finished his 1st book and launched right into this one. I like his writing, his courage, his meandering spirit. It deserves 4 stars. I deducted one star because of all the redundancy: about waves, his relationship, his feelings about the relationship, his conversations with yet another "surfer buddha." At the end, he explains that he crammed some of Dr. Thurman's talks together as well as some of the surfing adventures. I found myself wanting it to end, already! And this only happens when I'm reading a book I don't enjoy (not the case here) or when the redundancy is indulgent (as is the case here).
August 13, 2018
I will begin by saying that Jaimal Yogis himself offered a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review if I was so inclined.
When I began reading, the book smacked of "white guy goes to brown country and pretends not to be a tourist, successfully becomes a tourist" vibe. Jaimal even mentions it himself (page 2); howver, I was in for an experience that was much deeper than the surface implied.
Jaimal does a very good job seeking balance in his life and furthering his study of fundamental Buddhist principles. There is, of course, the water. Surfing as meditation, and the realization that life, borne of water, is like water: fluid and ever-changing.
When I began reading, the book smacked of "white guy goes to brown country and pretends not to be a tourist, successfully becomes a tourist" vibe. Jaimal even mentions it himself (page 2); howver, I was in for an experience that was much deeper than the surface implied.
Jaimal does a very good job seeking balance in his life and furthering his study of fundamental Buddhist principles. There is, of course, the water. Surfing as meditation, and the realization that life, borne of water, is like water: fluid and ever-changing.
April 18, 2018
Great read, especially on vacation where you can relax and take in and appreciate Jaimal’s journey. There are many life lessons and areas to reflect on where you’ve been, where you are and where you’re going.
June 22, 2019
Jaimal Yogis begins this wonderful book in the Himalayas, where he searches for healing after a breakup. From there, Jaimal takes you through major events in his life, his relationships, his search for Buddha within himself and in the greater world around him, and his search for the perfect wave.
I enjoyed his stories, his Buddhist practice insights, and his honesty.
When I finished this book I had two thoughts: 1) Go back to the first page and read it again, 2) Figure out a way to meet Jaimal as he is a very interesting, thought-provoking person.
All Our Waves Are Water was a very good read.
I enjoyed his stories, his Buddhist practice insights, and his honesty.
When I finished this book I had two thoughts: 1) Go back to the first page and read it again, 2) Figure out a way to meet Jaimal as he is a very interesting, thought-provoking person.
All Our Waves Are Water was a very good read.
November 7, 2025
So beautifully written 🙌🏼 I feel sometimes like im a person who feels too much, thinks too much, or asks questions that most don’t bother to ask (or that i debate if i should even persue) But I felt so human and validated in my curiosity and wonder reading this book. Being brought into Jaimals thoughts and experiences and journey was truly an experience like no other. I feel like I was sitting next to him as he told me all his stories. Even if you don’t like surfing it’s still a worthy read! (I surf and that’s what attracted you me to the book, but lemme tell you how pleasantly surprised i was to see where it all went)
December 27, 2018
Enjoyable read. Good stories supporting the value of mindfulness - and based in interesting locations like San Francisco, the Himalayas, NY, Jerusalem.
My favorite quote: “If you don’t have an internal peace practice, your stability is linked to external circumstances, which is a terrible peace plan.” (p. 111)
My favorite quote: “If you don’t have an internal peace practice, your stability is linked to external circumstances, which is a terrible peace plan.” (p. 111)
July 25, 2017
Fantastic book! Jaimal takes you on a magical ,enlightening journey. I was sad when I finished. I haven't felt that way about a book in a long time! His writing is eloquent, funny, sad, inspirational! I love a book that brings out so many emotions in me. I Couldn't put it down. I highly recommend it. I've actually started another one by him called the fear project and loving that as well!
July 1, 2018
Last month, as I was deeply steeped in finishing off my school year with a modicum of sanity, I received a private message on a Twitter feed I use to connect my marine science students to wonderful things happening in the ocean realm. There was this stranger, Jaimal Yogis, asking me if I’d like a free copy of his book, All Our Waves Are Water” in exchange for an honest review of it. Summer books were already stacked pretty high, but this one kept making its way to the top of the pile and now I’m so glad I said yes! This is my first week off of school and my mind is finally clear of grading, proctoring, and making parent phone calls. I only hope I can do it justice!
I’d have to start a proper review by reviewing the physical book, itself-it is beautiful! Beautiful to hold, with soft, jagged-edged pages and sea-foam colored cover, but also just beautiful to look at the image of a person focusing inward, while surfing. Gorgeous and calming.
And then I began to read...I felt as if I was sitting at a beach campfire listening to a story that would serve to catch me up with a long, lost friend.
This book grabbed my attention with Yogis’ brief treatise that led to the statement “God is the sea” and it didn’t let me go until gently setting me down on the shore of (and I paraphrase) “the same storms that make these waves also bring us together and make us stronger”. Yep, just exactly what I needed to read, when I needed to read it. Unlike the author, I am surrounded by media and I do not meditate (although I may begin after this) or have waves that I surf in an attempt to combat the noise and chaos around me. But this book was a good reminder to use my time off this summer to recharge my batteries and remedy that! It reminded me to get myself to my local water and keep my Blue Mind nourished. In fact, among many perfectly placed research tie-ins and quotes that turned me on to a whole slew of new writers, Yogis also references one of my favorite modern day thinkers, Wallace J Nichols, whose book Blue Mind reminds us of our connections through that basic human need many of us take for granted (but shouldn’t!)-water. As in Nichols’ book, I love the attention to the human spirit, philosophy, and science discussed, especially since they have both managed to keep their books light and conversational! I found myself incapable of putting the book down and heaved a deep sigh of contentment when I finished it.
One quote that was not in this book (but maybe it was in the Blue Mind book-the writings of those who use beautiful water quotes drift together freely in my memory) was Heraclitus’ “No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man” may seem trite, but it popped into my head immediately as I read All Our Waves Are Water. I am so torn by the news and the state of affairs, and a feeling of helplessness in our world at times, that I wonder if my world were not tipped off its axis so much right now, would I have needed to read this book so much? Hard to tell, but I do believe that I’d still marvel at its foray between joyful reminders and powerful stings of being human. They are timeless and much appreciated for those who also seek a sense of calm, even if not enlightenment, and find peace near water.
Thank you for this opportunity, Jaimal Yogis. I will definitely be purchasing the other book you wrote, Salt Water Buddha, and I’m looking forward to diving into that one too!
I’d have to start a proper review by reviewing the physical book, itself-it is beautiful! Beautiful to hold, with soft, jagged-edged pages and sea-foam colored cover, but also just beautiful to look at the image of a person focusing inward, while surfing. Gorgeous and calming.
And then I began to read...I felt as if I was sitting at a beach campfire listening to a story that would serve to catch me up with a long, lost friend.
This book grabbed my attention with Yogis’ brief treatise that led to the statement “God is the sea” and it didn’t let me go until gently setting me down on the shore of (and I paraphrase) “the same storms that make these waves also bring us together and make us stronger”. Yep, just exactly what I needed to read, when I needed to read it. Unlike the author, I am surrounded by media and I do not meditate (although I may begin after this) or have waves that I surf in an attempt to combat the noise and chaos around me. But this book was a good reminder to use my time off this summer to recharge my batteries and remedy that! It reminded me to get myself to my local water and keep my Blue Mind nourished. In fact, among many perfectly placed research tie-ins and quotes that turned me on to a whole slew of new writers, Yogis also references one of my favorite modern day thinkers, Wallace J Nichols, whose book Blue Mind reminds us of our connections through that basic human need many of us take for granted (but shouldn’t!)-water. As in Nichols’ book, I love the attention to the human spirit, philosophy, and science discussed, especially since they have both managed to keep their books light and conversational! I found myself incapable of putting the book down and heaved a deep sigh of contentment when I finished it.
One quote that was not in this book (but maybe it was in the Blue Mind book-the writings of those who use beautiful water quotes drift together freely in my memory) was Heraclitus’ “No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man” may seem trite, but it popped into my head immediately as I read All Our Waves Are Water. I am so torn by the news and the state of affairs, and a feeling of helplessness in our world at times, that I wonder if my world were not tipped off its axis so much right now, would I have needed to read this book so much? Hard to tell, but I do believe that I’d still marvel at its foray between joyful reminders and powerful stings of being human. They are timeless and much appreciated for those who also seek a sense of calm, even if not enlightenment, and find peace near water.
Thank you for this opportunity, Jaimal Yogis. I will definitely be purchasing the other book you wrote, Salt Water Buddha, and I’m looking forward to diving into that one too!
July 9, 2018
I finished the book in the middle of the night and had a dream. A gigantic wave mounted up on the horizon like a sublime being and rushed towards the shore. I closed the doors, windows, waited. The wave crashed against the house, boom, splash. Raw energy, ecstatic grin. Next one was glowing green in the sun. Even bigger it was racing towards the coast, I closed the shutters, darkness, crash, adrenaline, foamy saltwater seeping through the cracks.
My dream cut the just finished book “All Our Waves Are Water” open and revealed its spine. To hide behind the walls from something so powerful you secretly wish to merge with. An inner conflict between constructed safety and oceanic surrender. Fragile shack with tiny windows by the furious magnificent ocean.
“All Our Waves Are Water” is a memoir written by American writer Jaimal Yogis, and is his third book. A guy has grown up with Buddhist-yogi parents, loves to surf, studies journalism and searches for the blissful lining of the thing called life. Rational mind, daily hamster wheel and ego is in one hand, buddhism and meditation in other. He juggles.
The opening line “God is in this book” left me wandering through the first pages suspicious and cautious, but soon the book engulfed me and I could not put it down. Yogis’ voice seems familiar, as a good friend you haven’t met in a while and now you both are catching up. He talks, you listen. Laugh, dry your tears. Yogis compares spiritual realm to the sea. He grabs his surfboard and learns to surf the real and metaphorical waves.
Good humor works like a disarming balm and I am traveling in my imagination with brokenhearted Jaimal to the Indian Himalaya to meet warmhearted and wise Sonam, to Washington, DC, to witness Jaimal spreading himself too thin in work, we run away to Mexico to surf, go to New York to study, move to San Francisco to settle down, Jaimal starts to write a book and throws it all away, hides in Bali under the sun and returns again to see everything in a different light.
Adventures, ventures and vivid characters. Worth to meet while dwelling inside the book, including Uma Thurman’s dad, Columbia professor Robert A. F. Thurman, Dalai Lama’s first Western disciple. “With his one glass eye, disheveled silver hair, Tibetan rings on every finger, and wide six-foot-four frame, he looked part Einstein, part retired football coach, part spiritual Mick Jagger.” Jaimal signed up to his lectures on religion.
The carefully built inner hut is swept away by a symbolic wave when Jaimal is in Jerusalem and goes to stand by the Wailing Wall by a mere coincidence. Some rocks are as big as a small car, rolled paper notes with written prayers are stacked in between the rocks and Jaimal experiences catharsis and is crying for hours.
In one dream he sees himself made out of cardboard boxes, strung together with string. “I’d never noticed that I was looking through a slit cut in a box.” When he got rid of the boxes, he didn’t have a body, there wasn’t anything under the boxes except for his consciousness. He disappeared, and yet he didn’t. “I had a body, but it was loose and fluid and could see in all directions.”
Walls disappear; ocean.
My dream cut the just finished book “All Our Waves Are Water” open and revealed its spine. To hide behind the walls from something so powerful you secretly wish to merge with. An inner conflict between constructed safety and oceanic surrender. Fragile shack with tiny windows by the furious magnificent ocean.
“All Our Waves Are Water” is a memoir written by American writer Jaimal Yogis, and is his third book. A guy has grown up with Buddhist-yogi parents, loves to surf, studies journalism and searches for the blissful lining of the thing called life. Rational mind, daily hamster wheel and ego is in one hand, buddhism and meditation in other. He juggles.
The opening line “God is in this book” left me wandering through the first pages suspicious and cautious, but soon the book engulfed me and I could not put it down. Yogis’ voice seems familiar, as a good friend you haven’t met in a while and now you both are catching up. He talks, you listen. Laugh, dry your tears. Yogis compares spiritual realm to the sea. He grabs his surfboard and learns to surf the real and metaphorical waves.
Good humor works like a disarming balm and I am traveling in my imagination with brokenhearted Jaimal to the Indian Himalaya to meet warmhearted and wise Sonam, to Washington, DC, to witness Jaimal spreading himself too thin in work, we run away to Mexico to surf, go to New York to study, move to San Francisco to settle down, Jaimal starts to write a book and throws it all away, hides in Bali under the sun and returns again to see everything in a different light.
Adventures, ventures and vivid characters. Worth to meet while dwelling inside the book, including Uma Thurman’s dad, Columbia professor Robert A. F. Thurman, Dalai Lama’s first Western disciple. “With his one glass eye, disheveled silver hair, Tibetan rings on every finger, and wide six-foot-four frame, he looked part Einstein, part retired football coach, part spiritual Mick Jagger.” Jaimal signed up to his lectures on religion.
The carefully built inner hut is swept away by a symbolic wave when Jaimal is in Jerusalem and goes to stand by the Wailing Wall by a mere coincidence. Some rocks are as big as a small car, rolled paper notes with written prayers are stacked in between the rocks and Jaimal experiences catharsis and is crying for hours.
In one dream he sees himself made out of cardboard boxes, strung together with string. “I’d never noticed that I was looking through a slit cut in a box.” When he got rid of the boxes, he didn’t have a body, there wasn’t anything under the boxes except for his consciousness. He disappeared, and yet he didn’t. “I had a body, but it was loose and fluid and could see in all directions.”
Walls disappear; ocean.
September 17, 2017
Breastfeeding my 8 week old daughter (and with a tear in my eye) I close the book and go straight to this app to write a review. First off, I loved this book.
I feel as though I just finished an intense conversation with a close friend, and I miss him already. Jaimal has a way of writing with a conversational simplicity yet including life lessons that resonate with either things I have also learned or lessons I still need to. He writes of his travels and certain life challenges, of heartbreak and facing fears. Of letting go.
This book took me back to a time when I too lived in the foggy Sunset in San Francisco. When I was in grad school getting diagnosed with learning disabilities and unable to move my nose out of the books for some fresh air. It reminded me of a day when my roommate dragged me kicking and screaming to a nearby bar at The Beach Chalet for a drink. I sat there on the grass feeling uncomfortable while watching men and women prey on each other. I was out of my comfort zone and didn't like the feeling I had in this zone. All I could think about was leaving, the pile of pathophysiology and pharmacology work on my desk, my boyfriend in Santa Cruz and the fact that the entire environment was fake and forced. A slender curly haired man came over to talk to someone my roommate knew. This man stood out. He was different than the other people here. He had a gentle confidence and actually cared to listen to your answer after he asked you a question. He wasn't there for a one night stand. He was probably dragged there by a friend too! We got to talking and after he learned I was new to town he gave me his email address. His name was Jaimal.
We stayed in touch with an occasional email, we met for coffee once, he invited me to an event he was having at a local bar called The Rip Tide..(I won some rusty shovel yard art in a raffle!). He never spoke of himself too much, I knew he was a journalist, I did not know he was an award winning journalist and published author. He was humble and kind. Years have gone by and we have not stayed in contact, but reading this book brought me back to that time that I knew his generous and inviting nature.
Jaimal represents himself truthfully in this book. He is humble (maybe too humble??). He doesn't like to place himself on a pedestal and any time he starts to climb up there he is sure to remind you that he is human. He gets pissed too. He has down moments, he has up moments. He has lessons to learn and he shares them in this book. I truly enjoyed reading this book. This is not a book about surfing, unlike the cover would make it seem. This is a book about learning lessons, overcoming personal challenges, being humble. It was true to the man I met years ago. There are many lessons shared, some you may have learned before and some you may still have to learn. In all, it's easy to read, interesting, enjoyable, simple and I recommend it.
I feel as though I just finished an intense conversation with a close friend, and I miss him already. Jaimal has a way of writing with a conversational simplicity yet including life lessons that resonate with either things I have also learned or lessons I still need to. He writes of his travels and certain life challenges, of heartbreak and facing fears. Of letting go.
This book took me back to a time when I too lived in the foggy Sunset in San Francisco. When I was in grad school getting diagnosed with learning disabilities and unable to move my nose out of the books for some fresh air. It reminded me of a day when my roommate dragged me kicking and screaming to a nearby bar at The Beach Chalet for a drink. I sat there on the grass feeling uncomfortable while watching men and women prey on each other. I was out of my comfort zone and didn't like the feeling I had in this zone. All I could think about was leaving, the pile of pathophysiology and pharmacology work on my desk, my boyfriend in Santa Cruz and the fact that the entire environment was fake and forced. A slender curly haired man came over to talk to someone my roommate knew. This man stood out. He was different than the other people here. He had a gentle confidence and actually cared to listen to your answer after he asked you a question. He wasn't there for a one night stand. He was probably dragged there by a friend too! We got to talking and after he learned I was new to town he gave me his email address. His name was Jaimal.
We stayed in touch with an occasional email, we met for coffee once, he invited me to an event he was having at a local bar called The Rip Tide..(I won some rusty shovel yard art in a raffle!). He never spoke of himself too much, I knew he was a journalist, I did not know he was an award winning journalist and published author. He was humble and kind. Years have gone by and we have not stayed in contact, but reading this book brought me back to that time that I knew his generous and inviting nature.
Jaimal represents himself truthfully in this book. He is humble (maybe too humble??). He doesn't like to place himself on a pedestal and any time he starts to climb up there he is sure to remind you that he is human. He gets pissed too. He has down moments, he has up moments. He has lessons to learn and he shares them in this book. I truly enjoyed reading this book. This is not a book about surfing, unlike the cover would make it seem. This is a book about learning lessons, overcoming personal challenges, being humble. It was true to the man I met years ago. There are many lessons shared, some you may have learned before and some you may still have to learn. In all, it's easy to read, interesting, enjoyable, simple and I recommend it.
August 20, 2019
Jaimal had a significant challenge on his hands in writing this book. Faith, especially the mystical aspects of it, is one of the hardest things to describe in words without sounding, well, not quite sane. And to get non-surfers to understand and appreciate the thrill, terror, and irresistible pull of a wave without sounding condescending, redundant, or confusing, must have felt daunting. I’ll admit I didn’t quite grasp all the surfing scenes, or quite understand some of his more deeply experienced religious moments. But that works in this book. Faith is embracing mystery. The surfer’s high, or low, like the runner’s high or low, is intangible. Writers throw words at meditation or the ocean or God and they are our attempts to name the unnamable. I didn’t mind that I couldn’t exactly picture what he described and instead, I imposed my own mystical faith experiences and sport experience over his, and felt a sort of kinship.
The book is poetic, especially when he writes about the water and describes waves. It is a story about friendship and love and faith and surfing around the world. But ultimately, it is a story about Jaimal’s search, which is the search of so many of us. Through nations, girlfriends, friends, studying, working, yoga, meditation, and surfing, Jaimal takes the reader along on his search for self and for grace.
He finds both, even while acknowledging that every day presents a fresh opportunity to search yet deeper. But grace and his sense of identity are not actually in the waves, or the water, not in his work, not in his romantic relationships, not in the experiences he had of traveling all over the world, not in the yoga meditation or retreats. At least not in any of these things exclusively or eternally. He finds himself and uncovers grace in daily life.
The holy in the ordinary, grace in the mundane, self where you are.
After a rather shocking experience, he writes, “…had given me a gift. He’d made me recall briefly that nothing beats spring pasta on a Tuesday with your girlfriend, the sensation of breath in your lungs, a walk on the dunes after dinner, the full moon sinking behind the city.”
I finished the book and wanted to do two things: run to the ocean and dip my fingers in, to taste the salty water that so perfectly accompanies the book, and to be more faithful in practicing meditation. A book that calls the reader to experience nature with joy and to sit quietly, exploring the soul, is a good book. Even if you miss some of the the surfing nuances or don’t follow the same specific faith ideas, there are depths of beauty and honesty to enjoy in All Our Waves Are Water.
The book is poetic, especially when he writes about the water and describes waves. It is a story about friendship and love and faith and surfing around the world. But ultimately, it is a story about Jaimal’s search, which is the search of so many of us. Through nations, girlfriends, friends, studying, working, yoga, meditation, and surfing, Jaimal takes the reader along on his search for self and for grace.
He finds both, even while acknowledging that every day presents a fresh opportunity to search yet deeper. But grace and his sense of identity are not actually in the waves, or the water, not in his work, not in his romantic relationships, not in the experiences he had of traveling all over the world, not in the yoga meditation or retreats. At least not in any of these things exclusively or eternally. He finds himself and uncovers grace in daily life.
The holy in the ordinary, grace in the mundane, self where you are.
After a rather shocking experience, he writes, “…had given me a gift. He’d made me recall briefly that nothing beats spring pasta on a Tuesday with your girlfriend, the sensation of breath in your lungs, a walk on the dunes after dinner, the full moon sinking behind the city.”
I finished the book and wanted to do two things: run to the ocean and dip my fingers in, to taste the salty water that so perfectly accompanies the book, and to be more faithful in practicing meditation. A book that calls the reader to experience nature with joy and to sit quietly, exploring the soul, is a good book. Even if you miss some of the the surfing nuances or don’t follow the same specific faith ideas, there are depths of beauty and honesty to enjoy in All Our Waves Are Water.
July 10, 2018
What a fun and wise book!
I was fortunate to host an event a few years ago where Jaimal spoke about his book Saltwater Buddha, so I've actually met him. He's a kind, modest man, but extremely and tangibly wise, far beyond his years.
If you haven't read Saltwater Buddha, read that first, you are in for a treat. It chronicles Jaimal running away from home at 16 to Hawaii to surf and join a monastery. It's filled with laugh out loud moments and deep wisdom.
All Our Waves Are Water picks up where Saltwater Buddha left off. Jaimal is headed to Dharamsala, home of the Dalai Lama and the exiled Tibetan government, to find peace of mind. Instead, he finds the inimitable Sonam, one of the cheeriest fellows you'll meet, who becomes a friend & mentor to Jaimal. The book follows Jaimal as he travels around the world, surfing, being a journalist, and looking for peace of mind. As with Saltwater Buddha, it's filled with great stories, ecstatic experiences, heartbreak, and a good deal of wisdom.
All Our Waves frequently reminds me how much Zen Buddhism and Stoicism have in common. A quote:
"Buddha says that when a "run of the mill" person is shot with an arrow...they feel two pains, mental and physical". The person trained in mindfulness ...feels only the physical pain, and does not sorrow, grieve, lament... so he feels one pain: physical". This could easily have been said by Marcus Aurelius or, in his modern-day incarnation, Ryan Holiday.
All Our Waves will remind you how precious your time is here, and help you think about how to spend it. Money well spent.
I was fortunate to host an event a few years ago where Jaimal spoke about his book Saltwater Buddha, so I've actually met him. He's a kind, modest man, but extremely and tangibly wise, far beyond his years.
If you haven't read Saltwater Buddha, read that first, you are in for a treat. It chronicles Jaimal running away from home at 16 to Hawaii to surf and join a monastery. It's filled with laugh out loud moments and deep wisdom.
All Our Waves Are Water picks up where Saltwater Buddha left off. Jaimal is headed to Dharamsala, home of the Dalai Lama and the exiled Tibetan government, to find peace of mind. Instead, he finds the inimitable Sonam, one of the cheeriest fellows you'll meet, who becomes a friend & mentor to Jaimal. The book follows Jaimal as he travels around the world, surfing, being a journalist, and looking for peace of mind. As with Saltwater Buddha, it's filled with great stories, ecstatic experiences, heartbreak, and a good deal of wisdom.
All Our Waves frequently reminds me how much Zen Buddhism and Stoicism have in common. A quote:
"Buddha says that when a "run of the mill" person is shot with an arrow...they feel two pains, mental and physical". The person trained in mindfulness ...feels only the physical pain, and does not sorrow, grieve, lament... so he feels one pain: physical". This could easily have been said by Marcus Aurelius or, in his modern-day incarnation, Ryan Holiday.
All Our Waves will remind you how precious your time is here, and help you think about how to spend it. Money well spent.
January 6, 2019
Since I attempted surfing in Aug 2017 (for the first time in my life) and got really into it last year of May I have read numerous surfing handbooks, bought a history of surfing, and began to read some surfing-memoirs.
Barbarian Days was the first one, beautifully written by a 'Boomer' who was really into politics and flourished his career at The New Yorker, arguably the most prestigious literary magazines in the US by covering international politics. It was long like usual The New Yorker articles.
This is the third one, or considering that I have finished Yogis' two surf memoirs in sequence this book could be the second one. Partially his retreats in Himalaya (read it) and Jerusalem (skipped), he recall his memories in Puerto Escondido (been there), Bali (will be there), and Ocean Beach (will try in a year, when I start duck dive with my future shortboard).
As 'spiritual' seeker and Zen practitioner, a lot of Buddhism & Yogi stuff in this book, which I did not mind at first but as progressed started losing my focus - he was introducing the particular practice of the certain 'method' including in Himalaya, but I am not into it (In that sense, Zen and The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance and Lila by Robert Pirsig, was more into it).
Anyway, he is aware of being in the '3rd' world as an American (and White) and can do self-mockery. Also living in San Francisco. Crossing 'Gen X' and 'Millennials' feels like he is more into personal stuff than 'Boomer.' Overall, it's a beautiful memoir and especially I like the part of his surfing experience.
Barbarian Days was the first one, beautifully written by a 'Boomer' who was really into politics and flourished his career at The New Yorker, arguably the most prestigious literary magazines in the US by covering international politics. It was long like usual The New Yorker articles.
This is the third one, or considering that I have finished Yogis' two surf memoirs in sequence this book could be the second one. Partially his retreats in Himalaya (read it) and Jerusalem (skipped), he recall his memories in Puerto Escondido (been there), Bali (will be there), and Ocean Beach (will try in a year, when I start duck dive with my future shortboard).
As 'spiritual' seeker and Zen practitioner, a lot of Buddhism & Yogi stuff in this book, which I did not mind at first but as progressed started losing my focus - he was introducing the particular practice of the certain 'method' including in Himalaya, but I am not into it (In that sense, Zen and The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance and Lila by Robert Pirsig, was more into it).
Anyway, he is aware of being in the '3rd' world as an American (and White) and can do self-mockery. Also living in San Francisco. Crossing 'Gen X' and 'Millennials' feels like he is more into personal stuff than 'Boomer.' Overall, it's a beautiful memoir and especially I like the part of his surfing experience.
May 14, 2018
Prior to reading this memoir I read Jaimal's first two offerings - Saltwater Buddha and The Fear Project: What Our Most Primal Emotion Taught Me About Survival, Success, Surfing and Love. Both books came to me on a cosmic wave at the exact moment I needed to read them. His latest gifting came in on the same wave, cresting me along for answers that needed revealing at this particular moment, in this particular time.
Fluidly written, easily accessible, at times hilarious, at times heart breaking, always meditative, the messages proffered by and through Jaimal's adventures and experiences mirror some of the same questionings many spirits, souls and hearts have tussled with since time immemorial.
Overall, a great read and reminder that we are all part of humanity's interconnectedness to the same tribe and that we are not a drop in the ocean but the ocean in a drop. Or, as Jaimal puts it, All Our Waves Are Water - Stumbling Toward Enlightenment And The Perfect Ride is "an attempt to understand the ocean in a drop, to find that one moon shining in the water everywhere".
He succeeds.
Fluidly written, easily accessible, at times hilarious, at times heart breaking, always meditative, the messages proffered by and through Jaimal's adventures and experiences mirror some of the same questionings many spirits, souls and hearts have tussled with since time immemorial.
Overall, a great read and reminder that we are all part of humanity's interconnectedness to the same tribe and that we are not a drop in the ocean but the ocean in a drop. Or, as Jaimal puts it, All Our Waves Are Water - Stumbling Toward Enlightenment And The Perfect Ride is "an attempt to understand the ocean in a drop, to find that one moon shining in the water everywhere".
He succeeds.
May 21, 2018
I was not sure what to expect when I received a free copy of All Our Waves Are Water. I know little about surfing, but meditation is very important to me, so I was intrigued by the premise of Jaimal Yogis' memoir. I have two little ones, and reading time is scarce on a daily basis. This book was so hard to put down! I stayed up a little later in the evenings to keep reading. I really felt like I was on an adventure with Yogis, vicariously living through his global trek. I loved reading about his Tibetan friend Sonam and learned so much from his words and his momo dough/God analogy.
I looked forward to the insightful quotes at the beginning of almost every chapter, as well. The little details in this book are what I enjoyed the most. Yogis does not paint himself as some perfect hero. He is flawed (as we all are) and trying to learn about himself and the world around him. I enjoyed this memoir so much, I'm already telling all my friends who enjoy meditation to read it.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book, but the review is 100% my opinion.
I looked forward to the insightful quotes at the beginning of almost every chapter, as well. The little details in this book are what I enjoyed the most. Yogis does not paint himself as some perfect hero. He is flawed (as we all are) and trying to learn about himself and the world around him. I enjoyed this memoir so much, I'm already telling all my friends who enjoy meditation to read it.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book, but the review is 100% my opinion.
December 31, 2017
I love the way Jaimal tells stories. The vividness puts you right there with him, from Hawaiian beaches to the Himalayas to tumbling through the waves you had the courage to face, salt in your hair and water blurring your vision, carrying you back safely to shore.
Having previously read Saltwater Buddha and The Fear Project, I've always envied Jaimal and his courage to throw himself into the unknown, exploring and learning in what might seem like the bleakest of times. I also love the way he correlates his experiences to the teachings of my favorite living sages, such as Thich Nhat Hanh and Pema Chodron. The quotes at the start of each chapter are excellent, also.
This is the last book I'll have read in 2017, and what a great way to end the year. For me, the past year has been a tough one with so many challenges and setbacks. I will approach 2018 with the title of this book in mind, and I will do my best to enjoy the ride.
Having previously read Saltwater Buddha and The Fear Project, I've always envied Jaimal and his courage to throw himself into the unknown, exploring and learning in what might seem like the bleakest of times. I also love the way he correlates his experiences to the teachings of my favorite living sages, such as Thich Nhat Hanh and Pema Chodron. The quotes at the start of each chapter are excellent, also.
This is the last book I'll have read in 2017, and what a great way to end the year. For me, the past year has been a tough one with so many challenges and setbacks. I will approach 2018 with the title of this book in mind, and I will do my best to enjoy the ride.
April 19, 2019
In this new book, Jaimal continues what he started in Saltwater Buddha. Although this time the focus is placed on his journey to enlightenment, with a tone that highlights the maturity achieved so far, the story continues to exhibit the always superb storytelling skills. I felt this book was more spiritual than "Saltwater Buddha" and " The Fear Project", dealing also with more complex thoughts and ideas. Because I'm more interested in the surfing than the spiritual path, I enjoyed a lot more the parts in which he elaborated on his life, work and surfing practice than the more religious and monastic experiences. Still, I find it's quite a lucky occasion to stumble with a book like this one: a part memoir that goes into deep philosophical ideas, tells relatable experiences, and shares inspiring lessons, all while making feel the reader like they are in the writer's skin in the unique way Jaimal's writing allows.
January 18, 2018
"All Our Waves Are Water" delivers a pithy and relatable look at the universality of the human experience, from career crises to heartbreak. Numerous times while reading, I found myself realizing that yes, other people feel the sting of life's uncertainty and pain. But also that they survived with compassion, self-awareness, and a sense of humor.
From the start, the author's emotional intelligence is clear but never overwhelming or disingenuous; reading became more like having a beer with a wise and well-spoken friend, rather than thumbing through the teachings of zen master. Aside from the valuable lessons, the plots moves quickly and offers a down-to-earth glimpse into the culture and geography of Nepal to Mexico and Bali. I've never been to any of those places. But now I want to visit — and go surfing, of course.
From the start, the author's emotional intelligence is clear but never overwhelming or disingenuous; reading became more like having a beer with a wise and well-spoken friend, rather than thumbing through the teachings of zen master. Aside from the valuable lessons, the plots moves quickly and offers a down-to-earth glimpse into the culture and geography of Nepal to Mexico and Bali. I've never been to any of those places. But now I want to visit — and go surfing, of course.
July 8, 2018
He had me at "God is the sea".
All Our Waves Are Water is a beautiful memoir about Jaimal's spiritual journey through connecting with nature, or as he calls it "stumbling toward enlightenment and the perfect ride." His authentic voice is one I don't get tired of reading. Beautifully written, these stories of heartbreak, soul searching, and walking through fears was so easy to relate to that I feel like he's a good friend. We're all on the same path, there's just many variations that lead us to the same place - our higher Self. If you're looking for a great summer read and have even just an inckling of interest in adventure, travel, the ocean, the mountains, meditation and/or your own connection to spirit, this book won't disappoint!
Thank you Jaimal for sharing your story with the world. We are kindred spirits, as I’m sure many other readers will feel as well.
All Our Waves Are Water is a beautiful memoir about Jaimal's spiritual journey through connecting with nature, or as he calls it "stumbling toward enlightenment and the perfect ride." His authentic voice is one I don't get tired of reading. Beautifully written, these stories of heartbreak, soul searching, and walking through fears was so easy to relate to that I feel like he's a good friend. We're all on the same path, there's just many variations that lead us to the same place - our higher Self. If you're looking for a great summer read and have even just an inckling of interest in adventure, travel, the ocean, the mountains, meditation and/or your own connection to spirit, this book won't disappoint!
Thank you Jaimal for sharing your story with the world. We are kindred spirits, as I’m sure many other readers will feel as well.
August 19, 2018
Yogis pulls off a literary feat here that I’m at a loss to find adequate comparison for. On one level, the globetrotting from exotic locale to exotic local (Bali, San Francisco, New York, India, Jerusalem) made me feel like I had accompanied a good friend on the ultimate road trip. On another, the intimate portrayal of the colorful cast of characters (wait till you meet Sonam, Jimmy, Eduardo, and Rotten Robbie) made me feel like I’d been at the best dinner party of my life. But most profoundly, the casually shared wisdom and insights compelled me often to pause and reflect; while reading, I had the sense that I was in residence at a spiritual retreat. In addition to all this, Yogis finds time for lots of pleasant humor and kick ass surfing tales. Just an altogether amazing, astonishing book.
August 4, 2017
Everything about Jaimal Yogis new memoir "All Our Waves are Water" appealed to me. As a surfer, yoga teacher, and Taoist-at-heart I felt a kindred spirit in Yogis sequel to "Saltwater Buddha." A man searching for enlightenment around the globe, Yogis travels to India, Bali, Israel, New York, and San Francisco. All the time Yogis is journeying inward trying to find that place of calm and focus, a place of nonduality where we are united with the universe. He finds that mostly in the ocean, and uses the ocean as a metaphor to which he constantly drifts back to find and ride the perfect wave. Yogis journey of self-discovery is a mesmerizing read, ripe with religious teachings, yogic offerings, and mindful meditations. I highly recommend.
February 15, 2018
I have loved every single one of Yogis’ books since I read “The Fear Project” in 2013. He has such a refreshing outlook on non-duality, spirituality, and finding your true path towards enlightenment in life. This book really honed in on the fact that we are not just one being- everything that we see, do, and could become is wrapped up into this beautiful, complex web of events that make us who we are. Yogis leads us through the monasteries in the Himalayas, to the wailing wall of Israel, down to Eduardo’s hut in Mexico, and then to a yogi dream retreat in Canada, all in search of a balance between following your spirituality and settling down into a more repetitive, stable routine. I can’t recommend it enough!
August 24, 2017
Several years ago I read his first book, Saltwater Buddha and was so captivated by Jaimal Yogis and his story. I was very delighted when I heard he had written another book about his journey and even more so when I was able to meet him in person to have him sign his new book for me. I really enjoyed reading his new book, it was hard for me to put it down and I finished it in a few days. I so hated for it to end, it surely left me wanting more. He continues to share his story and they way he writes has you traveling right there with him. I am re-reading Saltwater Buddha and I am sure I will end up re-reading All Our Waves when I am done. Yes, they are just that good.
January 28, 2021
Could have easily been the ego trip travel memoir of a privileged American on an enlightenment trip, but it was not that at all. This was beautiful writing courtesy of an intelligent, sensitive, and talented young person. Many lessons learned, and many new paths and perspectives discovered, all of them humbling. His experiences range from crushing ocean waves, ascetic cohabitation with exiled Tibetan monks, heartbreaks, failures, the mystery and simplicity of meditation and yoga, lucid dreaming, to listening and learning from everyone in every situation.
May 17, 2022
I read the hard covver version of the book. I was not sure I wanted to finish reading All our waves are water until I started reading about Sonam Jaimal's friend from Tibet. I felt better after reading about him.
It was also interesting to read about Jaimal and Siti I also found reading Jimmy, the queen of ocean beach, rotten robbie. I liked reading about the interesting people Jaimal met.
When I got the book to read for some reason I thought it was about big wave surfing at Mavricks. But, I was happy with the amount of surfing stories in it.
It was also interesting to read about Jaimal and Siti I also found reading Jimmy, the queen of ocean beach, rotten robbie. I liked reading about the interesting people Jaimal met.
When I got the book to read for some reason I thought it was about big wave surfing at Mavricks. But, I was happy with the amount of surfing stories in it.
August 30, 2017
I received this book as a Goodreads Giveaway. I like the fact that you don’t have to be a surfer or live near the ocean to enjoy the book, because it’s about much more than surfing and it has an universal appeal. Also one of the great strengths of Jamail´s writing is his ability to place us in vivid situations in many different locations: India, Bali, Jerusalem, NY City, Ocean Beach...Along the way, Jaimal prays and surfs until he ultimately finds what he’s been looking for.
January 20, 2018
Fantastic book! When I entered in my ratings on my spreadsheet for keeping track of books I read and how I felt about them, this came out #23 among the hundreds of books I've read. Story-driven, character-driven, and yet meaningful and enlightening. Unique and driven by Jaimal's own personal revelations, in his own words, giving "awakening" a new voice, no matter how many other good books you've read on spirituality.
This book is anything but dry! Pun intended. :)
This book is anything but dry! Pun intended. :)
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