Sons of the Buddha: the early lives of three extraordinary Thai masters

A thrilling spiritual biography—or rather, three in one—Sons of the Buddha is an excellently written, transcendent account of an all-but-lost Thailand and the early lives of three of its most prominent Buddhist teachers.
Filled with lively anecdotes and illustrations, Sons of the Buddha tells the early life stories of three master Buddhist preachers from Thailand, each of whom also has followings in North America. Ajahn Buddhadasa (1906-93), Ajahn Panya (b. 1911), and Ajahn Jumnien (b. 1936), all monks and abbots of monasteries, have been highly influential in Thai society and tireless in their work and teaching.

A preacher must have common sense, know how to turn everyday life experience into Dharma lessons, and be able to accurately assess the needs of his audience. Sons of the Buddha shows how three boys evolved into remarkable embodiments of the "preacher" ideal. Each would effect changes in moral attitudes and Dharma practices, restore Buddhism's social dimension, bridge the divide separating laypeople and monastics, and champion an openmindedness toward other religions. In these delightful stories-full of local color-we see what it was that led them to become so fearless and influential.

PRAISE
"In its own way, this remarkable book is a sermon which honors three monks by replicating the simplicity, directness, and humanism that is part of their own style. As an intimate portrait of coming of age in old Siam, or as a subtle sermon about life and learning, this is a very lovely book."
—Bangkok Post

"I applaud Kamala's wonderful work. More than any other writer, she shows us the rich tapestry of Theravada Buddhism in Southeast Asia. Sons of the Buddha is a very cool book."
—Jack Kornfield, author of A Path with Heart

"Sons of the Buddha is full of unique stories that will be compelling to any adventurous and imaginative reader."
—Brian Karafin, Professor of Religious Studies, Ithaca College

"Full of adventure stories, some amusing, some scary or sad, but all very compelling."
—Eastern Horizon

"This is a beautiful, life-enhancing book. You'll be swept up into an unfamiliar world made tangible and massively present."
—Stanley O'Connor, Emeritus professor, Cornell University

"This volume examines the early lives of three famous monks from Thailand: Ajahns Buddhadhasa, Panya, and Jumnien. The author lovingly reconstructs their childhood and adolescent years as an evocation of the dharma strengths of each man. At the same time, she illuminates the culture of rural southern Thailand in those years, which was grounded in both Buddhism and environmental values. I found the book fascinating. Overall, it is very well researched and provides information not available elsewhere in English. It is a detailed and beautiful recreation of three notable lives, (and it is) equally a song of praise for the culture of that time and place. .. The book is a joy to read and an inspiring reminder of our cultural possibilities. It is uplifting and, at times, magical. It strengthens one's faith in our human potential."
—Buddhadharma

"As an intimate portrait of coming of age in old Siam, or as a subtle sermon about life and learning, this is a very lovely book."
—Bangkok Post