The moving recovery story of a family doctor, outwardly successful and compassionate, struggling through the twin demons of depression and alcoholism towards Buddhism.
Taranatha (Robin Hardwick-Smith) trained as a doctor in New Zealand and London. Feeling down and "sucked dry" his search for a way out involved him in a dramatic suicide attempt before his will to live reasserted itself. His winding path to recovery took him through Alchoholics Anonymous and anti-depressants, but left him with an ongoing sense of worthlessness and lack of direction. Fumbling in the dark, a chance encounter with Buddhism illuminated the way and guided his recovery. Finding freedom from alcoholism loosed long-suppressed spiritual energy which eventually found a home with the FWBO, Western Buddhist Order. His is an "everyman" tale of a family man pursuing a caring profession yet losing care for himself in it all.
Honest, sometimes sad, often entertaining, full of personal stories which resonate with many of us, his story rings true - and offers hope.
