In this wise, accessible collection, editor McLeod gathers writings from a number of well-known Buddhist writers-Pico Iyer, Tom Robbins, Natalie Goldberg, and others-along with up-and-comers whose work contributes to the study, understanding and practice of Buddhism. Environmental concerns make up a major theme of the book, a sharp turn away from more self-focused Buddhist practices of the past; in "Cranes in the DMZ," Alan Weisman writes that there's "great peace" in realizing "that we are part of a grand, changing, living pageant-one that, no matter how deep a wound it sustains, will always be renewed." That quest for peace in the face of life's suffering also drives two of the best contributions, Kathleen Willis Morton's account of her baby son's death ("The Blue Poppy") and Olivia Ames Hoblitzelle's chronicle of her husband's losing fight with Alzheimer's ("The Majesty of Your Loving"). Neither makes for easy reading, but both demonstrate how the ancient practice of Buddhism sustains the authors through their grimmest ordeals. A few essays provide practical guides that will resonate for Buddhist practitioners, but lack the intensely humane focus of the collection's best. Still, thoughtful readers of all kinds will find something here that resonates.
