"This is a beautifully written book that is evocative, illuminating, and
admirably honest."
"Flipped my understanding of Buddhism."
"I can only imagine the dedication this endeavor took."
"Both humorous and heartwarming, we give this book our highest
recommendation."
Sons of Isan: Taking Refuge in a Thai Temple
Editorial Reviews
"Sons of Isan by William Reyland is a personal account of Taking Refuge in a Thai Temple. Many of the books that we review here are instructional and will teach you about Buddhism from a spiritual, philosophical, or theoretical perspective. Sons of Isan, on the other hand, is a memoir that allows you to share in the author's own experience of leaving the American Midwest to embark on a journey of discovery in Thailand.
This is a beautifully written book that is evocative, illuminating, and admirably honest. We here in the West often have rather romantic ideas about the Buddhist culture of Thailand. Many of us probably like to imagine what it might be like to leave the stress of our daily nine-to-five behind and instead spend our days meditating in the quiet solitude of the forest.
Sons of Isan: Taking Refuge in a Thai Temple shows us what the reality of swapping here for there is really like. The author is bravely honest about himself and his reactions to the strange new environment, and that makes it easy for readers to feel as if they're accompanying him every step of the way. Consider the following brief excerpt:
"A heavy tropical rain has begun to fall outside my cell and giggling flashes of orange robes hurry by my open door. A platoon of ants drink from my lukewarm cup of instant coffee, and mosquitoes attack my exposed feet where they feast on an area badly chafed by my sandals. I contemplate scratching, but it's already not healing very well. I decide instead to scratch around the area; the blood and filth blend into a flinty brown. I light a cigarette.
As evening begins to fall, the rain clouds burn off and reveal a giant Asian sun quivering midway on the horizon. Outside in the cambered light of the village, I hear the faint sound of water buffaloes shuffling along the outer wall of the temple, their hooves resounding like woodblocks on the steaming pavement."
Time with this book is very well spent, and anyone who has ever thought - even fleetingly - about taking off to join a Thai monastery will love it. William Reyland has done a fantastic job of sharing his experience in Sons of Isan and we are very grateful that he did. Both humorous and heartwarming, we give this book our highest recommendation."
This is a beautifully written book that is evocative, illuminating, and admirably honest. We here in the West often have rather romantic ideas about the Buddhist culture of Thailand. Many of us probably like to imagine what it might be like to leave the stress of our daily nine-to-five behind and instead spend our days meditating in the quiet solitude of the forest.
Sons of Isan: Taking Refuge in a Thai Temple shows us what the reality of swapping here for there is really like. The author is bravely honest about himself and his reactions to the strange new environment, and that makes it easy for readers to feel as if they're accompanying him every step of the way. Consider the following brief excerpt:
"A heavy tropical rain has begun to fall outside my cell and giggling flashes of orange robes hurry by my open door. A platoon of ants drink from my lukewarm cup of instant coffee, and mosquitoes attack my exposed feet where they feast on an area badly chafed by my sandals. I contemplate scratching, but it's already not healing very well. I decide instead to scratch around the area; the blood and filth blend into a flinty brown. I light a cigarette.
As evening begins to fall, the rain clouds burn off and reveal a giant Asian sun quivering midway on the horizon. Outside in the cambered light of the village, I hear the faint sound of water buffaloes shuffling along the outer wall of the temple, their hooves resounding like woodblocks on the steaming pavement."
Time with this book is very well spent, and anyone who has ever thought - even fleetingly - about taking off to join a Thai monastery will love it. William Reyland has done a fantastic job of sharing his experience in Sons of Isan and we are very grateful that he did. Both humorous and heartwarming, we give this book our highest recommendation."
-Buddhist Book Reviews
"Sons of Isan, by William Reyland, is the true story of one man's immersion in rich spirituality. At times mirthful and brutally honest, it is a tale of introspection and the journey to find deeper meaning in life. Having given away all his possessions, our intrepid narrator makes a pilgrimage to the Buddhist temple of Pramuenrat in Thailand. He went with the romantic notions fostered by Western society, whose interpretation of Buddhism is rather on the soft side. Disabused of these notions, he settles in to learn. He finds occupation in teaching English to the village children and monks, eventually teaching at the MahaChulalongkorn Buddhist college (I was pleased to recall the Siamese king for whom the college is named). Adjustment comes hard, though. Between mosquitoes, heat, restless sleep, and a scary "bathroom" with standing pools where the skeets breed, adapting takes effort and willpower. Packs of semi-feral dogs roam the temple grounds. Previous to this extreme, he studied with Thai Buddhists in a temple near his home in the US. It was this time of study that prompted a sojourn to study at a temple in Thailand. The first expedition, however, didn't end so well. There were issues of the flying-ax-handle variety, sure to put a damper on any sort of introspective study.
This memoir presents a compelling peek into life at a modern Buddhist wat (temple). I'm an anthropologist and love cultural studies. The difference between traditional Buddhism and Western-influenced Buddhism was fascinating. I found it funny that the monks at Pramuenrat could carry mobiles but not wear watches. I do have to say "Nope!" to the mosquitoes and heat. I like being malaria-free. I loved his reminiscence of the time spent with monks in the US-they were very concerned he wasn't married but had custody of his son. Exploring different cultural values provides a chance to grow, to learn, and to appreciate different cultures. Both in the US and Thailand, the Thai people seem a very warm and welcoming people. The beginning of some chapters are prefaced with a short vocabulary list of Thai words. I enjoy books that teach snippets of language.
I can only imagine the dedication this endeavor took. Sometimes, I think it would be nice to escape on a spiritual retreat like this, but I know I do not have that willpower. Would that I did. Perhaps I could find more of myself. Sons of Isan is a fairly quick read yet is full of reflective value. It will prompt you to think more deeply about your own life. Highly recommended."
-J. Aislynn d'Merricksson, San Francisco Books
"William Reyland's Sons of Isan is an exhilarating memoir that takes us to a Buddhist temple in Isan. A master storyteller, Reyland writes with great attention to detail so that his prose evokes powerful images in our minds. There is no attempt here to romanticize the experience or teach readers about Buddhism from either a spiritual or theoretical perspective. Eventually ending up as an English teacher, a designated driver, and a monk was an extraordinary experience. At times humorous, at times contemplative, it's a poignant tale of a man's physical and spiritual journey to find meaning. This is a must-read for anyone who wants to leave behind the stress of modern life and stay in a Buddhist monastery, as well as those who want to discover the purpose and meaning of life. Highly recommended."
-Readers' Favorite
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
New Release
All My Best Friends are Dead: A Buddhist Chaplain’s Path
Illuminated with stories of remarkable faith and human courage, All My Best Friends are Dead: A Buddhist Chaplain’s Path promises readers a unique and lighthearted perspective of the daily life a Buddhist Hospice Chaplain working in the conservative belly of the Midwest. Rich in reflective meaning and story telling, the book is an example of the power of compassion beyond religion and culture, told from the bedsides and Kitchen tables of small town America.
Coming Spring 2025
Jani B.
Featured in the book as one of many memorable experiences is Jani B. Jani began her music career at the age of five. Before her final bow at 97, and with the blessing of her family, I was able to record Jani B. in her home, documenting her remarkable story with photographs and audio recordings of her life of faith and music.
I'll Meet you in the Morning was one of Jani's favorites. She would be thrilled that you are listening. May it lift your spirits.