Sangharakshita's Diary, May 2011

Vidyaruchi, Sangharakshita's secretary, writes with his monthly update on Bhante's activities, saying -

"There is little to say this month, for, aside from a visit to the acupuncturist, there have been few disruptions to Bhante's usual routine of visitors and walks in the garden. Even the audio books have been largely unheeded, as most of Bhante's attention has been occupied with his current writing project, called 'Reveries and Reminiscences', the first instalment of which appears in this month's Shabda, and the dictating, typing, and editing of which generally takes much of our morning session.

"As well as progress with a new literary project, the last month has seen previous publications receiving attention from outside of Bhante's typical readership. The novelist Robert Irwin published in the Guardian his list of 'top 10 quest narratives', which included The Thousand Petalled Lotus at number 8 (as well as Lama Anagarika Govinda's The Way of the White Clouds). In praise of the book, Irwin says 'since Sangharakshita has a razor-sharp mind, this book can be read with profit even by those who have no interest at all in religion'. Unfortunately, now that the book has been conflated with Learning to Walk, and is published as The Rainbow Road, interested readers may not know how to obtain copies themselves.

"Fame may also be looming for What is the Dharma, which is due to play a key role in the plot of a Hollywood Film. The Fourth Noble Truth will star Harry Hamlin as a wayward movie star and Kristen Kerr as the meditation teacher assigned to rein in his excesses. What is the Dharma will be a gift from teacher to student, and an inner change in Hamlin's character will be reflected in his changing responses to the book. We hope such exposure of Bhante's books will help them become better known, and thereby further their purpose and message.

"With metta, Vidyaruchi."

A new piece of writing by Sangharakshita, 'Reveries and Reminiscences', has recently been completed and will be posted on his website - www.sangharakshita.org.