An able chronicle of one person's approach to Buddhist practice

Motivating | Stumbling Toward Enlightenment | Geraldine A. Larkin

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	• Stumbling Toward Enlightenment Geraldine A. Larkin Celestial Arts, 1997 - 231 pages average customer review:based on 18 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Finally, a book that Buddhism seekers can understand

After reading many books about Buddhism and not getting a whole lot from any of them, I found Geri Larkin's book, Stumbling Toward Enlightenment. I was on a late night book store run with my wife. I found the shelf with the Buddhism/Zen materials and picked up Larkin's book. The title really hit home, because I stumbled through Catholicism until I finally walked away from it, and because I pretty much stumble through everything. I bought it and gave it a home on our coffee table.

If you're interested in starting a walk with Buddhism, I highly recommend this book. The author sprinkles in meditations here and there, but mostly it is an honest account of what she went through during the initial stages of her exploration into Buddhism (go clean the bathroom). She discusses the tenets of Buddhist beliefs while telling funny and heartwrenching stories about the changes that unfolded as she learned to let go. I liked it very much. It has spurred me on to find other books about Buddhism.

Kevin Gerard
Conor and the Crossworlds: Breaking the Barrier
Conor and the Crossworlds, Book Two: Peril in the Corridors

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An able chronicle of one person's approach to Buddhist practice

Sometimes the usefulness of a book is evident by the number of short but potent sentences that stay with me long after I've finished reading it. By this standard Larkin's book is a real jewel. I've been encouraged and sustained many times by remembering some of the simple, profound truths I found in this book, such as "It's never a straight line (p. vii)." "At worst, we face a day of conscious spiritual practice (p. 140)." "The trick is to just keep going (p.182)." It's a deeply personal account of the author's own journey, and although it drags a little in places it does a fine job of bridging the gap betwen American sensibilities and Buddhist precepts.

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Motivating

I was on vacation in San Diego last week when I stumbled upon this book at the Upstart Crow bookstore. Well I got some tea and sat down to just skim it before continuing my sightseeing. Well I sat there for four hours - 4 hours! And on my last day! The book is a wonderful read and her thoughts, insight are captivating and thought-provoking.

A very good read for those new to Buddhism or that are spiritually inclined - or anyone who wants to improve themselves and their outlook on life. I really enjoyed it. Thank you. By the way, I bought the book :)

Amitabha~

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the buddhist path of an american woman

Many of us revere, love, and learn from our Eastern teachers. I myself am a student of Thich Nhat Hanh's. But how easy is it to relate to a celibate elder zenmaster who was born in a different time and culture? Perhaps not so hard but Geri Larkin speaks to all of us who have questions about how to engage in a tradition so different from the one into which we were born as she chronicles her journey from businesswoman to monk, letting us know that we "can get there from here" and showing us how. Apparently it is possible to be smart, witty, honest- and headed towards enlightenment!

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a human face on Zen practice

Obviously a certain previous reviewer from the great state of Mass missed one of the main points. Lighten up, my friend!

I already have books by Chodron and Suzuki. These are wonderful books written by Zen Masters. They are excellent references and guides. But perhaps a little too distant to provide the inspiration that I found here.

I chose Larkin's book because it puts more of a human face on Zen practice. I get more from this work because it is written with humor from a western point of view. Someone who started down this road from a point closer to where I now stand. These are stories and lessons that relate more to me and hopefully will continue to prod me forward. And I thank Geri for sharing them.

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Instead of promising a straight and clear path to enlightenment, author and teacher Geri Larkin shows us that even stumbling along that path can lead to self-discovery and awakening, especially if we prize the journey and not the destination. With candor, affection, and earthy wisdom, Larkin shares her experiences as a beginning and continuing Buddhist. This spirituality classic shows any seeker that it's possible to stumble, smile, and stay Zen through it all.

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