“His portraits of suffering people at the lowest points of their lives makes for elevated reading, buoyed by Kusala’s unfailing compassion and intrepid sense of humor. It is often his doubts and humility in the face of hostility that win people over: He is not afraid to say, ‘“I don’t know.”

-- Tricycle Magazine / Fall 2024

Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or new to the path, these stories will leave you with a deeper understanding of how to cultivate inner peace and make a positive impact on the world around you.

Set in the urban din of Los Angeles, American monk Kusala Bhikshu takes readers on a journey through the heart of practical Buddhism. In his wry and humorous memoir, Kusala invites us into his world of twenty years of volunteer work in the most unlikely places: juvenile hall, prison yards, hospice rooms, and even alongside the police as a ride-along chaplain.

Through poignant anecdotes and insightful reflections, Kusala reveals the transformative power of Buddhist principles in the midst of everyday chaos. With wit and wisdom, he demonstrates how compassion, patience, generosity, and resilience can be lived out in the most challenging circumstances.

“I think the practice of Buddhism is done 'on and off the cushion' when we face difficult people and circumstances. Buddhist practice is about applying the dharma to the challenges of everyday life."

—Kusala Bhikshu