Instinct for Freedom

Library Journal

Clements has led an extraordinary life. A dharma teacher, he was not only the first American Buddhist monk in Burma but as an activist has been engaged in the struggles of the peoples of Burma and the former Yugoslavia. Here he ruminates on his spiritual development, offering autobiography, detailed descriptions of his meditation practice under some of Burma's most respected teachers, and vivid portraits of his sometimes harrowing experiences in the world's trouble spots. As the book progresses, it is difficult to grasp his ideas completely: though he acknowledges his debt to his teachers, his somewhat radical view of the Buddhist teachings will prove confusing to readers without a solid grounding in Buddhist thought. In his attempts to convey the depth of his meditative experiences, he often lapses into clich -"It felt like a pure transparent flow of referenceless presence"-and the final chapters, in which he puts forth his ideas of a "World Dharma," lack a clear focus. Some readers will find his story inspiring, and experienced practitioners will find ideas that challenge their assumptions about Buddhist ideals. Most readers, however, would benefit more from clearer, less self-absorbed works, such as Jack Kornfield's After the Ecstasy the Laundry or Pema Children's The Places That Scare You.-Mark Woodhouse, Elmira Coll. Lib., NY Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.