What if someone born and raised in the American Midwest were suddenly immersed in the culture of a Buddhist monastery in rural Thailand? This is a true story told with unflinching introspection and honesty – along with generous helpings of humor and warmth. William Reyland’s vivid and detailed descriptions of people and places carry us instantly half way around the globe. An admittedly naïve aspiration leads, by a tortuous path, to deeper understanding—and along the way we are offered a glimpse behind the saffron robes into our common human predicament.
Professional Reviews
San Francisco Books
San Francisco Books 5/5 stars
Sons of Isan Taking Refuge in a Thai Temple 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). 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 USA,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. Reviewed By: J. Aislynn d'Merricksson, San Francisco Books.
Sons of Isan Taking Refuge in a Thai Temple
We rated this book: San Francisco Books
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.
Reviewed By: J. Aislynn d'Merricksson, San Francisco Books.
I have little time to read and have promised others that I would read their books and haven't done it. And I have little interest in going very deeply into religions and religious practices. So forgive me if I don't buy, read and review Sons of Isan.
I have a good friend, Vitoon Upathamp, who I have lost touch with and may have died by now. He stayed in my home for six months finishing his doctorate at West Virginia University in 1977. Upon completion of his studies, I accompanied him to Thailand and then spent 20 days in the country with him taking me to many places. I explored many temples. As a child, he spent time as a monk and progressed very well in his education, returning to high level positions both in college technical education (starting his own school) and with the military as a liaison to some of the peoples (he knew their languages) bordering Laos and Cambodia.
Always trying to be a noninvasive explorer rather than arrogant tourist, I never thought of living the likes of the people that I saw in several countries. I like the Buddhist religion but I never thought of practicing it.
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