how joyous efforts work: the energy to benefit others

Troy, a young man in his early twenties who has struggled with substance abuse and a quick-fisted temper, seeks to extinguish his habits of the past under the guidance of a Buddhist sage. Continuing his journey with the theme of the previous three books: ＂When the student is ready the master appears,＂ it’s in the thick of a New England summer when Troy meets Jules, a wise teacher and a master luthier (builder of string instruments). Using the luthiers’ skills as metaphor and meditative support, Jules guides Troy as he takes on the challenge of integrating the deeper points of the Buddhist view with every aspect of his own life. This includes navigating the death of his uncle, and balancing his spiritual practice with his relationship with Maggie, a young art student who works with him at the local diner. As Troy strives to truly comprehend what it means to develop wisdom, equanimity, and compassion, will he be able to gain mastery over his inner demons when things go dreadfully wrong?

This touching story of Troy’s journey presents one of the world’s most profound teachings on compassion and wisdom. Set in present day New England where the characters’ ordinary lives and challenges are recognizable as being similar to our own, we find that it is not necessary to be Buddhist to benefit from the teachings in this story.

Janet Kathleen Ettele -- Janet Kathleen Ettele is an author, musician, teacher, coach, mother and grandmother residing in Connecticut. As a student of Buddhist dharma, she brings its teachings into contemporary practice through her writing and music. Janet graduated from Berklee College of Music, and worked in the entertainment industry prior to being a mother and all that followed. For more information go to https: //janetettele.com/ His Holiness the Dalai Lama -- His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, was born in 1935 to a peasant family in northeastern Tibet and was recognized at the age of two as the reincarnation of his predecessor, the Thirteenth Dalai Lama. The world’s foremost Buddhist leader, he travels extensively, speaking eloquently in favor of ecumenical understanding, kindness and compassion, respect for the environment, and, above all, world peace.