South of Nirvana

After being involved in a car accident, Andy quits her job and moves to a rural retreat centre. South of Nirvana chronicles her day-to-day life as she encounters Buddhist teachings, wacky characters, and the more difficult side of being Andy. She also discovers that there are many not-so-enlightened gurus around, while the true teachers may remain hidden in the background. Lighthearted, irreverent, serious and scholarly, this Buddhist novel out of Africa is an entertaining exposé of retreat-centre life. It also highlights the need to balance spiritual ideals with material reality, and will appeal to readers interested in Buddhism, Eastern philosophy, the New Age, or South Africa. Author Sue Randall (MA research psychology) has lived at a Buddhist retreat centre for the past 4 years. The text was informed by Johann van Schalkwyk, Buddhist practitioner and scholar of more than 20 years, and was reviewed by three Buddhist teachers from different traditions. Reviews and excerpts at www.mystory.co.za. 425 pages.