- Urban Dharma the Book -

"Kusala Bhikshu’s colorful account covers twenty years of “doing Buddhism rather than being Buddhism.” Kusala traveled around Los Angeles by motorcycle and served as a chaplain at a prison, a juvenile detention camp, and a hospital. He was also a ride-along chaplain for an Orange County police department.

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 / "What We're Reading"

Urban Dharma in Paperback, Kindle and Nook
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"Set in the urban tapestry of Los Angeles, CA. American monk Kusala Bhikshu takes readers on a journey through the heart of practical Buddhism. The wins and losses, successes' and failures, the insights and blind spots of compassion and kindness. Each chapter serves as a testament to the viability of Buddhist teachings." -- Black Boat Media - 2024

*** An excerpt from Chapter 2 - The Prison Year - 1995 in PDF - Click Here

Photo - LA Times - 1997 /// Kusala's - Homepage

Reviews -- "I'm finding your book both interesting and well written, and I like the way you gently weave in your Buddhist reflections on what you're seeing or experiencing." - Fr. William Skudlarek, OSB, Secretary General of Monastic Interreligious Dialogue

"This book is good! I'm enjoying it... I've had to put the book down and reflect on simple but profound sentences like this, "It reminded me that the seed of ignorance and delusion are carried deeply within us, and have potential to take root at anytime" (page 68). The book provokes contemplation and reflection... Thank you!" - Horton M.

"I just finished your book - it was wonderful. Thank you (and Rebecca!) for writing it. You both have done a great service to the world by documenting a life of kindness and compassion. You are an inspiration to laypeople like me." - Ben N.

"I have been following Kusala Bhikshu on Facebook for a couple years and was interested to read more about his life as a Buddhist monk who lives in a meditation center in the Koreatown section of Los Angeles. Overall, this is a book about one man’s journey into kindness and compassion in working to reduce suffering. The book presented a gateway to reflect more deeply on life choices, Buddhist teachings, and the value of the here and now." - Ron J.

"It’s very well written and insightful. It feels intimate and authentic. I particularly like the balance of Buddhist thinking and humor." - Kev R.

"I finished it. It’s a great read and a very subtle Buddhist guide." - Weber B.

Kusala's Urban Dharma on YouTube

Publisher: Black Boat Media LLC
Publication date: 03/20/2024
Pages: 230