Phra Farang: An English Monk in Thailand

As one totally unfamiliar with Thailand and only vaguely familiar with Buddhism, I found this to be a useful introduction to both. Phra Peter writes with some degree of humility and humour, and sketches in details of his difficulties coming to terms with a complete upheaval in lifestyle, which ultimately, I felt, left something wanting. However, being very familiar with Western monasticism, it was interesting to read a different take on the idea of giving one's life over to religion.
There were very humourous incidents in this book, together with some which made me reflect on a deeper level, but nothing really sublime resulted from it.
I would recommend this to people such as myself who are new to both Buddhism and Thailand as a useful overview of both cultures.

Lack of Wisdom (1/2 people found this helpful)

Sadly no deep spiritual insights. A vaguely amusing travelogue by a writer, whom one might suspect, had become a Buddhist monk to sell a book.
Though as a writer Phra Farang is no great observer either. There are no details as to types of trees (aside from the very obvious like coconut trees), or interesting descriptions of the rural idyll to which he has retreated. Strangely he tells of a boa constrictor being captured in the nearby rice fields. If this was the case, then the amiable boa was even more of a Farang then he was. It's a South American snake.
Though the good Phra manages a cheesy, St Francis of Assisi type, moment removing a wire from the boa's (probably a Burmese python's) throat. With it's head on his lap Not quite as saccharin as him observing a Thai monk meditating in the grounds of a Buddhist monastery in Wimbledon with a squirrel in his upturned hands; but close.
When the good Phra went on to speak of poisonous millipedes; I had to close the book It's centipedes; Oh Light of Wisdom; centipedes!millipedes may smell but they're certainly not poisonous.
If the venerable Pha was really in search of enlightenment we would never have heard of him. You can't escape the Sea of Samsara by seeking media attention. I'm a Buddhist get me out of here!

Nice one, Light of Wisdom (1/2 people found this helpful)

As well as being a great personal memoir, this has to count as a valuable ethnographic document for anyone interested in Thai Buddhism on the ground, as also the phenomenon of Western apprenticeships in the Asian Theravada. It's a heartwarming account of the trials and endurances of a genuine and admirably compassionate seeker (his monastic name means, aptly, Light of Wisdom), whose engagingly unadorned account, dense with detail, marked by affection and respect for his hosts, and nicely tricked out with victimless humour, puts paid to any notion you might have that those pursuing such a path are somehow ne'er-do-wells seeking an escape route in a 'simpler' society. Viva Phra Farang!

[Memorable gem (from a monk to Phra Peter): "When you're with a lot of people, behave as though you're alone. When you're alone, behave as though you're with a lot of people".]

a wonderful read (1/2 people found this helpful)

I read this whilst on holiday in Thailand and couldnt put it down.It made me laugh out loud many times and was a light hearted yet fascinating view of Buddhist practices.Even if you are not interested in Buddhism I would recommend this book.

Not just a great writer..... (0/1 people found this helpful)

Living very close to the temple in Nakhon Sawan and having the opportunity to visit Phra Peter regularly, I can say that he is not only an incredible writer, but a brilliant person who is always extremely anxious to help others and does so in many ways. He has for the past few years been running a trust fund to help further the education of Thai students, mainly from the funds from his book and also donations from readers. But overall he is an especially cool guy and although he lives an extremely different way of life to many of us, he is just the same in many ways and probably the wittiest person i have ever met.

Phra Farang: An English Monk in Thailand

Phra Peter Pannapadipo

Reader Reviews:

Meaningful but not too deep (2/2 people found this helpful)

Lack of Wisdom (1/2 people found this helpful)

Nice one, Light of Wisdom (1/2 people found this helpful)

a wonderful read (1/2 people found this helpful)

Not just a great writer..... (0/1 people found this helpful)

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