The EMT asked, “any questions?” I answered, “Yes. What’s the capital of Bulgaria?”
Seven years on the road, living out of his van, The Taj Mahal Disco Fun Palace, John McManamy, age 74, woke up with the sensation of an elephant crushing his chest. He just happened to be parked in the desert next to a rig with “Buddhist” on the signage. Never waste a good heart attack. A new road adventure is about to begin …
John’s had no shortage of adventures: A sudden Grand Canyon cloudburst nearly washed him to the bottom. A mountain lion snarled at him and prepared to pounce from close range. At numerous times in his life, he has been upended by personal disaster, picked up the pieces, and started over. Now, recovering from a heart attack, he decides to join up with Dani and her Buddhist Nomads as they head north into the forests of northern Arizona.
The stakes couldn't be higher. His physical survival depends on achieving tranquility and equanimity. The Noble Eightfold Path points the way. Dani acts as John’s guide. John acts as Dani’s emotional support. Unfortunately, best intentions meet human failings. Next thing, John is on his own, with a broken-down van, seething in resentment, his heart beating furiously. The Buddha is totally forgotten. He is left once more to pick up the pieces.
“If you think you know what's going on, you have no idea what's going on.”
And just like that, John’s life changed. Well, he had to change first. This involved reaching deep into his Buddhist toolbox. Moment of truth. Something shifted. The shift led to a series of forest awakenings. Then, minding his own business, he got blindsided by what he can only describe as “The Bodhi Tree Special.” Suddenly, he entered a world where Buddha meets Oppenheimer meets brain science meets a force to be reckoned with - Flower the Skunk.
Now what?
After enlightenment - draw water, chop onions.
Life back in the real world beckons. His New Year's resolution had been simply to become known as Banjo John by the end of the year. Little did he know … a rather improbable 2024 had other ideas.
If you’re a fan of Pirsig’s Zen road philosophizing and Bill Bryson’s absurdist travel humor, this real-world spiritual adventure offers a unique personal insight into life after the end of the road.
Start reading today and see how Buddha and a friendly skunk can change your life.
Seven years on the road, living out of his van, The Taj Mahal Disco Fun Palace, John McManamy, age 74, woke up with the sensation of an elephant crushing his chest. He just happened to be parked in the desert next to a rig with “Buddhist” on the signage. Never waste a good heart attack. A new road adventure is about to begin …
John’s had no shortage of adventures: A sudden Grand Canyon cloudburst nearly washed him to the bottom. A mountain lion snarled at him and prepared to pounce from close range. At numerous times in his life, he has been upended by personal disaster, picked up the pieces, and started over. Now, recovering from a heart attack, he decides to join up with Dani and her Buddhist Nomads as they head north into the forests of northern Arizona.
The stakes couldn't be higher. His physical survival depends on achieving tranquility and equanimity. The Noble Eightfold Path points the way. Dani acts as John’s guide. John acts as Dani’s emotional support. Unfortunately, best intentions meet human failings. Next thing, John is on his own, with a broken-down van, seething in resentment, his heart beating furiously. The Buddha is totally forgotten. He is left once more to pick up the pieces.
“If you think you know what's going on, you have no idea what's going on.”
And just like that, John’s life changed. Well, he had to change first. This involved reaching deep into his Buddhist toolbox. Moment of truth. Something shifted. The shift led to a series of forest awakenings. Then, minding his own business, he got blindsided by what he can only describe as “The Bodhi Tree Special.” Suddenly, he entered a world where Buddha meets Oppenheimer meets brain science meets a force to be reckoned with - Flower the Skunk.
Now what?
After enlightenment - draw water, chop onions.
Life back in the real world beckons. His New Year's resolution had been simply to become known as Banjo John by the end of the year. Little did he know … a rather improbable 2024 had other ideas.
If you’re a fan of Pirsig’s Zen road philosophizing and Bill Bryson’s absurdist travel humor, this real-world spiritual adventure offers a unique personal insight into life after the end of the road.
Start reading today and see how Buddha and a friendly skunk can change your life.
