Review: “An American Buddhist Life: Memoirs of a Modern Dharma Pioneer” by Charles Prebish

This summer, Sumeru Books released “An American Buddhist Life- Memoirs of a Modern Dharma Pioneer” by notable Buddhist Studies professor Charles Prebish, which recounts his personal journey in undertaking a lengthy and remarkable half-century career helping the dharma take hold and flourish in the West.

Prebish was one of the first to undertake a program of Buddhist Studies in the 1960’s, having found an appreciation for a class he had taken somewhat on a whim. His memoir delves into the transformation from a Buddhist student to a scholar as having spent time at Naropa and jetting throughout the United States to teach as well as to deliver presentations, he was fortunate to have encountered many of the leading thinkers and teachers in Buddhism during the heyday of Buddhism arriving in North American soil,  on through to the present day.

This book is a valuable work that gives in intimate peek into the path of a student-teacher-practitioner and speaks to the unique challenges faced in this career choice. Prebish had been knocked around, passed over, received accolades and promotions and was mentored and was a mentee both during and long after his retirement. Throughout his career, he has written many journal articles, attended numerous conferences and has made countless connections within and outside of Buddhist and religious studies circles.

Many topics are covered within the pages of this book including the role of student- practitioners as well as the unique (and apparently quite rare) group of professors who are open with expressing that they are both teachers and practitioners . Prebish also delves into subjects such as racism within Buddhism and the dearth of ethnic Buddhist voices being listened to (cue his disdain forHelen Tworkov) or being provided opportunities in American Buddhism (with a shout out to the awesome Angry American Buddhist). He also poses the question of “Who is a Buddhist?” and provides insight on diverse topics such as the spreading of the dharma via online channels, whether dogs have Buddha-Nature and questioning on where the study of Buddhism is going and whether it will continue to be a strong as that which the first wave of Western Buddhists threw their whole beings into (Spoiler Alert: He’s optimistic!)

Curiously enough, with the title of “An American Buddhist Life”, this book dedicates a large amount of space to leading Buddhist Studies professors, authors and students based in Canada. Prebish has done a great deal to enrich my knowledge in Canadian Buddhism (which is essentially Buddhism with a bit of an eh added to it) and has left me with a page full of notes on books, journal articles, professors, teachers and websites that I want to check into. Like any professor and author worth his salt, Charles Prebish has left me with a desire to learn more, so if you have an interest in Western Buddhism, one man’s journey on the path, or wish to read more about Buddhist Studies and the path of the scholar, I’m certain you will enjoy these memoirs as well.