Small Boat, Vast Ocean
My Years in Solitary Buddhist Retreat
A Memoir
In this time of serial distraction, an engaged-in-the-world American woman chose to jump feet first into solitary retreat in the Tibetan tradition—lasting three and a half years.
Small Boat, Vast Ocean brings the reader intimately into her unfolding inner and outer adventure. It’s the story of what this quest brought forth from the psyche, how healing was found, then giving way to a pure spiritual journey.
Based on her writing from retreat, the memoir is a collage of expository writing, reflection, essays, poetry, and observations of the natural world. A vivid relaying of experience, it includes meetings with bears, scorpions, one cougar, and other adventures while making this oceanic crossing, soul’s journey.
“…Flowing and atmospheric… By literally making her three-year retreat an open book, Berger has given those on the spiritual path an incredible gift.”
—Brian Hodel, reviewer
Diane Berger, a native of the Pacific NW, began practicing Tibetan Buddhism in 1989, receiving teachings from many of the great Buddhist teachers of our time. She later brought a reincarnated lama from Asia to Seattle where they began a thriving humanitarian organization for his region of Tibet, and a Buddhist sangha for the West. With a background in journalism, anthropology, and teaching, Diane ran the dual organization for 15 years. In 2011 she entered long retreat. She teaches meditation and Buddhism in Seattle.
Read more about the author…
2024
Book Events Coming Up
Jan 28, Sun ~ 4-5:30 pm ~ Theosophical Society, Seattle
Diane Berger in Conversation with Steve Wilhelm |
Three Years in Solo Buddhist Retreat
In-Person & Online