The Complete Guide to Buddhist America
Shambhala, $23.95
ISBN 1570622701

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Where do American Buddhists go? No, this is not a Zen koan. The answer to this, and to almost every other question about American Buddhism, can be found in the comprehensive and enlightening book, The Complete Guide to Buddhist America. This unique reference book, an expanded edition of Buddhist America, features articles by today's foremost Buddhist teachers and detailed listings of over 1,000 meditation centers in the U.S. and Canada.

I was impressed by the sheer number of sanctuaries, especially those that have sprung up in the unlikeliest of places. For instance, the Vietnam Buddhist Center in Sugarland, Texas, a beautiful oasis, does not exactly conform to our image of a Texas landscape -- or way of life. But then again, if there is one thing that I've learned from this book and from my own, limited experience with Buddhism, it is that truth can often be found when expectations are not met.