The Novice: Why I Became a Buddhist Monk, Why I Quit & What I Learned

by Stephen Schettini

An extraordinary quest for peace of mind. In this unforgettable memoir, a young man finds himself disillusioned by the conventional expectations of his parents, teachers, and culture. Desperate to... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1608320057
• ISBN13: 9781608320059
• Release Date: August 2009
• Publisher: Greenleaf Book Group
• Length: 345 Pages
• Weight: 1.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 6.6" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

A must read for anyone embarking on a trip of self-discovery.

Disarmingly honest and insightful, this book filled many evenings with thought-provoking reflections on both self-discovery and a young man's attempts at understanding the universe. It would be hard for most of us who were brought up in the 60's and 70's not to relate with so many of the passages in this book. Tremendously well-written, I looked forward to each chapter with excited anticipation. It left me pondering, can anyone really integrate the belief systems of a foreign culture as their own, or are we pre-programmed by our own upbringing to only be comfortable accepting the familiar? This was the best read I've had in a long time.

An Eye-Openning Journey about What it Really Takes to be Devout

We Americans hold something of an enchanted view of Eastern Philosophy. Buddhist Monks turn up regularly in our films to dispense just the right advice at just the right time to the hero, and we sell calendars every year full of Buddhist sayings like "see the truth, and you will see me". We don't stop and think about how terrible the plumbing might be in a monastery, or how awful it might be to refuse to swat the mosquitoes infecting you with dysentery because they might be your mother incarnate. For us, Stephen Schettini's memoir, "The Novice", is an injection of pure unbridled truth that forces us to see rather than simply suggesting it. Stephen Schettini grew up Catholic and, disenchanted with the blind structuralism of his native religion, left to become an ordained Buddhist monk and taught in Switzerland for eight years. "The Novice", is a remarkable tale of religious extremes, and how Schettini left both respectfully, to achieve a wisdom of his very own. The dichotomy that's created between Catholicism and Buddhism is part of what makes this book so engaging. Schettini manages to remain respectful to both even while admitting his own disengagement as a childhood student of a strict Catholic school, and in turn as an adult teacher of Buddhism. His prolific sincerity pushes the narrative forward with intelligent humor and insight, and the steady stream keeps you afloat from beginning to end. A remarkable feat given the sensitivity of its subject. Ultimately, Schettini's book is more about Schettini himself than either of the religions that he addresses, and that might just be what makes it so agreeable. Rather than agreeing or disagreeing with him, you're more apt to take from "The Novice" exactly what you bring to it. If you are unshakable in your Christian faith you'll see Schettini's incredible journey as that of a lost and wandering soul. The book would agree with that. However, if you're agnostic or atheist, then "The Novice" will second that as well. Schettini leaves the book on somewhat of an ambiguous note, with his leaving the monastery for good, uncertain of what he is to do next. This reinforces the notion that each individual's spiritual future is in their own hands, and that as much as man might try, there are no strict rules in matters of faith. "The Novice" is an enlightening and enthralling read that towers as high as any religious text in its counter stance of uncertainty. Schettini reminds us that "faith, belief and devotion are means to an end" rather than "ends in themselves". Even its title suggests the futility of ever really knowing the answers that organized religion feigns to solve. His book puts so poignantly what could take a lifetime to discover, and devout followers of any religion, or no religion, would be wise to listen.

The Novice

A great book, read it in a couple of days, hated to put it down.

A very far-reaching spiritual read

When searching for oneself, it is not uncommon to consider Buddhism. Author Stephen Schettini didn't consider this the end all be all solution. "The Novice: Why I Became a Buddhist Monk, Why I Quit, & What I Learned" reflects on his own search for self and truth as he traveled through Europe and Asia looking for answers. When he encountered Tibetans in exile, he converted to Buddhism, then found it wasn't for him. He explains his reasons and his travels, making "The Novice" a very far-reaching spiritual read.

An incredible journey

Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (8/09) "The Novice" tells the true story of Stephen Schettini's spiritual journey. He was born into a middle-class Catholic family. Yearning for something different he sets off on a journey that changes the whole course of his life. Deciding to travel to India, he becomes enmeshed in the Tibetan Buddhist culture. Along the way, he also has experiences in which he becomes heavily involved in drugs. Health problems and the drug use pull him away from his path, but they also teach him some valuable lessons. A wake-up call from a concerned friend sets him back on his way. While involved with the Buddhist traditions, his journeys take him through various countries, and into exotic places. He also encounters some incredible teachers, namely the Dalai Lama. As he is involved with his training to become a Buddhist monk, Stephen continues to hold on to his own ideas and think for himself. His unwillingness to relinquish his individual thoughts don't always make him popular with others, however, he stays true to himself. After several years, Stephen begins to realize that it is time for a change and he returns to his homeland. It appears that Buddhism is like many other religions. The teachings of Buddha, as with Jesus, are valuable, however, the politics behind the religion can be dissuading. Learning to be true to his self by living with integrity and to be "real," Stephen's life journey has taught him how to live. By writing this book, he teaches others about what is important. As with the Buddhist tradition, materialism is not important. Becoming bound to acquiring things is not the way. Happiness does not come from ownership. "The Novice" is a memoir that everyone can learn from. While the majority of us will never set out on a path like Stephen did, being able to read his story lets the reader learn about his life lessons as an arm-chair traveler. His experiences and descriptions of the places that he has been and the hardships that he has endured are incredible. Pictures are interspersed throughout the book to help illustrate his story. I really appreciate his willingness to share what he experienced. Having been raised in a very strict Catholic upbringing, and having dabbled with other belief systems, I also have come to many of the realizations that he has about what is really involved in being content and happy. His book, however, summed up my thoughts in a way that had much more of an impact on my meandering ideas. I highly recommend this memoir, "The Novice: Why I Became a Buddhist Monk, Why I Quit, and What I Learned" by Stephen Schettini.