A Transformative Book of Photography and Pithy Sayings, Reviewed By Melody Schubert

"The photographic images of Buddhist iconography found in this book, as well as the pithy sayings... help elevate the mind toward the...consolation, comforting, and healing of what seems to be ubiquitous suffering and pain everywhere, and much, too much death," Simhananda.

Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Khadromas and the Way of the Pilgrim is a beautiful book. From the moment I picked it up I was spellbound by the amazing photography of Buddha. I never imaged that his image and likeness was represented in so many unique forms around the world. While there are certain physical attributes, such as specified dress and poses that remain the same; each image is capture the essence of Buddha.

I love the inspirational, spiritually uplifting, and sometimes humorous sayings that are included with each photograph. While there are many great books on the subject, few are in-depth as Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Khadromas and the Way of the Pilgrim, which present text in English, French and Italian.

Raised in California, I once stumbled upon a fragrant oriental garden. In the heart of the garden sat a figure of Buddha smiling down upon me. As an artist, I admired to soft curves and details of the statue. In the Way of the Pilgrim these photos capture the creativity and spiritual understanding that everyone will enjoy.

While Simhananda prefers to remain in the shadows, he photography speaks clearly of the passion and heart of this reclusive avid world traveler. In this wonderful book he steps aside to allow the photos to speak for themselves and draw the readers in to discovery the underlying messages of love, peace and enlightenment.

Filled with 100 large and 201 small color photographs, portions of the proceeds from the sale Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Khadromas and the Way of the Pilgrim will benefit various humanitarian organizations. The enigmatic Simhananda insists that the message, not the author or photographer, remain the focus of attention.

"I am not important, I have simply captured images teeming with spiritual power-if the reader allows their mind to open," says Simhananda.  "Buddhism is gentle and generous, as are humans at their best. My book is a celebration, a pathway to healing created by transformative photographs and prose.  Its wisdom is conveyed without judgment or pretense, but with pure love and amplification of the wondrous human spirit which binds us all." Simhananda is currently working on another photography book on the timeless beauty of Mother Nature. He is also the author of a book on Zen Buddhism. Simhananda adopted two Chinese girls, one Tibetan child, and is presently in the process of adopting a second.

"The reader of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Khadromas and the Way of the Pilgrim becomes part of something larger, a part of the universality which connects us all as kindred souls, regardless of race, religion or philosophy," says Jos'e Sen'cal, Chief Editor of Orange Palm Publications. "It is a tool which opens the door to a journey of awareness, love and peace.