by Satyadasa David Waterston
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Spanish Edition coming soon….
“This beautifully written memoir goes surprisingly deep because it is so exceptionally honest.
Satyadasa is a talented story teller and consistently funny. The seemingly direct bloke-ishness of the writing dovetails with layers of irony. Perhaps the most enjoyable feature of The Sound of One Hand is that Satyadasa takes himself seriously enough to recall and reflect on his experience, while observing it so honestly that he can’t really take himself seriously at all. Satyadasa is unflinchingly honest and subtly aware of the gaps between the stories – both positive or negative – that we tell about our lives and their multifaceted and sometimes elusive reality.”
Vishvapani Blomfield: Buddhist contributor to Thought for the Day
“This is beautifully written. It cleverly weaves together the twin themes of disability and Buddhism, and does so with humour and humanity, with a great turn of phrase, and above all honesty. Satyadasa doesn’t whinge. There are some wonderful details, beautifully observed. We want to get to know the author; he draws us into his world, and keeps us there very happily, enjoying his company.”
Helena Drysdale, author
“… absolutely wonderful – there were times when I laughed out loud, it’s utterly delightful, very funny, touching, full of gorgeous details and wonderful characters…”
Mimi Khalvati, poet and founder of The Poetry School
I really loved The Sound of One Hand. Satyadasa’s writing is both profound and moving as well as hilariously funny in places. I know this is an extraordinarily difficult balance to strike as a writer and he does it with great success and skill. Whilst the tale is about the specifics of his life – being born with one hand and his engagement with Buddhism – it is also a beautifully written account of the archetypal human quest for meaning. I recommend it wholeheartedly”
Vidyamala Burch OBE, mindfulness and compassion teacher, speaker, and award-winning author.
Why I wrote The Sound of One Hand.
I was born without a left hand. One day I started writing about that and it turned into a book. The missing hand was a problem that afflicted my childhood. It was the thing that pinched at my happiness, caused me doubt, but also made me look deeper. And going deeper, I saw the outline of what was really missing. I began to write about the spiritual path, about doubt, and the elusive search for connection and meaning beyond the entrenched belief that matter is all there is. How does a spiritual life get resurrected in the modern world? Buddhism was also part of my family story going back to the 1950s. The tale of Buddhism coming to the West is the myth that shaped my life. I was sure if I told it well enough, people would relate to it and I’m pleased to say they have.
About Me
After working as crime reporter at the Old Bailey I eventually became a solicitor. My main interest though has always been in the Buddhist path. I lived at the London Buddhist Centre for six years in my twenties and, since joining the Triratna Buddhist Order, have lead retreats and classes. I was the first tutor for Buddhism at Eton College.
I live in East Sussex with my wife and our young son. What can I say? I like Bob Dylan. I’ve just finished reading the Barchester Chronicles. I like to wild swim, or just dip, whenever I get the chance.
Reader Reviews on Amazon
‘Brilliantly crafted, this memoir is a funny, often hilarious, story of a life in which worldly and Buddhist aspirations compete, culminating in ordination. Topics of great depth and weight are treated with a wonderful lightness, with honest and often self deprecating anecdotes running through this hugely entertaining read. I was sorry when it was over and look forward to the next volume!‘
‘This is the story of a spiritual journey for the 21st century- the search for deeper meaning in modern western society. Told with great honesty, warmth and humour – as well as wisdom. I enjoyed this book immensely!‘
‘I was totally absorbed in the book from beginning to end. I had never imagined what it might be like to be a little physically different from others & Satyadasa manages to communicate the difference in an unsentimental way that makes it just one thing is a full and engaged life, exploring looking for meaning, friendships and being part of a new Buddhist movement. I highly recommend this book and will be buying copies for friends.‘
‘The Sound Of One Hand is a beautifully written memoir, at once laugh out loud funny and wonderfully tender. Satyadasa’s honesty about his life and process makes him so incredibly human and so utterly inspiring. This irreverently reverent book is a must read for all Westerners, Buddhist and non Buddhist alike, depicting through one man’s story the struggles and doubts we face as we find meaning beyond ourselves in a world dominated by materialism. Highly recommended.‘
