by Allan Lokos
Reading partly like a novel, and partly like a Buddhist text, Allan Lokos’ latest book, Through the Flames, takes us on his personal journey, starting with a plane crash in Myanmar, in which he was severely burned, and through his ongoing process of healing. His describes his struggles and victories as he puts his spiritual practices to the test. His willingness to share honestly about his moment to moment challenges brings a very practical clarity to our spiritual work. Because he does not try to cover over his own difficulties, he opens the door to us having self compassion for our own stumblings. In other words, he 'keeps it real’.
As someone who has read many books and articles on Buddhism and spirituality, several by Lokos himself, I appreciated his personal demonstration of how our teachings can assist us in dealing with our own lives, in both small struggles and in the major challenges we can face. I was completely engaged throughout the book, even as I read material I thought I knew well. Lokos brought me a greater appreciation of the work in front of me, and the courage to face it compassionately.
Review by Rev. Ruth Barnhart, a staff minister at Center for Spiritual Living, Santa Rosa.
Through the Flames is available from Stepping Stones Books and Gifts.
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