Matteo Pistono

Some books come at the right time on the shelves; it is the case of “In the Shadow of the Buddha” (one Man’s Journey of Spiritual and Political Danger in Tibet) written by author and spiritual seeker Matteo Pistono.

For the past few weeks, Tibetan activists have been in the news trying to bring the horrifying self-immolations of Tibetans monks and nuns to the attention of the world leaders. Hundreds them, shouting, “Tibet is burning”, invited themselves to Cannes on the French Riviera where the G20 Summit was held. That the leaders have remained deaf is another matter, but the Tibetan issue is alive.

In the book’s Foreword, Hollywood actor and practicing, Buddhist Richard Gere explains:  Read More 

Hay House is publishing "In the Shadow of the Buddha" in the UK, India, Australia, South Africa, and elsewhere the second week of September. Hay House has named Matteo Pistono their author of the month coinciding with book launch events in London Sept 6-12th. As part of launch, Hay House is featuring on their website an extract from the book, videos, Matteo's talks and appearances while he is in the UK, and discounts on book, as well as this interview with Matteo:

An interview with Matteo Pistono

If you were an animal, what animal would you be and why?

Probably a dog, and I’d be my own dog’s (named ‘Karpo’) best dog-friend.

What is your idea of happiness?

Happiness is an attitude that is open, naked, and fresh. Abiding in the flow of that attitude, no matter the situation — on the meditation cushion or in the halls of political debate, on a mountain top or in the middle of the city — brings great inner strength.

When did you last cry? Read More 

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Most Westerners today know who the XIV Dalai Lama is. Many would be able to recognize a picture of him. Some, like me, have even seen his wax likeness at Madame Tussauds. Less known is Tertön Sogyal, a lama who was a contemporary of the previous Dalai Lama. It is this man whose journey Matteo Pistono followed over the course of nearly ten years. Out today, “In the Shadow of the Buddha” details not only Pistono’s pilgrimage but also the countless human rights violations committed against the Tibetan people by their Chinese occupiers. Read More 

Mikel Dunham writes:

In the Shadow of the Buddha is a book about religious freedom, transmitted from a prism that refracts a quartet of incisively written points of view. What’s really remarkable about Matteo Pistono’s book is that he wears his various narrative hats with equal authority.  Read More 

KGNU 88.5 FM
Joel Edelstein of KGNU radio in Boulder interviewed Matteo Pistono about the book, Tibet and China, and Pistono's own pilgrimage throughout the Himalayas.  Read More 

I'm pleased with the review in Publishers Weekly (Nov. 8, 2010):

"Pistono draws on his experiences as a journalist, activist, and student of Tibetan Buddhism to explore the intersection between spirituality and politics. He weaves together the stories of his pilgrimages in Tibet, his role in smuggling out evidence of the Chinese government's human rights abuses  Read More 

Dates for the book tour have been scheduled for New York City, Washington DC, Baltimore, San Francisco, Denver and Boulder. Check out the events page for the locations and dates, and email Matteo on the contact page to let him know you will be attending so he can look out for you!!! See you at the book events  Read More 

Booklist has given a stellar advanced review of the book for their November 15, 2010 issue. Booklist is a publication run by the American Library Association, which has about 25,000 subscribers—mainly librarians, schools, and bookstores. Here is the review:

"From Wyoming to Himalayan meditation caves to Capitol Hill, Pistono’s account of his quest for spiritual illumination and political justice is heartbreaking and awe-inspiring. Read More 

Dutton, Penguin will publish In the Shadow of the Buddha on January 20, 2011, more than 13 years after my first pilgrimage to Tibet in the footsteps of Terton Sogyal.