In 1983, he began building the monastery in Australia where he now lives, but as his stories tell the monks were so poor and in need of buildings that he used a door reclaimed from the rubbish tip for a bed and taught himself plumbing and bricklaying. More recently, he has taught the timeless Buddhist philosophy to Westerners of all walks of life, led meditation groups in Australian prisons, and counselled the distressed, the funny and the bereaved. The stories that emerge thoughtful, funny and enlightening. Told with wit and wisdom, these tales reveal the qualities of devotion, humility and diligence. They also expose moments of insight, wisdom and compassion in the lives of ordinary people. The modern tales of hope and love, forgiveness, freedom from fear, and overcoming pain cleverly relate the timeless wisdom of the Buddha's teachings and the path to true happiness.