Walking the Tiger's Path: A Soldier's Spiritual Journey in Iraq
The actions expected of soldiers, and the personal choices that they must make during war are the actions and choices we all experience but they are magnified a thousand-fold. InWalking the Tiger s Path, SSgt Kendel offers a rigorously honest account of the thoughts that led to his own choices and the consequences of those actions that he experienced. He tells his story with a clarity and openness that allows his experiences and struggles with choices to become lessons that others can recognize. SSgt Kendel offers experiential proof that Buddhist teachings can have value in whatever situation we might find ourselves in.What sets some Buddhist oriented writings apart from others are the lessons that can be realized by those who seek them out. This has been true with books as far apart in subject and presentation as Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig, to Breakfast with Buddha by Roland Merullo. InWalking the Tiger s Path, SSgt Kendel practices the Buddha s teachings in the midst of violence, hatred and fear, not an easy task, but one he relates in a sincere voice. His courage in regards to an aspect of the Eightfold Path, Right Livelihood, can be a mirror to others who strive to walk the Middle Path in this time of economic uncertainty. We can commit to a purpose some might not view as right but with commitment and effort one person can have a positive karmic effect on how that purpose is pursued.In an email Kendel writes, The karmic consequences of my actions over the last six months have really been bothering me. I knew coming over here that I wasn t going to make a real difference in the greater scheme of things because I m just a soldier . . . Throughout this revealing look at the difficult duty of a soldier doing his duty while trying to hold to his values SSgt Kendel causes more positive karmic consequences than he may ever realize.A moving personal story, a exciting war story, and a difficult spiritual journeyWalking the Tiger s Pathoffers elements of all three. For anyone looking to learn how the Buddhist path can be a useful and productive component of contemporary life I recommend experiencing SSgt Kendel s story.by Ven. Wayne Hughes (Ren Cheng) --Engaged DharmaKendel's story is beyond unique. How can one kill and pray and maintain one s own sanity and humanity. War is not glorious, rewarding or any other upbeat metaphor, war is truly Hell.Rarely do civilians have an opportunity to see the true nature of war. Not the five o clock version, but the reality. Take the time and read his story and you will understand a number of things, but PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), is my focus.A Chef's Cauldron! Place anyone in an unfamiliar environment throw in a dash of uncertainty, fear, and enormous stress, a pinch of unknown good and bad guys that are armed, and you have a real live stew of danger. This danger is both physical and mental. Society seems to feel a soldier can return from war and simply turn that engine off. He/she is not a car or television. Watching the evening news does not make you a combat veteran.That he was able to maintain some compassion amid this quagmire speaks well of his inner self. Is Kendel a hero? Perhaps not in the sense one might identify with an Audie Murphy, but heroic to be sure in how he came to deal with all that was going on within and around him.A soldier with conviction amid the brutality of war is worth the read. Walking the Tiger s Path is such a story.by Jim Greenwald, Lead Reviewer --Military Writers Society of America (MWSA)