Mara in the Land of Smiles is a delightful fable set in a mythical country that vaguely resembles Thailand, hundreds of years ago. It recounts the tale of the epic struggle between Mara, the Lord of Delusion, and the followers of The Great Teacher, for the hearts and minds of the populace. Mara's weapons are fear, jealousy, hatred and greed, spread and stoked by his four wicked agents on earth. As the story commences, only four souls have resisted Mara's siren call-the king of the land, an ageing monk, a poor peasant and a wealthy merchant. Mara plots the seduction of these last four virtuous citizens to secure his final victory.
 Will hatred and greed defeat love and generosity? Will jealousy and fear vanquish bravery and respect? All shall be revealed in Ajahn Ian's inspiring tale.

Mara in the Land of Smiles, Ian Mayo Smith, Orchid Press, Paperback, 2007, 98 Pages, 16 colour illustrations, $23.00

'Ajahn Ian,' (Ian Mayo-Smith) is an Emeritus Professor at an American university, who has for years been a part time resident of Thailand, and has been clearly influenced by his Buddhist faith and his love of Thailand in writing this book.