Taranatha simply and quite movingly tells of his struggle through depression, alcoholism, over-identification with work as a general practitioner, a sense of worthlessness--to then find and embrace Buddhism. His is an 'everyman' tale of a family man pursuing a caring profession yet losing care for himself in it all. Honest, sometimes sad, often entertaining, full of personal stories which resonate with many of us, Taranatha's story rings true--and gives hope.

Born in New Zealand, Taranatha trained as a doctor, primarily in London. Recovery from alcoholism loosed long-suppressed spiritual energy which eventually found a home with the Friends of the Western Buddhist Order. Following retirement, he pursued full-time involvement with Buddhism.

Steps to Happiness: Travelling from depression and addiction to the Buddhist path, Taranatha, Windhorse Publications, 176 pages, $14.95

Born in New Zealand, Taranatha trained as a doctor, primarily in London. Recovery from alcoholism loosed long-suppressed spiritual energy which eventually found a home with the Friends of the Western Buddhist Order. Following retirement, he pursued full-time involvement with Buddhism. He now lives in a men's community in Auckland and teaches at the Auckland Buddhist Centre.

introduction	1
the turning point	3
kawau island	9
depression	12
limbo	20
death ... and life	22
recovery	32
childhood	36
boarding school	45
university	50
career	54
becoming a family doctor	58
the family doctor	64
treatment	69
lighter moments	72
death	77
finding the way	89
the discovery of compassion	93
opening the heart	100
alone	105
testing the water	112
the family within	116
subhuti and friendship	125
going forth	129
the secret valley	135
the return journey	143
rivendell	147
communities	152
a buddhist in the city ...	158
... and in the bush	169
growing old	177