Surfing the Himalayas: A Spiritual Adventure by Frederick Lenz

One sentence summary:

A young man travels to the mystical land of Nepal and learns about the true meaning of life through his adventures in surfing and spirituality.

Book genre:

Spiritual fiction

Main topic of the book:

The journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening through the practice of surfing in the Himalayan mountains.

Key ideas:

• The pursuit of materialistic desires does not bring lasting happiness, true fulfillment comes from within.
• Seemingly ordinary activities like surfing can become profoundly spiritual when done with the right mindset and intention.
• The Himalayas hold ancient wisdom and offer a spiritual sanctuary for those seeking inner growth and enlightenment.

Main parts of the book and a short summary:

• Part I: Discovering the Call
  The story begins with a young man named Fred who is guided by a mysterious voice to travel to the Himalayas. He meets a wise old man who introduces him to surfing in the snowy mountain waves and teaches him about the power of the mind.
• Part II: Learning the Lesson
  Fred continues his journey, facing physical and mental challenges on his way to the legendary Shark Tooth Peak. Through his encounters with different characters and experiences, he learns the true meaning of life and the importance of being present in the moment.
• Part III: Embracing the Surf
  After reaching Shark Tooth Peak, Fred discovers the ultimate joy of being one with the waves and the universe. He also learns about the balance between personal desires and spiritual growth, and how to embrace both aspects of life.

Key takeaways:

• The Himalayas hold ancient wisdom and are a powerful place for spiritual growth.
• Through surfing, one can achieve a spiritual awakening and connect with the greater universe.
• The pursuit of materialistic desires may not lead to true fulfillment.
• Being present in the moment is key to experiencing true joy and inner peace.
• Personal desires and spiritual growth can coexist and complement each other.

Author’s background and qualifications:

• Fredrick Lenz was an American spiritual teacher and author who traveled extensively in the Himalayas and studied under various spiritual masters.
• He had a deep interest in Taoism and Buddhism, and combined these teachings with contemporary thoughts to create a unique approach to spirituality.
• Lenz also had a love for surfing and incorporated it into his spiritual teachings.

Target audience:

• Individuals interested in spiritual growth and self-discovery.
• Those intrigued by the connection between surfing and spirituality.
• Readers seeking an uplifting and thought-provoking novel.

Publisher and first publication date:

Blue Dolphin Publishing; 1995

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