One Foot After Another: A Buddhist Monastic Walking Pilgrimage in Sicily

What happens when four Buddhist monastics trade the safety of the monastery for the unpredictable open roads of Italy?

In One Foot After Another, Bhante Kusala offers an intimate and soul-stirring account of a tudong—a traditional monastic walking pilgrimage—through the rugged and beautiful landscape of Sicily. Alongside companions Bhante Suddhāso, Ayyā Somā, and Ayyā Brahmavara, Kusala traverses the Sicilian countryside with little more than a robe, a tent, and an alms bowl.

This isn't just a travelogue; it is a deep dive into the heart of Buddhist practice. From the physical exhaustion of long mountain hikes to the quiet joy of sleeping in ancient ruins, Bhante Kusala reflects on the "gradual path" of letting go. Through humorous "monastic humor" and profound interfaith encounters at local Christian shrines, the book illustrates how mindfulness and kindness can transform even the most difficult moments.

Inside this journey, you will find:

• A Rare Glimpse into Monastic Life: Experience the "forest tradition" as it meets modern-day Italy, where monks and nuns rely entirely on the generosity of strangers for their daily meals.

• Spiritual Wisdom for Everyday Life: Practical reflections on overcoming suffering (dukkha), the importance of right view, and finding peace when expectation meets reality.

• Stories of Human Connection: Heartwarming encounters with curious locals, from a mayor offering a state-of-the-art meal to a kind lady providing coffee and a place to rest.

One Foot After Another is a testament to the power of "admirable friendship" and a reminder that the path to peace is found by simply taking the next step.