The Buddha Sat Right Here

“The Buddha Sat Right Here redefines what memoirs can be. Moes spins a great tale of family, adventure, human connection, and generosity.” —Rita Banerjee, author of Echo in Four Beats and CREDO, and Director, MFA in Writing & Publishing, Vermont College of Fine Arts

“A chatty, animated American family pilgrimage that effectively conveys the author’s inward search for spiritual meaning.” —Kirkus Reviews

"The Buddha Sat Right Here, like India, is a veritable kaleidoscope of experiences. Vacillating between that of a vibrant travelogue, a heartwarming family tale, a spiritual study, and a comedy sketch, Dena Moes’s fine storytelling captures the human character of international travel." —Foreword Reviews

“Prepare to be inspired! What a gift to be invited along on this down-to-earth journey of enlightenment. THE BUDDHA SAT RIGHT HERE will open your heart, crack you up, and maybe even radically change all the ways you engage in parenting, adventure, and the Buddhist path. Dena Moes's writing is magical, and Clarabel and Sophia’s contributions make this a multilayered and truly unique family memoir.”—Ariel Gore, bestselling author and founder of Hip Mama

“Like all the best travelogues, THE BUDDHA SAT RIGHT HERE is equal parts far-flung experience—the vivid colors and flavors of India—and internal pilgrimage, and I felt lucky to be along for both. Dena Moes is a writer of great intelligence, humility, and sparkle, plus she made me laugh. I loved reading about her family’s wild and beautiful transformation.”—Catherine Newman, author of Waiting for Birdy and Catastrophic Happiness

“. . . a revelation. Dena Moes’ retelling of her family’s odyssey will make you rethink every aspect of your life, and you’ll likely fall in love with motherhood and marriage all over again. Her insight and honesty are truly a gift to her readers.” —Annabel Monaghan, author of Does This Volvo Make My Butt Look Big?

“Written with clarity, insight and enthusiasm this remarkable story will have you rooting for the Moes family from the beginning. Part travelogue, part spiritual guide, and part family drama, this story of the adventure of a lifetime has all the ingredients of great literature.”—Daniel Veidlinger, Professor Asian Religions, California State University, Chico

“ . . .a moving story of adventure, motherhood, and love. Dena Moes and her family set out on the adventure of a lifetime, finding along the way much more than they bargained for and exactly what they needed. Set among the colorful and spiritual backdrop of India and Nepal, this book stirred up a serious case of wanderlust in me and was a great reminder of the magic that happens when you step into the great unknown.”—Kim Dinan, author of The Yellow Envelope

“Dena Moes is a brave soul, keen observer, and powerful storyteller. I truly enjoyed tagging along with her and her family on their eight-month journey across India and places beyond. From the chaos of the crowded cities to her search for that perfect moment between breaths, Moes—by turns a midwife, a budding Buddhist, a mother, and a wife—enthralls and enlightens. There’s a lot to love about The Buddha Sat Right Here.”—Lisa Kusel, author of Rash, A Memoir