Walking the Tigers Path: A Soldier's Spiritual Journey in Iraq

by Paul Kendel

Overview

Paul M. Kendel (SSG Ret.) deployed with his National Guard unit out of Georgia to Iraq in 2005 hoping to use his knowledge of that land to bridge the gap between American soldiers and Iraqi civilians. However, the realities of war crushed his idealism when his buddies began dying at the hands of the enemy six weeks after their arrival. Eventually, his ongoing concern for the Iraqi people alienated some of his comrades, and he felt the sting of growing conflict within himself.

Turning to the books on Buddhist teachings he had brought with him, he found solace in the written words, but he longed for more. On a whim, he emailed Shambhala International and requested assistance. An unexpected response and ongoing support from Buddhist teacher and meditation instructor Margot Neuman helped him to retain a sane and humble humanity in a situation that often plummeted into lethal insanity.

This book addresses the horrors of war from an extraordinary human perspective. SSG. Kendel did not lose his compassion in the face of grave risk, nor did he endanger fellow soldiers while he remained true to himself—rare feats in our violent world.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940012587848
Publisher:	Tendril Press, LLC
Publication date:	05/17/2011
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	320
File size:	914 KB

About the Author

Paul M. Kendel’s (SSG Ret.) first experience with the current “War on Terror” began with a deployment to Saudi Arabia with the California National Guard following 9/11. In 2005, the military deployed him to Iraq. He had been in Baghdad only a short time before he felt besieged with doubts regarding the U.S. presence in that region and saw little progress in winning the hearts and minds’ of the Iraqi people as he witnessed the hardships the American military placed on their way of life.

Disillusioned with the aggression overwhelming some of the members of his military unit and inspired by Sakyong Mipham's book Turning the Mind Into an Ally, he sent an email to Shambhala International, who connected him with Margot Neuman of the Ratna Peace Initiative (formerly Ratna Prison Initiative.) They corresponded throughout his deployment, and upon his return home, he deepened his involvement in the Shambhala Community through programs with the Sakyong Mipham, President Richard Reoch and Pema Chodron.

Following his return from combat in the spring of 2006, SSG Kendel spent the next three years dealing with the end of his marriage, the loss of his mother from cancer, and the friends who died in Iraq. During this period, he delved deeply into the Shambhala Buddhist teachings and the practice of meditation.

January 2009, found SSG. Kendel training for a deployment to Afghanistan. During that training, he aggravated a previous injury and did not deploy with his men. He spent the next ten months on active duty recovering from his injuries and spending quality time with his two young sons. Released from active duty in March 2010, he is currently teaching world history and special education at Andrew Jackson High School in Jacksonville, Florida. SSG. Kendel holds an M.A. in both History and Anthropology. He is actively working on a second book.