Chatfield, Bruce: - Bruce Chatfield was an author, builder, painter, musician, world traveller, and follower of the teachings of the Buddha. Born on the shores of the Whangaroa Harbour in the far north of New Zealand, he was the quiet one, forever drawing, creating games, and going on mysterious travels in the bush across the road. In his thirties, after great personal tragedy, Bruce chose a life on the road and a path of meditation. Supported by his skills as a mural artist, sign writer, singer, and builder, he journeyed widely across Australia, North and Central America, Europe, Southeast Asia and India, spending years in monasteries and other sanctuaries. Bruce handwrote his novels in battered journals while on the road. Once memorably writing 14,000 words a day, ensconced at his table at the Garden Restaurant in the town of Puri, Orissa, India. He eventually settled after returning to New Zealand, finding peace and rest at Bodhinyanarama Buddhist Monastery in Stokes Valley near Wellington. He passed away in November 2022 shortly before this book went to print.