This book is a rare find this side of the Pacific Ocean, and should be of great interest to a very large audience. Western academics of Eastern Religions, Japanophiles, Buddhist practioners, and those that just enjoy a good read of travels and adventures will enjoy this book on many different levels.

"Trekking Through Hell To Find Heaven" is the first published first hand English account of the Tendai Buddhist novice priest training, referred to as Gyo-In. You'll find between its pages an account of what is nothing short of a spiritual boot camp that is both physically and spiritually demanding. Interspersed throughout Rev. Jion's Gyo-In experience are related stories spanning his ten years of training in Japan and subsequent experiences at the Hawaiian Tendai Mission.

There really isn't an equivalent type of organized training in the West. When picking up this book be ready for a most eye opening read of what makes up every Tendai priest's personal background. Rev. Jion describes both the exoteric and esoteric phases of training, the struggles of the mid-term and final exams, the strenuous mountain circuits to various holy shrines, and many other enlightening aspects of this one of a kind school atop Mt. Hiei. This book is a definite page turner from beginning to end.

As the parents of Don, we have eagerly awaited the arrivel of his first publication. After reading it, we are amazed at the inner strength and courage of the seminary students. Rev. Jion captures the readers interest from the first page and holds it throughout the narrative. This journal of Don's "Quest" to find what he is searching for was a wonderful insight into the fine young man who is our son. Thank you Don. We salute you! Elizabeth and David Prosser, Don's parents, Watertown, NY

Patients have given me their self published books in the past and they always have been dull to stupid. However, this book immediately captivated me and allowed access to an amazing inner world of esoteric training in Japan. From the beginning to the end Rev. Prosser’s experience is told in a fun, engaging, humorous and enlighten manner. I laughed, smiled, gasped and cringed and more. I think whether a Buddhist or Martial artist or Japan addict you will find this book fascinating.