Todd Calfin
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Todd Calfin

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DALAI LAMA BLESSING On July 6th 2025, I attended the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday celebration in Dharamsala. On the full moon of July 10th, I presented my book, Enlightenment on a Shoestring, to His Holiness. The book was warmly received and is now luxuriating, much like a pampered Himalayan cat, on the Dalai Lama's bedside table. Or so I like to imagine. INTERVIEW WITH TODD CALFIN What is your writing process? A calm, clear, meditative mind. In other words, a state of no-mind. In the sublime space between thoughts, the Cosmic Muse has a chance to enter. What are your five favorite books, and why? Siddhartha, The Tao Te Ching, The Alchemist, The Little Prince, and The Essential Rumi. These refreshingly simple books are potent wake-up calls. What's the story behind your books? The Keys to the Palace of Bliss (2013) is an autobiographical fairy tale about a mysterious forest dweller. Le Troubadour (2016) is the French version, translated by yours truly. Enlightenment on a Shoestring (2025) is a glimpse into the weird and wonderful world of a wandering baba. Who is Toddy Baba? Currently my pen name but ultimately my cosmic self. What is the greatest joy of writing for you? If I can inspire the reader to have a belly laugh, I have succeeded. After all, a belly laugh a day keeps the doctor away! When you're not writing, how do you spend your time? I enjoy playing the Zen flute in sacred sights around the world. My album, Forever Ever Land (2011), was recorded inside Angkor Wat and is available online for free. Describe your desk. Truth is, I don't own a desk. Nor do I own a computer. The Keys to the Palace of Bliss and Le Troubadour were written on the “Magic Desk of Existence”. In other words, when I needed a desk (and a handy computer), one magically appeared. Cyber cafes, libraries, and hotel business centers graciously conjured these items on behalf of the wayfarer. The Age of Technological Madness inevitably plucked the forest dweller from his Hawaiian oasis. A cellular device was acquired in 2017. Since I love to lounge on my back, much like a feral feline, the free-roaming desk is my soft, furry belly. The author may be contacted: palaceofbliss at gmail dot com
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