Books Written by Gabriel Constans

Buddha’s Wife is a novel about compassion, inspiration and forgiveness. Thousands of books, texts and stories have followed Siddhartha’s teachings and his path to becoming The Buddha, but little has been written about his wife Yasodhara, their child Rahula or their relatives, until now.

Yasodhara was the first woman in Siddhartha’s life, but not the last to follow in his footsteps. Why did he call his son “a hindrance” and believe women were a trap of desire and attachment “not fit to follow or understand my teachings”? How did Yasodhara and the nuns fight for equal treatment and rights? How could The Buddha have such compassion for others, yet be so scared of intimacy, emotion and love? What happened to sixteen-year-old Yasodhara and her two-day old son, Rahula, after her husband (Siddhartha) left her sleeping in the middle of the night to seek enlightenment?

As Yasodhara lies close to death and shares her experiences as a young girl, a wife, a parent and then a nun, her son Rahula, who has been in self-imposed exile in Sri Lanka, attempts a perilous journey, with his wife and child, to reach his mother before she dies and release the secrets about his father that he’s kept buried inside. Will Rahula and Yasodhara’s dharma sister, reach Yasodhara in time to ask for forgiveness? Can anyone ever forgive the unforgivable?

Buddha’s Wife tells a fascinating story, little known in the west, about the woman whom Buddha left behind. Gabriel Constans focuses the reader’s attention on the strong and complicated women who surrounded Buddha and makes us re-think the nature of spiritual life.
-- Chitra Divakaruni, international best-selling author and American Book Award winner, whose books include Mistress of Spices, Sister of My Heart and Palace of Illusions.

This book is an awesome read, insightful, woman loving - a challenge to all spiritual seekers to rethink, re-vise, and dream anew.
-- bell hooks, professor, activist and author of national bestseller all about love.

A remarkable recreation of Yasodhara’s life. It is very readable and engages readers in the complexity of issues many women have raised about Gotama the Buddha’s life and practice.
-- Katherine Thanas, Abbot, Santa Cruz Zen Center.

Luscious Chocolate Smoothies is a delicious collection of recipes that combines the rich, intoxicating taste and benefits of dark chocolate, with a tantalizing balance of fruits, nuts, tofu, liquor, juices and other unique combinations to create cool, refreshing, mouth watering drinks for all ages.

The book is interspersed with chocolate anecdotes, humor and history, as well as tips for blending and information on its vivacious ingredients.

Discover the connection between love and chocolate; delve into The Hurricane, Coyote's Howl or The Nutty Professor; and blissfully empty every cup to the last drop.

Solar Girl and Lunar Boy is a delightful collection of children stories that includes siblings tapping into their inner light to vanquish fear of the unknown (Solar Girl); humorously transforms a common experience from sadness to joy (No Smiling On Wednesdays); breaks stereotypes and teaches earthquake safety in Quake, Shake and Roll; and explores the world of ants and the environment, in As Precious As Gold.

Nothing strengthens a relationship like communication and intimacy. Whether you have been together days, months, years or decades, sharing your love and your time with your partner is the glue that binds. Everyone wants to be adored and appreciated. You don't need a lot of time and money or a doctorate in relationships to keep your marriage alive and growing.

If you or someone you know, has, is or will be confronting the reality of loss (and who isn’t), you've come to the right place. You’ve come to the right place for clarity, understanding, love and laughter. The time to start healing is now. The time to begin a new life and choose to look at your past experience with fresh eyes is now.

The prescription for what is gnawing at your guts, weighing heavily on your mind and breaking your heart, is already written. I know you will find some of the ingredients you seek within these pages.

-- Leti Parnell, BA
Educator and Grief Counselor

Reviews for Good Grief: Love, Loss & Laughter

This fun filled book contains a large collection of healthful, tasty drinks from fresh fruits and vegetables that were originally created for his young daughter and later for his growing clan of picky eaters! He was delighted at how easily and happily they consumed them. The book presents a wide variety of recipes for healthful smoothies (including some for adults only which are probably not that healthful!), shakes, and slushes, plus advice on blenders and ingredients. Delightful, whimsical line drawings by illustrator John Wincek enhance each recipe. See a page from the book to wet your appetite!





	Buddha’s Wife Luscious Chocolate Smoothies Solar Girl and Lunar Boy - Stories 101 Ways to Strengthen Your Marriage Good Grief: Love, Loss and Laughter The Penis Dialogues: Handle With Care Beyond Ones Own: Healing Humanity in the Wake of Personal Tragedy Goddess of Cancer and other Plays Picking up the Pieces Just a Heart Beat Away Great American Smoothies

Buddha’s Wife, by Gabriel Constans ISBN:978-1-934759-29-5 Category: Fiction Soft cover, 192 pages, $14.94 Publication Date: August 24, 2009 World Rights Available You can order copies right now! Purchase Buddha’s Wife at: Robert D. Reed Publishers See more at: www.buddhaswife.com Also available as a Kindle Edition.				Buddha’s Wife By Gabriel Constans Buddha’s Wife is a novel about compassion, inspiration and forgiveness. Thousands of books, texts and stories have followed Siddhartha’s teachings and his path to becoming The Buddha, but little has been written about his wife Yasodhara, their child Rahula or their relatives, until now. Yasodhara was the first woman in Siddhartha’s life, but not the last to follow in his footsteps. Why did he call his son “a hindrance” and believe women were a trap of desire and attachment “not fit to follow or understand my teachings”? How did Yasodhara and the nuns fight for equal treatment and rights? How could The Buddha have such compassion for others, yet be so scared of intimacy, emotion and love? What happened to sixteen-year-old Yasodhara and her two-day old son, Rahula, after her husband (Siddhartha) left her sleeping in the middle of the night to seek enlightenment? As Yasodhara lies close to death and shares her experiences as a young girl, a wife, a parent and then a nun, her son Rahula, who has been in self-imposed exile in Sri Lanka, attempts a perilous journey, with his wife and child, to reach his mother before she dies and release the secrets about his father that he’s kept buried inside. Will Rahula and Yasodhara’s dharma sister, reach Yasodhara in time to ask for forgiveness? Can anyone ever forgive the unforgivable? Buddha’s Wife tells a fascinating story, little known in the west, about the woman whom Buddha left behind. Gabriel Constans focuses the reader’s attention on the strong and complicated women who surrounded Buddha and makes us re-think the nature of spiritual life. -- Chitra Divakaruni, international best-selling author and American Book Award winner, whose books include Mistress of Spices, Sister of My Heart and Palace of Illusions. This book is an awesome read, insightful, woman loving - a challenge to all spiritual seekers to rethink, re-vise, and dream anew. -- bell hooks, professor, activist and author of national bestseller all about love. A remarkable recreation of Yasodhara’s life. It is very readable and engages readers in the complexity of issues many women have raised about Gotama the Buddha’s life and practice. -- Katherine Thanas, Abbot, Santa Cruz Zen Center. Return to Top of Page

Libertary Publication Date: January, 2010 Read for free or Purchase at: Libertary				Luscious Chocolate Smooties An Irresistible Collection of Heathy Cocoa Delights By Gabriel Constans Luscious Chocolate Smoothies is a delicious collection of recipes that combines the rich, intoxicating taste and benefits of dark chocolate, with a tantalizing balance of fruits, nuts, tofu, liquor, juices and other unique combinations to create cool, refreshing, mouth watering drinks for all ages. The book is interspersed with chocolate anecdotes, humor and history, as well as tips for blending and information on its vivacious ingredients. Discover the connection between love and chocolate; delve into The Hurricane, Coyote's Howl or The Nutty Professor; and blissfully empty every cup to the last drop. Return to Top of Page

Smashwords Edition Publication Date: November, 2009 Purchase: ebook version Print version				Solar Girl and Lunar Boy Stories By Gabriel Constans Solar Girl and Lunar Boy is a delightful collection of children stories that includes siblings tapping into their inner light to vanquish fear of the unknown (Solar Girl); humorously transforms a common experience from sadness to joy (No Smiling On Wednesdays); breaks stereotypes and teaches earthquake safety in Quake, Shake and Roll; and explores the world of ants and the environment, in As Precious As Gold. Return to Top of Page

Pick up copies of this Allegro mini-book at your local grocery store checkout counter.				101 Ways to Strengthen Your Marriage By Gabriel Constans, Ph.D. Nothing strengthens a relationship like communication and intimacy. Whether you have been together days, months, years or decades, sharing your love and your time with your partner is the glue that binds. Everyone wants to be adored and appreciated. You don't need a lot of time and money or a doctorate in relationships to keep your marriage alive and growing. Return to Top of Page

Paperback: 124 pages Helm Publishing May, 2005 ISBN: 0-9760919-2-5 Purchase “Good Grief: Love, Loss and Laughter” at Helm Publishing or at:				Good Grief: Love, Loss and Laughter By Gabriel Constans, Ph.D. If you or someone you know, has, is or will be confronting the reality of loss (and who isn’t), you've come to the right place. You’ve come to the right place for clarity, understanding, love and laughter. The time to start healing is now. The time to begin a new life and choose to look at your past experience with fresh eyes is now. The prescription for what is gnawing at your guts, weighing heavily on your mind and breaking your heart, is already written. I know you will find some of the ingredients you seek within these pages. -- Leti Parnell, BA Educator and Grief Counselor Reviews for Good Grief: Love, Loss & Laughter “I’ve worked in public health as an advisor to presidents and locally as a county health officer and hospice physician for over thirty years. This is one of the most practical, useful and inspiring books about loss and mourning that I have ever read. Anyone who works with grieving individuals would be well advised to have this down-to-earth personal collection available for their clients.” -- Arnie Leff, MD, Medical Director, Mission Hospice “Gabriel Constans has dedicated his professional life to being present to people walking the tender journey of grief. In the past twenty-five years he has been a messenger of comfort, peace and safety for thousands of people. Gabriel’s writings are a reflection of the knowledge and wisdom he has acquired along the way.” -- Charmiel Teresi, Coordinator, Center for Grief and Loss “This is a book for every day people. It isn’t flashy or complicated. Real situations, honest reactions and effective support. It doesn’t matter whether you are a parent, student, doctor, construction worker, counselor, secretary or homemaker. These stories and solutions will surely bring you love, laughter and hope.” -- Wendy Johnson, Teacher Return to Top of Page

Paperback: 130 pages Aslan Publishing October 2003 ISBN: 0944031943 Purchase at: www.aslanpublishing.com				The Penis Dialogues Handle With Care By Gabriel Constans, Ph.D. After seeing the Vagina Monologues, Gabriel realized the value of a similar investigation into men's feelings about their penis and its influence on them and others. Men of various ages, occupations, sexual orientations and cultures talk about love, sex, relationships and painful, humorous and joyful moments with themselves and others. This book investigates and lays bare the facts, myths, experiences, misperceptions and stories of that part of men's bodies by which they are so often defined. It goes beyond the cliches, jokes and comparisons of male virility and power as men speak from the heart with honesty, curiosity, shock, bemusement and surprise. *What people have been saying about The Penis Dialogues:* “I was struck by this book’s humor, probing curiosity and genuine compassion.” -- Eve Ensler (Author of The Vagina Monologues) “Constans has created a heads up, hands on exploration of the male member. It is both amusing and informative.” -- James McElheron (Building Consultant and Supervisor) “The book is an excellent starting point for men who have previously wondered about aspects of their sexuality, genitalia or whether or not they were “normal”. Whilst much of the book is made up of men telling of their own experiences, the book also covers a range of penis health issues and a number of entertaining tales related from the penis’ point of view.” -- www.altpenis.com “The Penis Dialogues is an informative and funny book about the life of our penis and its affect on love, sex, relationships and our health. The book explores myths, clichés, and misconceptions in a funny and curious way.” -- Gary Johnson (Publisher of Black Men in America) “If you live in any city, you have probably seen THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES. Well, along comes THE PENIS DIALOGUE by Constans, published by Aslan publishing. Not only is it hugely funny, it provides so much information about this part of a guy's anatomy. Because there so many myths and misconceptions about what is good and what is bad, this book is reassuring and comforting, and you can even laugh at your penis and its idiosyncrasies. Ladies, do your partner a favour and give him this book.” -- W Network, (Television network for Canadian women). “Eve Ensler watch out! This is a funny yet interesting insight into the world of the penis. This book is mainly collections of short stories from men and their experiences with their penises. It is interesting for both men and women to see how the penis affects men’s lives and outlook on life. Look out for sections such as “women’s eye view”, “if your penis could talk”, “penis facts” and “sing along with dick”. A great read.” -- Andrew Kelly, Library Technician, Healthy, Sexy & Wise, E-Newsletter, Volume 3, Issue 1, 2005 - Family Planning Association of Western Australia Inc. (FPWA). Return to Top of Page

Paperback - 238 pages May 1, 2001 Crossquarter Breeze ISBN: 1890109355 You Can Purchase Beyond Ones Own at:				Beyond Ones Own Healing Humanity in the Wake of Personal Tragedy By Gabriel Constans, Ph.D. Events that could, and often do, crush us psychologically (and/or physically) can also be used for personal transformation and growth. There are some individuals that find hope and opportunity in the midst of adversity and reach out to help others find comfort and healing or attempt to change laws, institutions, policies or assumptions. Join author, Gabriel Constans, as he meets with Leah Rabin, Le Ly Hayslip, Maggie and Reg Green, Jeanne White, Hazel Johnson, Lee Mun Wah, Nane Alejandrez, Candace Lightner and others to discover how ordinary human beings find the strength, courage, and tenacity to overcome the worst that can happen, climb out of the pits of devastation and help heal humanity in the wake of personal tragedy. *What People have been saying about Beyond Ones Own:* “In Beyond One's Own, we have the privilege of listening to these inspiring people as they tell us what they have endured and how. These are lessons on living that come direct from experience, lessons we all need. I hope this book reaches many, touching hearts and infusing us all with its wisdom.” -- Ellen Bass, co-author of The Courage to Heal “A deeply moving work ... highly recommended for hospice workers, grief counselors, and ministers and as a powerful affirmation for life.” -- NAPRA ReView “Gabriel Constans searches out the key to living after a loss by interviewing survivors who use a variety of activities to cope with a death ... this book is an inspiration to both the bereaved and those who support them.” -- Lynne Ann DeSpelder, author of The Last Dance: Encountering Death and Dying Return to Top of Page

Paperback: 124 pages Publisher: Dry Bones Press (January 2000) ISBN-10: 1883938449 ISBN-13: 978-1883938444 The Goddess of Cancer can be ordered at:				The Goddess of Cancer and Other Plays By Gabriel Constans A collection of one act plays about: cancer incarnated in human form as the Goddess of Cancer; a twelve-step meeting for disposed or deceased dictators, entitled "Dictators Annoymous"; "Good Intentions", which portrays four famous proponents of communism discussing their intentions at an American greasy spoon diner; and a short screen play about violence and its aftermath, entitled "A Murderous Rage".
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Contact: mar*co products, Inc. 1443 Old York Rd. Warminster, PA.18974 1-800-448-2197			Picking Up The Pieces: A program about violent death for use with middle school students By Gabriel Constans Gunfire is the second leading cause of death among Americans ages 10-19. This program includes a story about a boy who witnesses his brother's murder. It deals with the effect it has on him and his family and what they did to deal with their pain. Also included are suggestions for facilitators working with students and families experiencing loss of this kind, questions for discussion, and supplementary activities. For use with individuals, small groups, or classrooms. Return to Top of Page



Paperback - 24 pages February 14, 1996 Centering Corp ISBN: 156123088X *Purchase Just a Heartbeat Away* at:**				Just a Heartbeat Away When a Mother Dies of AIDS by Gabriel Constans "The next day Grandy and Grandpa came. Mom told them she had AIDS. The door to her room was open. We could hear Grandy crying, and Grandpa saying, 'I can't believe this. My own daughter!'" The only book for children that realistically talks about a heterosexual parent dying from AIDS. Based on a true story about children who learn to cope with their mother's illness and death. Return to Top of Page


Paperback - 126 pages May 1997 Avery Penguin Putnam ISBN: 0895297841 Dimensions (in inches): 0.42 x 8.99 x 5.96 Purchase Great American Smoothies at:		Great American Smoothies The Ultimate Blending Guide for Shakes, Slushes, Desserts & Thirst Quenchers by Gabriel Constans This fun filled book contains a large collection of healthful, tasty drinks from fresh fruits and vegetables that were originally created for his young daughter and later for his growing clan of picky eaters! He was delighted at how easily and happily they consumed them. The book presents a wide variety of recipes for healthful smoothies (including some for adults only which are probably not that healthful!), shakes, and slushes, plus advice on blenders and ingredients. Delightful, whimsical line drawings by illustrator John Wincek enhance each recipe. See a page from the book to wet your appetite! Return to Top of Page


Copyright © 2000-2009, Gabriel Constans Last Modified: January 26, 2010

Picking Up The Pieces: A program about violent death for use with middle school students By Gabriel Constans

Picking Up The Pieces:
A program about violent death
for use with middle school students

By Gabriel Constans