Buddha or Bust

by Perry Garfinkel

Buddha or Bust Quotes

Posted on October 3, 2011 by admin

‘Buddha or Bust’ is a novel book by author ‘Perry Garfinkel.’ There are many things to talk about this book. On reading this book, you shall find yourself reciting some of the most intelligent quotes that Buddha spoke during his lifetime.

Most quotes were originally in Pali script. Pali is an ancient language used for trade during the times of Buddha.

One of the interesting things you may note while reading Buddha or Bust quotes is that they are self-explanatory. You can describe them in easy language without having the necessity of using Pali scripts. Further, they make universal appeal and are applicable to all sects and creeds. Following are two famous quotes that have caught everyone’s attention.

Buddha said, “You cannot travel on the path until you become the path itself.” So is true when it comes to learning the essence of Buddhism. It is one of the most powerful quotes answering all the quests to a newcomer in Buddhism. Complete acceptance of the path is the way to cover it.

Here, the path refers to ‘Dhamma’, which is the path of righteousness. Most philosophers, who study ancient Pali seek solace in reading Buddha or Bust quotes in Pali language itself.

However, not everyone can read Pali. Thanks to Perry Garfinkel, whose novel work on ‘Buddha or Bust’ has made it easier for English speaking audience to understand the quotes of Buddha.

Another equally popular quote is, “You must each be a lamp unto yourselves.” It was the last and most propounding quote by Buddha. It selfdom speaks that you cannot spread Buddhism unless you are in light of it.

Another way to interpret this quote is that you cannot achieve divinity until you become light itself. It means that you yourself can free yourself from all your miseries. This quote came from Buddha during his dying hours.

Apart from these quotes, there are plenty of Buddha or Bust quotes, which are worth mentioning. However, they may sound simple in English, but each has a transcendental meaning. It is ideal to buy a good book to understand exact interpretations of these quotes.

There are plenty of books speaking about Buddha and his philosophies, however ‘Buddha or Bust’ by Perry Garfinkel is generally an offbeat book that speaks more about the man himself than his religion. It is recommended for people, who wish to know about Buddha without being blundered by religious philosophies. The book talks about truth, happiness, meaning and the man who found them all.

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Buddha or Bust Reviews

Posted on October 3, 2011 by admin

Buddha or Bust written by Perry Garfinkel tries to describe the present state of Buddhism. Moreover, it helps one understand the reason why Buddhism has reached within numerous cultural and political environments.

The book includes facts that most people are not even heard of. Earlier introduced as a National Geographic Magazine, Buddha or Bust, due to the amount of popularity it had gained soon bloomed into a complete book containing almost everything that will help you get an insight about Buddhism.

American author Perry Garfinkel, a Buddhist practitioner himself, has made great efforts towards keeping the book simple and he has greatly succeeded in doing so. The prime aim of Garfinkel was to follow precisely the path of Gautama Buddha, who once left his prince hood and his family in search of true meaning of life.

Although Garfinkel in his book ‘Buddha or Bust’ has tried hard to pen down the major facts of Buddhism, he has not completely been able to mention the path of Buddha entirely. As he received no huge budget from National Geographic, his trips do not seem to be chronological. Some of the trips are not even closer to the path of Buddha.

Even though the book may seem to slow down a little bit at numerous instances, it definitely has a very strong beginning. To understand it better, you will have to read it yourself.

The entire trip of Perry Garfinkel revolves around the eminent Buddhist principles. However, he still comes across facts that according to him are either inspiring or disappointing. Numerous renowned Buddha sites are nothing more than just a tourist trap.

  • On the other hand, Garfinkel also realizes that some of the most firm Buddhists are not just mere Buddhist leaders, but are also working hard towards bringing about a very positive change in their country and the entire community.
  • A couple of Buddhist leaders that Garfinkel has come across testify that they have learnt in abundance from the Buddhist residing in the U.S. Most readers may find this surprising, but it is a fact.

Although, the book has many fascinating facts, one thing that will keep you excited is the stories of leaders that Garfinkel comes across during his trip across the globe. From Dalai Lama to those who have accepted Buddhism in prison, Garfinkel has met almost all of them.

As the writer puts it, Buddhism is not just a destination that one desires to reach, but is actually a journey itself. If you truly intend to know what Buddhism is all about, Perry Garfinkel’s ‘Buddha or Bust’ is a perfect solution.

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Buddha or Bust Summary

Posted on October 3, 2011 by admin

‘Buddha or Bust’ is a 318 page long book written by Perry Garfinkel, who has been since a long time a contributor to ‘New York Times.’ This book is different from most other books on the subject, as it follows a different path to understand Buddha and his teachings.

Moreover, it is in simple English, which is apt for readers of all ages. Following is a brief Buddha or Bust summary about what the book speaks for.

It was 2,500 years ago when Buddha came up with the philosophy of Buddhism. The book revolves around that period to understand the regional problems that grieved during those eras. It also explains how Buddha was successful in handling those problems by imparting wisdom though his teachings and practicing ‘Dhamma.’

The book explains the art of Buddhism and various factors that lead to its global widespread. Moreover, Buddha or Bust summary takes an account of various transitions that took place after teaching Buddhism. Many thieves quit robbing after incorporating Buddhism in their lives. Buddha was successful in creating social harmony and welfare through his teachings.

Unlike other texts on Buddhism, this book speaks unto its readers. Perry Garfinkel has taken enough care by providing appropriate references in his text. Moreover, he talked about his own experiences that he encountered while writing his book.

He gives an artistic description about the journey he took around the globe to study the essence of Buddha and his teachings. On his way, he met various masters such as:

  • Zen archers
  • Indian Nuns
  • Kung Fu monks
  • Dalai Lama

Further, the author has taken efforts to make his work look like a travelogue taking its readers through the mist of histories understanding the story and principles of Buddha like never before.

In fact, Buddha or Bust summary leads to widespread acceptance of book. In his book, author Perry Garfinkel illuminates the wider aspects that made Buddha infamous. Moreover, the book serves as an eventful travelogue catching all aspects of Buddha. It speaks about wider implications that Buddha provided to the society through his service and teachings.

Most people who have already read about Buddha know that Buddha was like a guiding light for Society some 2,500 years back in time.

In fact, Buddha’s consciousness and understanding about life was far ahead from that time. He used to enact many people into practicing meditation. Moreover, he explained that through meditation and self-observance, one can find his/her liberation from miseries and ill account from the past life. He believed in ‘Karma’ and taught righteous and good conduct through his teachings.

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Buddha or Bust Ebook

Posted on October 3, 2011 by admin

Written by Perry Garfinkel, ‘Buddha or Bust’ highlights almost every aspect of Buddhism that you always wanted to know. The book includes stories of some of the most prominent Buddhist leaders and individuals that Garfinkel came across during his journey around the world.

He personally tries to explain how Buddhist leaders by incorporating the Buddhist teaching in their governance have succeeded in bringing about a positive transformation in their country. Perry Garfinkel’s aim was to find out the reason for the ever-increasing popularity of Buddhism across the globe.

The book is easily available at all the leading bookstores. However, you can also order it online. Moreover, you can download the Buddha or Bust ebook from Internet for just a few dollars. Mostly available in the PDF format, the downloading process takes not more than just a couple of minutes.

However, make sure you download the book only from an authentic and a registered site. Priced at around $11.99 dollars, the Buddha or Bust ebook is available at almost all the renowned e-commerce websites at a highly discounted price. Before you download the book, read its short description on the website.

This will give you an idea of what the book is all about. The book has 318 pages in all. Therefore, make sure that the ebook you download is not missing any pages.

Buddha or Bust is a complete guide to Buddhism. In this book, the writer talks about how the Buddhist teachings helped him solve some of the life’s toughest difficulties. Suffering from various trials and tribulations, Garfinkel finally decided to find the meaning to his life and Buddhism was the answer to all his questions.

Buddha or Bust ebook contains solutions to some of the most common problems and issues that usually occur in one’s life. For all those in search of truth, meaning and happiness, the book can turn out to be a perfect answer.

Garfinkel tries to tell the audiences that Buddhism is not a mere destination that one thrives to arrive at, but is the entire journey that one has to cover. To understand the fact better, you will have to read the book yourself.

The book has nothing to do with a particular religion. In fact, the prime objective of the book is to help one unearth the secrets of life that are responsible for brining a sense of happiness. Without a doubt, Buddha or Bust is a perfect solution to all the troubles and worries of life.

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Buddha or Bust Harmony

Posted on October 3, 2011 by admin

Buddhism originated some 2,500 years back and Buddha was its creator. Most people deemed Buddha as a reincarnation of their respective Gods. In fact, most religions have accepted his teachings, as they inculcate harmony in people.

Ancient societies including today’s have received enormous benefits owing to teachings of Buddha. Many tyrant rulers gave up their thrones accepting the teachings of Buddha. Ashoka is one such name, who was famous for his battling skills. He gave up his throne and went onto the path of Buddhism to find his liberation.

‘Buddha or Bust’ is a 318 page long and easy to read book that talks about Buddha as a person, who taught actual meaning of truth, happiness and liberation. Buddha or Bust harmony is a result of vast cumulative efforts by author ‘Perry Garfinkel’, who traveled across globe understanding Buddha and his philosophies.

In addition, he put efforts in meeting up with people of other religions and sects in order to understand what they think about Buddha and his teachings. To understand the larger implications of Buddha’s profound philosophies, the author traveled to many countries such as:

  • Japan
  • China
  • India
  • Tibet
  • Sri Lanka
  • Europe

In his trips, the author came across different dignitaries in religious domains. He carefully studied their beliefs in Buddha’s philosophies. Moreover, he also visited Dalai Lama, who is the chief Lama of Tibet.

After carefully understanding the influence of Buddha and his teachings, the author decided to make a travelogue out of it. Buddha or Bust harmony speaks about experiences of Buddha through his quotes. In fact, most of the Buddha quotes were originally in Pali language, however, for sake of simplicity in text, author made use of simple comprehensible English.

Wherever possible, author places bibliographical references to the context. This book is a good companion to reading, especially while traveling. It is explained in simple and lucid manner excluding Pali scripts. Thus, it is simple to understand and easy to read.

Buddha or Bust harmony is one of the primary teachings of Buddhism. Of the five important percepts that Buddha taught society, each teaches harmonizing and socializing. Buddha himself taught meditation and imparted it to people, who came to his place. Further, Buddhism spread across Asia through his disciples, who practiced and taught it further to others.

In this fashion, that is in the form of teacher to student, Buddhism spread across the entire Asia. In fact, this book speaks less about the religion or its spread, but rather about Buddha himself. It speaks on how Buddha was successful in transitioning social harmony during his time.

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Buddha or Bust Author

Posted on October 3, 2011 by admin

Perry Garfinkel, a well-known speaker, journalist and an author has been reporting on topics like spirituality, travel and health for some of the leading magazines and newspapers. Garfinkel, a journalist at The New York Times has written several books on psychology and health.

His book Buddha or Bust succeeded in making its way in the Best Buddhist Writing, an anthology published by the Shambhala Press annually. The book soon became available to all the English-speaking nations of the world. Moreover, the Italian and Brazilian translations of the book are also available.

Buddha or Bust Author Perry Garfinkel states that Buddhism is one’s practical approach towards human problems. Garfinkel has offered his services as an editor and reporter for various newspapers such as:

  • The Boston Globe
  • Martha’s Vineyard Times
  • Star-Ledger

Moreover, he has worked as a scriptwriter for the News Travel Network and the Travel Channel. His work was also highlighted in popular magazines such as:

  • Men’s health
  • Travel and leisure
  • National Geographic magazine

Some of Garfinkel’s renowned works include Travel Writing for Profit and Pleasure, Stress Blasters, Maximum Style, Command Respect, The Male Body and In a Man’s World.

Garfinkel for a very long time now has also been offering workshops and talks to hospitality professionals and hotel spa guests. His workshops include good amount of humor and all the necessary practical strategies that can enhance one’s spa experience.

His work ‘Buddha or Bust’ succeeded in gaining the attention of millions across the globe. The book, encompassed with all the essential Buddhist teachings that aid one to overcome all the troubles and sorrows in life.

Through the book, Garfinkel has tried to explain the audience how by using the Buddhist teachings, Buddhist leaders are able to bring about an optimistic change in their nations.

Most interestingly, the book contains stories of some of the most well known Buddhist individuals. These also include prisoners, who accepted Buddhism while behind bars. Buddhism according to Garfinkel is more of a journey than just a destination. Therefore, in order to be able to find the actual meaning of life, it is important to practice strictly the Buddhist teachings.

The book can help individuals find answers to all the questions regarding life. Above all, the book does not focus towards a particular religion, but in fact teaches one to live a trouble-free life. The author has made all possible efforts to make the book sound simple and no doubt, he has succeeded in doing so.

 

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Buddha or Bust by Perry Garfinkel

Posted on October 3, 2011 by admin

After marking his first publication, Buddha or Bust by Perry Garfinkel, he was listed in national bestsellers list. Indeed, Perry Garfinkel has lot more to rejoice. However, his journey was difficult and long. It tasted his patience and perseverance.

In his journey, across India, China, Japan, Sri lank, Thailand and Tibet, he has presented an undoubtedly smart travelogue about Buddha and his teachings. He faced many odds while writing this book.

The worst was his back pain. Further, crunch of money and time posed some serious difficulties in completing his book. Perry Garfinkel thanks National Geographic society for sponsoring his trip to come up with this book.

For those who do not know much about Perry Garfinkel need to know that he is associated with New York Times since 1986. He is a journalist by profession. In fact, his strongest critic is his own mother, who often motivated him during his difficult days. Buddha or Bust by Perry Garfinkel is his first lateral entry, which is already a national bestseller. It is available with leading booksellers. Moreover, it is also available in E-book format.

Buddha or Bust by Perry Garfinkel talks about the teachings of Buddha. The author has worked hard to keep his writings simple and lucid. Attempts like keeping a direct talk with readers help in easy reading. Moreover, the book encompasses his experiences that he came across during his expeditions.

He also cleverly highlights places that claim to hold historic importance, but that differ in reality. He highlighted the essence of Buddha and Buddhism in the old society. He justly accounts the olden era where Buddha played a pivotal role in transforming the society.

Buddha or Bust by Perry Garfinkel is also acclaimed by Caroline Leavitt, who herself is a bestselling author of ‘Pictures Of You.’ she has strongly recommended readers to read this book. Moreover, she has appreciated author for his fabulous research-cum-travel on Buddhism. Although not being a Buddhist herself, she has accounted for simplicity of the book. In her own words, ‘Buddha or Bust’ is “deeply thoughtful, and friskily rambunctious.”

Indeed, the book is successful in introducing Buddha to younger audiences. If you had ever heard about Buddha for first time, then it is an ideal book to begin with. Interestingly, the best part of the book is that it strongly promotes practices of Buddha without mentioning too much in details.

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Buddha or Bust Journey

Posted on October 3, 2011 by admin

Perry Garfinkel, the writer of Buddha or Bust was on a 10-week journey around the world to know about the actual reason for the ever-increasing popularity of Buddhism. His prime aim was to find out if the 2,500 years old teachings of Buddhism could solve the problems that the world is currently facing.

To know more, the author traveled to numerous countries of the world such as India, Hong Kong, Japan, China, Thailand, Sri Lanka and the United States where many people still practice Buddhism.

Garfinkel’s Buddha or Bust Journey starts from India, where he comes across several Dalit families who had converted to Buddhism. Garfinkel sited this as a movement to eradicate caste system. He then moved on to Sri Lanka where he met Dr. A. T. Ariyaratne, who founded a political organization named Sarvodaya Shramadana movement completely based on the Buddhist principles.

His next stop was Thailand where he came across a group named International Network of Engaged Buddhists. Moving further to China, the writer comes across monks practicing Chinese martial arts.

Garfinkel was highly amazed to find that Buddhism was actually responsible for creating a social unity among the people. Therefore, he states that as water takes the shape of the cup it is poured in, similarly Buddhism easily fits into the culture of almost every country of the world.

In Tihar jail, India, Garfinkel comes across prisoners who underwent an immense transformation after practicing a popular meditation technique known as Vipassana. Numerous patients in the United States have reported to have witnessed decreased physical as well as psychological symptoms drastically soon after they started practicing Vipassana.

Buddhism is popular among people belonging to various religions. According to a study, around 30% of the Americans convert to Buddhists hold a Jewish background. This was enough for Garfinkel to portray the popularity of Buddhism not just in Asia, but also in the western countries.

Although Buddhism has its origin in India, Garfinkel feels that numerous western ideas have contributed greatly towards making Buddhism more influential. For instance, while in China, he comes across Helen Ma, a psychologist who had acquired a short duration training in MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction) from Worcester and then returned to her country.

During his trip, Garfinkel also came across nations that controlled or in a way restricted various Buddhist activities. This to him seemed to be a bit disappointing. When you read the book, you realize that Perry Garfinkel also holds a fine sense of humor. The entire Buddha or Bust journey according to Garfinkel was highly exciting and unique.

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