Category Archives: Buddha or Bust book
Buddha or Bust Quotes
‘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.
Buddha or Bust Harmony
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.
Buddha or Bust Author
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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