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Buddha or Bust Reviews
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.
Buddha or Bust by Perry Garfinkel
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.
Buddha or Bust Journey
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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