Tag Archives: Buddha or Bust: In search of truth

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.