Tag Archives: Spiritual people

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.