Saturday, April 30, 2016

The Dude and the Zen Master by Jeff Bridges and Bernie Glassman


Okay, I know this title is a little bit of a stretch for Z but it's the closest I could get!  (Plus,  I've written about it before so that proves it's been significant in my life!)

This lovely  book is a collection of transcripts of conversations between Jeff Bridges and his friend/spiritual teacher, Bernie Glassman. I like it so much because the tone is casual. The conversations are full of observations and bits of wisdom that come from living such interesting lives as these men have.

My favorite line in this book has become one of my personal mantras. Jeff says "Everyone you meet is your guru, teaching you something." I'd held that belief prior to reading the book but had never quite put it into words. In the years since I've read this and written about it, this belief has truly become a part of who I am. Every single person I encounter has something to teach me, even if that person in a pain in the butt! (Actually, I've found it is especially true if that person is a pain in the butt!) Likewise, everyone I encounter can learn something from me. Not everyone is open to this sharing of knowledge, but when they are, WOW, amazing connections take place!

Jeff Bridges lives in my community and while I've never met him, I know people who have. Each story I hear reinforces my belief that he's an excellent human being as well as being a fantastic actor! Any time I've seen him interviewed, he exudes coolness, wisdom and gratitude. Maybe our paths will cross some day!

If you're interested in Zen philosophy, and what that looks like in conversation, I highly recommend this book. Even if you aren't particularly interested in Buddhism, I think this book has a lot to offer in the way of inspiring the reader to slow down and truly think about life.





4 comments:

  1. This one has been on my list for awhile. I think it's time for me to actively look for a copy. It's been fun following along with you! And as I suspected, we had no overlap. (Though it was close, with Watership Down)

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  2. Yes, this has been super fun! And we were close on two: I was *this close* to choosing On Writing for O!

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  3. Sounds like a good book to read sometime! I always enjoy watching whatever Jeff Bridges is acting in!

    Congrats on making it through the challenge!

    betty

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    1. Thanks and same to you! If you like him as an actor, I bet you will enjoy this book for sure!

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