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.

Who Is Your Guru?

I recently read a book called The Dude and the Zen Master by Jeff Bridges and Bernie Glassman. It's basically a transcript of conversations between the two men, who have been friends for over a decade.  They discuss life and the importance of doing good as they explore the idea of The Dude is considered by many Buddhists to be a Zen master. It's a pretty fun book, easy to read and quite inspiring. If you're a fan of Jeff Bridges, you should definitely read it.

My favorite line in the book is when Jeff says "Everyone you meet is your guru, teaching you something." This is a personal philosophy I have had for a long time, although not exactly in those words. I've written a lot lately about judging others and how it prevents us from seeing things through a wider lens. I believe that everyone we come in contact with has something to teach us. If you write someone off because of a snap judgement, be it how they're dressed or what kind of car they drive, you're missing out on a potentially great learning opportunity. I like that line so much because of the word guru. Sure you could say everyone you meet is a teacher, but guru implies that they're a "master", that they're really worth listening to. Everyone is a master of their own ways. With that thought in mind, it also goes to say that the people I come in contact with have something to learn from me as well. I like the thought of myself as a guru. I truly do believe that just by being me and sharing my experiences with others, I teach what I have learned. I have seen that happen. Even if the other person doesn't realize they're learning from me or don't want to, I know that just by sticking with what I know and believe, I can inspire someone. That's a pretty big deal.