Walk Like a Buddha

September 23, 2013
Rinzler (The Buddha Walks Into a Bar...) tackles everyday questions of life, responding with Buddhist wisdom and practices. The young Buddhist teacher, who writes a column for the Huffington Post, does not offer a universal answer to the pitfalls of worldly existence but rather engages with real issues asked by his column readers and friends regarding, for example, how muchâor whetherâone should drink, and what it means to practice and be mindful while drinking. He also does not shy away from confronting questions about sexuality, self-improvement, and the workplace, reminding readers to be aware in the most frustrating and confusing domains of everyday life. While acknowledging the difficulty of being mindful in these arenas, Rinzler also demonstrates that in ordinary moments, when one does not normally pay attention, one can learn the most about motivations, behaviors, and relationships. Though its title refers to the Buddha, this book is an effective guide for helping readers reevaluate how they live life, disengage the autopilot, and be compassionate to others and themselves.

September 15, 2013
In an age of constant distraction, how is it possible to stay focused? If your boss is yelling at you, how do you keep from flying off the handle? And if you happen to be a stripper, or a biker, or an alcoholic, can you still be a Buddhist? Rinzler makes an effort to answer these questions in a book filled with personal anecdotes that show Buddhist practice operating in the real world. This popular Huffington Post advice columnist insists that personal growth occurs with regular meditationregardless of the setting. He also asserts that beginning Buddhists needn't worry if they enjoy bar hopping, eating meat, and indulging in sex, provided they devote time to the practice of meditation and embrace life as a journey or path. Another key message is that personal growth results when difficulties are regarded as sacred opportunities for learning. For all those who feel unworthy of taking on Buddhist practices due to personal foibles, this book opens the door.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)