Dharma Delight - by Greenblat (Paperback)

About the Book

"Through his own experience of the Dharma, Musho Rodney Alan Greenblat introduces Buddhist thought, revered dieties, and ancient stories in an enchanting and original way. Included is a simplified introduction to Zen meditation with hopes that the reader may begin his or her own meditation practice"--Front flap.

Book Synopsis

In Dharma Delight, abstract artist and Zen practitioner Rodney Greenblat uses lighthearted narrative and vivid pop art paintings to celebrate the joys of living life from the inside out.

Part graphic guide, part personal testimony, part art book, Dharma Delight illustrates how seeking the path of compassion and acceptance can be as zany and exuberant as it is profound. It is a happy exploration of Buddhist Enlightenment--what it is, where to seek it--and how to recognize the perfection in ourselves. A great option for Zen beginners and experienced practitioners alike, sutras (teachings), Bodhisattvas (enlightened beings) and jataka tales (parables) are presented in a way that's simple, upbeat and fun to read.

The original paintings--some new, some already known on the New York art scene and elsewhere--are an imaginative and affirming mind's-eye view of Buddhist teaching. Together, the words and illustrations are a warm and cheerful invitation to newcomers and a cool splash of refreshment to any traveler on the road to enlightenment.

Review Quotes

"Dharma Delight: A Visionary Post Pop Comic Guide to Buddhism and Zen is exactly as promised, an illustrated compendium peppered with vibrant comics, philosophical musings, and enchanting stories to explore and present the ideologies of Buddhism and Zen...This guide can be an excellent start for anyone curious about Buddhism and Zen, ready to tap into its mysteries and delights." --Asian Fortune News

"By allowing the content so much room to breathe, each painting or set of paintings comes into clear relief." --BoingBoing

"Dharma Delight reveals the key tenets of Buddhism with bright, vibrant illustrations ... The author's illustrations leap from the page with cute monstrosities and humor." --Japan Powered blog

"Fans of Greenblat's video game and comic book characters (such as PaRappa the Rapper and Thunder Bunny) will recognize his whimsical style in this graphic book collecting his art related to Buddhism, particularly Zen... the creative exuberance, wild variety of art styles, information-packed pages, and playfully wise treatment of a seemingly serious subject should invite closer investigation by a range of readers interested in Buddhism" --Publishers Weekly

"Greenblat introduces readers to Buddhism and Zen with a pleasant, inviting combination of art and text ... Thoughtful older teens and adults seeking a spiritual outlet may find much to enjoy here." --Booklist

"Greenblat's made something quite attractive, personal, and informative." --Japan Reference blog

"The whole book is a visual treat -- bursting with colourful, fun illustrations which are packed with detail...Taking a massive and complicated topic, Greenblat easily breaks concepts down into delicious and very edible chunks... --HaikuGirl's Japan blog

A whimsically illustrated guide to the basic concepts of Zen and Buddhism ... The fanciful and very colorful artwork exists somewhere in the nexus among doodles, primitivism, and comics and features figures like the smiling "Thunder Bunny cloud deity," a panda Zen master, and a "Sentient Bean." --School Library Journal

About the Author

Rodney Alan Greenblat is a visionary artist, designer and writer who has been making whimsical, colorful artwork for over thirty years. In addition to his contribution to the New York art scene, he has designed album covers and video game characters and worlds. His many visits to Japan, where he created a popular animated TV series, led him to become a student of Zen, and to find new ways of expressing the Dharma. Rodney has been creating characters and illustrations for some of the world's most respected companies and publications, including Family Mart, Sony, Toyota, The New Yorker and The New York Times. Rodney is a senior student at the Village Zendo Zen center in New York City where he has received the Buddhist name "Musho." Rodney continues his colorful and enchanting way of true expression.

See more of Rodney's artwork on his website whimsyload.com