The Buddha Walks Into a Bar . . . - by Lodro Rinzler (Paperback)

About the Book

pt. 1. First, get your act together -- pt. 2. How to save the world -- pt. 3. Letting go into space -- pt. 4. Relaxing into magic.

Book Synopsis

A guide to Buddhism for 20-somethings who are grappling with the ups and downs of adulthood--from an eloquent and funny young teacher

This isn't your grandmother's book on meditation. The Buddha Walks Into a Bar . . . is about integrating that "spiritual practice thing" into a life that includes beer, sex, social media, and a boss who doesn't understand you. It's about making a difference in yourself and making a difference in your world, whether you've got everything figured out yet or not. This is Buddhism for a new generation--one that is leaving the safe growth spurts of college and entering a turbulent, uncertain workforce.

With humor and candor, teacher Lodro Rinzler offers an introduction to Buddhism for anyone who wants to ride the waves of life with mindfulness and compassion. You'll learn how to use meditation techniques to work with your own mind, how to manage the pervasive "Incredible Hulk Syndrome," how to relax into your life despite external pressures, and ultimately how you can start to bring light to a dark world. Applying Rinzler's Buddhist teachings can have a positive impact on every nook and cranny of your life--whether you're interested in being a Buddhist or not.

Review Quotes

"A young, New York-based Buddhist teacher, Rinzler is able to take a relaxed, colloquial approach to meditation and its many benefits because he's so well-versed in Shambhala and Tibetan Buddhism. With examples ranging from superheroes to YouTube videos, Rinzler brings timeless teachings to the buzz of now in an engaging, richly instructive, genuinely illuminating spiritual guide."--Booklist

"Don't let Rinzler's youthful exuberance fool you. The kid knows his stuff."--Tricycle

"This volume is far beyond a compilation of Rinzler's columns or prior work; it is a genuine introduction to living a Buddhist life without immersion in Buddhism's more esoteric practices."--Library Journal

"Light-hearted, contemporary, and at times hilarious, Rinzler's book is addictively easy to read."--Nexus

"Enjoyable, engaging, and inspiring. I loved the book and think it's a great introductory read for a younger person who would like to know more about Buddhism, or just life in general."--Wildmind.org

"Rinzler's voice is approachable and funny and absolutely credible to all of the young professionals who seem to have it all but who are beginning to wonder if they are missing something really, really big."-- www.beliefnet.com

"The cool kid's Buddhist."--The Boston Phoenix

About the Author

Lodro Rinzler is a teacher in the Shambhala tradition of Vajrayana Buddhism. He has taught numerous workshops and retreats. His column What Would Sid Do (Sid = Siddhartha, the Buddha) has appeared regularly on Beliefnet.com since 2009, and his posts there have also appeared in the Huffington Post.