The Accidental Buddhist: Mindfulness, Enlightenment, and Sitting Still, American Style

Buddhism in America may strike you as a square peg ramming into a round hole, but if that's the case, why has the "religion" attracted so many Americans? Something about our way of life must drive it... something about the fast pace and materialism of our culture must be whetting the appetite of these seekers. Thus, the premise of Dinty Moore's THE ACCIDENTAL BUDDHIST. Though now 10 years old, the book's chronicling of one man's search for Buddhist truth in America still flies because, well, neither America nor certainly Buddhism has changed much.Moore visits monasteries, priests, Buddhist "concerts," retreats, and even individuals in his journey. All of this, of course, is flavored heavily with his own observations and doubts. Brought up a Catholic who was terrorized (in a sense) by his nun teachers in school, Moore wanted a gentler, kinder "God" over the punitive one he had come to know. He especially wanted a belief system that discounts Hell. Thus, Buddhism.As it turns out, the idea and the book itself are a win/win proposition because the answer turns out to be no answer (proving the protean nature of Zen). Yes, Moore's definitions of common Buddhist terms (including a glossary at the end) are instructive, but his frustrations and compromises are even more so. With its sense of humor and self-effacing (Eureka!) manner, THE ACCIDENTAL BUDDHIST is a perfect fit for beginning Buddhists and those simply curious about its precepts alike. We are the book and the book is us, in other words. Enjoy.

"Accidental Buddhist" was exactly the book I was looking to discover. I have been searching for someone to explain the philosophy of Buddhism to me, instead of searching the "...for Dummies". Though I first started with the "dummy" book, I found more information through Dinty's encounters of "self discovery". I felt I was he having those same experiences and thoughts come about - I too suffer from "Mind Monkeys". I am glad to have a name for them now, as well as knowing I am not the only one who needs to get a chain for them.I was shopping in a local market this past weekend, when I came upon several different Buddha statutes. Looking and looking at these delights, I saw one with gold coins. I questioned the the shop keeper about the gold coin buddhas."They are to bring your household money," he answers me."You are not to have attachments in Buddhism," I replied.As if straight from Dinty's mouth came the whole section about from "The Work Koan" chapter on the whole money issue."In order for us here in America to survive, we must have money, otherwise you are out in the street living on garbage," the Buddhist man told me.I thought I was rereading the book.If you are curious about Buddhism, especially in America, this is an excellent book to read,not to mention utterly hilarious reading. I was chuckling with every chapter.

The Accidental Buddhist written by Dinty Moore is about Moore's journey into the world of Buddhism. Moore's quest is to find out how Buddhism fits into American society. Throughout the book Moore goes to multiple retreats on different forms of Buddhism and seems to learn something from each visit. He visits a strict Zen monastery, and then he goes to a more laid back Tibetan retreat in Atlanta. Moore is amazed on how different the two teachings are, they are basically opposite but strive for the same goal. His other retreats involve going to see the Dalai Lama speak; he visits a unique monastery in West Virginia, and another in the Carolinas. Finally he visits the first monastery he went to. This time around he gets more out of the experience. In the end he knows he is not enlightened by any means but feels that he is on the right path and is going to continue to use his new found tool to help him along the way.The book itself is an easy but enjoyable read. I really enjoyed it and it helped me learn things throughout my Buddhism class. I would recommend this book to anyone. The author is at times funny and put together a great book.

Though this is not fiction, it reads like a great story. The author's an essayist and not a professional Buddhist of any sort, so it seems he's more trustworthy on what regular folks can achieve through meditation.

The writing is good. A nice journey in one man's life in his resolution for peace. Did he approach enlightenment? Difficult to tell. There were nice illustrations and examples of a variety of buddhist practices. Relatively easy to read and engaging flow. Interestingly, the angst and dissatisfaction of the American psyche seems a little trite coming from the 90s. Living in the now, and knowing all strife is relative, the 90's "troubles" we're post Berlin Wall, Lady Diana's marital troubles and then passing were the agony of the day. We were grasping for causes. There was a gulf war, and a big "free Tibet" "cause", but our angst seemed to swell in self created strife. Reality TV being born out of an OJ obsession, etc.. Now we are a post 9/11 America in a post economic crisis world..... All living as one in the ever looming effects of catastrophic climate change. The Dalai Llama's words remain transcendentally true. Essentially: peace. If we harm what is around us, we bring ourselves harm, because there is no duality. We are all one. I'm now going to look to see if he's written any follow-up to this book.

I'm a little late coming to this book, but I guess they find us just when we need them. And need it I have, and absolutely, so helpful in my own ongoing search for mindfulness and balance. I read it cover to cover in days, most unusual for me, and only wish Professor Moore would write more books, or at least a blog on Buddhism, his adventures into spirituality and mindfulness, and how it has all helped him so many years after the publication of this particular book. The Accidental Buddhist was a delight to read, offering vital concepts without preaching, the perfect balance that made reading it a joy. A deep bow of gratitude to Dinty W. Moore!

The cure to all life's turmoil issitting still and gradually being simply present within yourself. I bought these books during a very bad time and it is important to know that we do not cure our selves, we accept and remain present with oursellves,and then others, when we practice. Always read Pema Chodron first.

Interesting read and well worth just relaxing and enjoying. Doesn't need to be your own religious beliefs, but it does provide some appreciation of other's beliefs... something that's always worth while.

I don't care what anybody says, as someone who loves English, I really can't explain how well written this book is: humour, explanations, beautiful language and a journey all built into one. Some Buddhist theories can be difficult to grasp at first but Moore really breaks them down and makes these concepts much easier to comprehend. A good read for those interested in Buddhism, gaining knowledge and/or putting more into their lives.

Very easy read with much gentle wisdom, inspiration and humor in descriptions of the author's experiences looking to find if there is such a thing as an 'American Buddhism'.