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The Laughing Buddha: Zen and the Comic Spirit by Conrad Hyers
The Life and Letters of Tofu Roshi - by Susan Ichi Su Moon - This collection of spiritual advice from Tofu Roshi of the No Way Zen Center, including a running commentary from narrator and disciple Ichi Su concerning her complicated relationship with the master (she is not even sure if Tofu is a man or a woman), pokes gentle fun at New Age believers. In his answers to readers' letters, Tofu gives out free-wheeling counsel that ranges from the practicalfor the concerned parents whose daughter is trying to convert their cat to a strict vegetarianto questions of deep philosophical nature: "Why is there something, rather than nothing?" and "What is the meaning of life?" Tofu has remedies for everyone in this diverting book, but often, "like a basketball that teeters a long moment on the rim, only to fall outside the Hoop of True Understanding," it is difficult to ascertain just what Tofu has prescribed. There is a breath of scandal here, too, because in the sacred bowels of the No Way Zen Center, Ichi Su and Tofu are discovered passionately shaving each other's heads. Moon is coauthor of Risking Peace. Photos not seen by PW. Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.
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Swami for Precedent by S Beyondananda
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This Is Getting Old: Zen Thoughts on Aging with Humor and Dignity by Susan Moon - In her mid-60s, Bay Area Zen practitioner Moon, former editor of the Buddhist Peace Fellowship's Turning Wheel magazine, writes, I wanted to look right into the face of oldness. What is it? Gentle essays are grouped into three sections: mind/body, relationships, and spirit. Moon uses detail vividly in her determination to make peace with the many failures of brain and body (from forgetting her Social Security number to wondering if she'll ever have sex again), though not all readers may want to follow her into the intricacies of retinal detachment and an elderly mother on a ventilator. Her best writing occurs when memory, emotion, and spirit coalesce as she recovers parts of herself left behind in childhood or comes to terms with solitude. Overall, the book is long on dignity but a bit short on both Zen and humor, focusing on earnest self-disclosure. But Moon's honesty about the inner and outer realities of aging conveys an urgent reminder of inevitable loss; indeed, as she reminds us, I am not getting old alone. (June)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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When You See a Sacred Cow...Milk It for All It's Worth by Swami Beyondananda
Why the Chicken Crossed the Road: & Oher Hidden Enlightenment Teachings from the Buddha to Bebop to Mother Goose by Dean Sluyter - Subtle and imaginative ... dazzling us with epiphanies ... a surefire demonstration of why play is an essential ingredient in spiritual growth. -- Values & Visions
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Zen and the Comic Spirit by M. Conrad Hyers
Zen Comics - by Ioanna Salajan - Comics communicate the Zen spirit perfectly. Laughter deflates pretension and a good rap on the head sometimes transcends so-called logic. In the words of Zen, "Nothing is left for you but to laugh!"
Zen Comics, No. 2 by Ioanna Salajan - Comics communicate the Zen spirit perfectly. Laughter deflates pretension and a good rap on the head sometimes transcends so-called logic. In the words of Zen, "Nothing is left for you but to laugh!".
Zen for Cats: Teachings of the Zen Cat Masters - by Alfred Birnbaum - From one of America's bestselling humor writers comes a New Age take on our feline friends that is destined to become a classic. A must for cat owners who yearn to understand the feline psyche, this witty and laugh-out-loud funny book is Henry Beard at his best.
Zen Humor/Lessons by Lili Hillis - Zen humor/lessons is a collection of Daily contemplative meditations. With a humorist "twist" to help the medtitator get the Divine joke!
Zen Humor of the Wu Wu Jing: Koans of Questionable Provenance by Michael Henderson - Recently discovered in the Ba-Chit caves of western China, the previously unknown Wu Wu Jing has been translated (more or less) by Takasido Yakitori. 'Wu' means 'no' or 'not' so 'Wu Wu' is a negation of a negation, commonly taken to mean 'Koans of Questionable Provenance'. The Wu Wu Jing contains entirely new and unknown koans commented on by three previously unknown zen masters. A 'must have' for all serious (and not so serious) zen koan collectors. Don't let your collection be sadly incomplete. You can lord it over others who have not absorbed the unusual wisdom of the Wu Wu Jing. Superior and more complete wisdom is yours for the taking. Be the first to absorb the comical wisdom of the Great Wu Wu Jing. If you don't, you'll probably be humiliated and embarrassed in front of all your friends. Don't let this happen to you. Sink into and absorb the great essence of the old masters as written in the Great Wu Wu Jing. A modern classic. "I confess I'm only half serious. But which half?" - Zen master Ding-Dong
Zen Joke: Puhua's Bell Song by John Daido Loori Roshi - audio - People think of Zen as a humorless religion, but like Christianity, Judaism, and other faiths, Zen has a long tradition of clowns and pranksters. In this enjoyable and thought-provoking talk, Zen master John Daido Loori Roshi tells anecdotes about various ancient and modern Zen teachers who were known for playing the fool. Daido Roshi explores the role of clowns in the Zen tradition, and shows how something deeply profound lies below the surface of a fool's antics. The fool uses mischief to bring one's attention to something more vital, namely the freedom that comes from tapping into one's inner wisdom. He also talks about the importance of having a sense of humor, and the surprising connection between realizing one's true nature and getting a joke. This talk finds Daido Roshi in his best story-telling mode, and offers an enjoyable entry to Zen.
Zen Judaism: For You, A Little enlightenment by David Bader - On the lighter side is David Bader's Zen Judaism: For You, A Little Enlightenment, a pocket book of laughs. The chuckles begin with the introduction, where Bader claims that Siddartha Buddha (aka Sidney Arthur Buddha) announced early on to his family that he intended to become a great sage. "The idea thrilled his parents, as long as he went to law school first," Bader quips. What follows are short, pithy "koans" that elicit some groans but mostly good-natured smiles: "Do not kvetch. Be a kvetch. Become one with your whining," he advises. This little book will appeal to the growing "Bu-Jew" movement (Jews who seek to incorporate elements of Buddhist practice into their spirituality), but it will also find a wider audience among those who appreciate loving, perceptive humor about religion, the family and other sacred cows. Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
The Zen of Farting - by Reepah Gud Wan, Carl Japikse - Reepah Gud Wan was the Chinese Buddhist monk who founded Zen more than a millenium ago. The recent discovery of a rice paper scroll in Taiwan sheds new light on the true origins of Zen--and introduces us to the teachings of Reepah Gud Wan, as recorded by a disciple, who in fact was Reepah's brother.
The Zen Of Zelda Wisdom From Doggie Lama - by Carol Gardner - Zelda is back. In the follow-up to her hilarious debut, Zelda Wisdom, Zelda returns to lead us down the doggy path to enlightenment with zany Zen koans and more of the laugh-inducing photographs that made her first book such a hit. This hilarious canine guru will lift your spirits and bring a smile to your face. The "Doggy Lama" dispenses Zenlike wisdom in her inimitable bulldog style. With a face everyone can love, a bikini-clad Zelda reminds us that appearances count for nothing. "You are a soul with a body. . . not a body with a soul." Who knew that true Zen wisdom could be found in the form of a 60-pound bulldog? Zelda reminds us that "laughing at ourselves brings us closer to enlightenment than anything else." We would all do well to get in touch with our inner Zelda.
The Zen of Ziggy: A Ziggy Collection - by Tom Wilson - Why do so many people identify with Ziggy? Because he represents the innocent side in everyone, the optimist who lives deep down and wants to see the good in everything. No matter how bad things get, Ziggy always finds the bright spot. Because he relates better to his animal friends than to people, this adorable underdog often contemplates the meaning of life with his cuddly and accepting pets. In every panel, his insecurities encourages us to laugh at ourselves and to take everything in stride. Syndicated since 1971, Ziggy is faithfully read by more than 75 million readers every day. His message is one of hope and humor and hanging on to your dreams even when everything's got you down. Ziggy is a comic strip that has more than stood the test of time - with fun and spirit.
Zen Speaks: Shouts of Nothingness by Tsai Chih Chung, Brian Bruya - An illustrated adaptation of thirteenth-century Zen Buddhist writings brings together more than one hundred Zen tales that illuminate the spirit and philosophy of Zen.
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America Needs a Buddhist President by Brett Bevel - America needs a Buddhist president who debates opponents with Zen koans and chants mantras during the Pledge of Allegiance. So says Bevell, a program director for the Omega Conference Center in Rhinebeck, N.Y., in this brief and entertaining prose poem. Bevell’s ideal commander-in-chief would govern humbly, fairly and with a dollop of good humor. Bevell’s principles are nimbly articulated in Even Dodd’s simple black-and-white drawings that accompany each idea: for the verse about the president keeping the militaristic joint chiefs in check, Dodd shows the goateed guru-executive planting a swift kick in the chest of the head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. And for the section on the "yabyum" president who will not be afraid of sexual expression, Dodd depicts the nude leader locked in an ecstatic embrace with a decidedly relaxed First Lady. Irreverent and fun, though with a clear political axe to grind, this short meditation will please many American Buddhists come election season.
Art of Failing Buddhism: A Collection of Introspective Comics by Ryan Dow - Witness the growth of an artist as he completely botches his quest to find enlightenment.
Book of Zen (Asiapac Comic Series) by Chih Tsai Chung
Buddha Laughing: A Tricycle Book of Cartoons - by Tricycle Magazine - These eighty-five cartoons provide a hilarious perspective on everything from reincarnation to mindful--or perhaps mindless--ness. Over the centuries, Buddhism has offered the world a clear-eyed, down-to-earth approach to life and death. This irresistible little book of teachings is no exception. It demonstrates that wisdom can--and often should--be taught through humor. Buddha Laughing is a healthy recipe for lightening up, the path to true enlightenment.
The Buddha Smiles: A Collection of Dharmatoons by Mari Stein - The Buddha Smiles is a delightful gathering of Mari Gayatri Stein’s cartoons, or dharmatoons. The book follows a group of human and non-humans as they seek their enlightenment, exposing their strengths and weaknesses (and ours as well) in the process. The Buddha Smiles gently teaches the nature of Buddhist thought through cartoons on the Four Noble Truths, The Eightfold Path, and the nature of the Hindrances along the path. First full-length book of Buddhist cartoons.
In Buddha's Kitchen: Cooking and Being Cooked at a Meditation Center by Kimberley Snow - "The sweet potato queen meets Pema Chödrön . . . Snow has a gift for applying Tibetan Buddhist teaching, which can seem foreign or esoteric, to real life with its quirky demands and characters. This is a small jewel . . . a Buddhist book with a sense of humor."— Publishers Weekly
Buddhism for Bears by Claire Nielson, Chris Riddell - Nieslon and Riddell team up to offer the practical insights of Buddhism to our ursine friends. Riddell has held forth on the virtues of Buddhism to domesticated animals already in Buddhism for Sheep, and his portly bear friends here discover the merits of wisdom and self-control, even as they learn meditation techniques that will help them achieve truth. Each page features one of Riddell's humorous illustrations of Nielson's text. For example, the teaching on wisdomA"Let go of the craving and greed that bind you to the world"Ais accompanied by a drawing of a bear climbing out too far on a limb to reach a bee's nest and the limb snapping. On self-control: as Goldilocks thumbs her nose at the bears, they are advised to "practice self-restraint with regard to your fellow beings." On techniques: the bears are advised to "choose nourishing vegetables rather than meat" even as the illustration shows the inherent dangers the Buddhist bear faces in tearing into a moose's hide. Finally, as a bear prepares to step into a leg trap, it is reminded that "self-mortification does not lead to inner truth." On the one hand, this is a silly little book whose (p)awful humor is unbearable, e.g. drunken bears being advised to "abstain from drinking intoxicating liquors and spirits." On the other hand, though, like the Porcine History of Western Philosophy, this little manual offers a simple introduction to Buddhist principles and techniques for beginners. (July) Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Buddhism for Sheep - by Chris Riddell - Sheep are seriously underestimated creature when it comes to spirituality and religious feeling. For the first time, this book recognizes their huge potential and offers ovine students of Buddhism everywhere the opportunity to focus their skills and follow the path to enlightenment.
Dharma the Cat - Philosophy With Fur - by David Lourie - Cartoons and Commentary that blend humour with philosophy,"on the rocky road to nirvana with a Buddhist cat, a novice monk and a mouse hell-bent on cheese." The cartoon strip, "Dharma The Cat," runs in small monthly magazines in 20 countries, and is translated into 10 languages. The web site has won the "10 Best On The Web" Award in the Humor Category, and it is on the BBC Online's list of best educational sites.
Don't Squeeze the Shaman by Swami Beyondananda
Driving your Own Karma: Swami Beyondananda's Tour Guide to Enlightenment by Swami Beyondananda - Have you tried so many spiritual paths that you've become pathological? Experienced so much personal growth that you're totally growthed out? Do you think God probably loves you--but He's just not ready to make a commitment? Have you spent so much money on fixing yourself that now you're really broke? Do you think you might be confused, but you're just not sure? Look no more. Swami Beyondananda, whose syndicated columns, tapes, and live performances have delighted millions, has the ultimate answers for you.
Duck Soup for the Soul: The Way of Living Louder and Laughing Longer by Swami Beyondananda - Life is "Duck Soup"-fun, easy, a piece of cake-when you can laugh at yourself and everything else. Swami Beyondananda, author of Driving Your Own Karma does away with all earnestness and doctrine of whatever stripe as he elaborates on his punny theories. The self-proclaimed leader of a FUNdamentalist Revival (accent on FUN), the Swami advocates putting levity over gravity, and offers seven ways to prevent Truth Decay. According to the Swami, the reason we are put in the material world is to get more material, and Nonjudgment Day is at hand. Although for most of us life is hardly easy, and can easily be hard, Swami says life can easily be easy and hardly be hard at all. "Am I serious?" asks the Swami. "Absolutely not!"
Flock of Fools: Ancient Buddhist Tales of Wisdom and Laughter from tthe One Hundred Parable Sutra by Kazuaki Tanahashi, Peter Levitt - One hundred illuminating tales of the foibles and follies of everyday fools, this elegant, humorous, and masterful little book of wisdom is a welcome addition to the Buddhist canon "The One Hundred Parable Sutra" is known as the most humorous sutra in all of Buddhist literature. Here, Kazuaki Tanahashi, the celebrated translator, calligrapher, and Dogen scholar, and Peter Levitt, an award-winning poet, storyteller, and Zen practitioner, have translated and retold these jewel-like parables with storytelling panache for students, teachers, and seekers everywhere. With appropriate commentary, each tale becomes a simple lesson for everyday living. From the potter who seeks fame to the woman who possesses great lust, these tales are told with a gentle clarity that magnifies our appetites and delusions. In doing so, they become an accurate mirror of the human condition. A Flock of Fools is a perfect little book of wisdom, laughter, and compassion. Beautifully designed for gift giving, this handsome volume is illustrated with seventeen original brushwork drawings by Tanahashi, one of the world's most renowned calligraphers.
Flaw of Karma: Buddhist Limericks for Fun and Enlightenment by W Rowe - The Buddha in Hell? Gossipy Monks? A karmic superhero? A Lady reborn as a fly? A Tibetan lake of vanishing gold? A king who barks like a hound; Merit from a pig's muddy tail. The Buddha's advice for cleaning sandals? Here is enlightening advice on laughing gas for the karma-laden mindstream moving inexorably toward The Great Whatever. Though many of the limericks are humorous, they contain some serious spiritual ideas.
Harriet the Zen Hen: Follow the Hen Path to Enlightenment by Ariel Books - Harriet the Zen Hen is either one of the lightest books on our Autumn 2006 list or the most profound. The answer will be up to our readers and their state of consciousness. Those most Buddha-like will know exactly what Harriet's saying. The rest of us birdbrains can just follow along and enjoy the truly enlightened chicken and her Zen wisdom. Anybody who transcends the everyday life of the chicken coop must have reached a higher spiritual plane. Harriet has, as evidenced by her ponderings such as 'We are what we think we are. Hen or Chicken, the choice is yours.' And, contemplating an egg, 'Neither fire nor wind, birth nor death can tell us which came first.' This fowl understands the Zen world and is willing to share it with the rest of us. Consider her pithy koan tale: A nesting hen, wanting to impress her Zen master, said, "There is only nothing. The nature of phenomena is emptiness." The master sat still and said nothing. Suddenly, he pushed the hen off her nest and stole the eggs she had just laid. This made the young hen angry. 'Give me back my eggs!' she cried. 'What eggs?' inquired the master. Harriet will have you clucking - and thinking - all the way to enlightenment.
Jellyfish Bones: The Humor of Zen by Don Gilbert
