The Dude and the Zen Master

Did the rug really tie the room together?

Was Donny out of his element?

If you love The Big Lebowski you'll probably enjoy The Dude and the Zen Master, a collaboration between Jeff Bridges and Zen teacher Bernie Glassman. Evidently Bridges and Glassman have been friends for years and thought a critical analysis of the Dude's words and actions was in order.

Pretty much all I know about Zen comes from reading some Alan Watts, thus I'm unqualified to speak to how much Zen learning you may take away from this entertaining book. Start out simply looking to chuckle or remember a few great scenes from a favorite movie, and you won't be disappointed. Recall Jon Stewart's reminders that The Daily Show is a comedy. This book is for fun and if you read it as such, you won't be disappointed.

A sort of side note or unexpected takeaway from the book is that I really enjoyed the glimpse into Jeff Bridges' life and experiences as an actor. He shares quite a bit and clearly works very hard.

The Dude and the Zen Master by Jeff Bridges and Bernie Glassman