Buddhism for Dudes: A Jarhead’s Field Guide to Mindfulness

Stribling, a retired U.S. Marine, introduces Buddhism to average Joes, teaching readers that the Buddha himself was just an ordinary guy who happened to live an upright, moral life. Stribling emphasizes the roles of ethics and duty in Buddhism, where the individual must learn to take responsibility for one’s life and cultivate compassion. His militaristic characterization of various Buddhist practices may remind readers of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche’s spiritual warrior; however, Stribling’s imagery is embedded in the modern military. For instance, he connects Right Mindfulness, “a keen awareness of everything that’s going on around... and inside,” to standing watch at night, listening and observing with intense awareness to the world around the individual. Stribling is oriented toward the practical, everyday applications of Buddhism, and he deftly avoids all metaphysical speculation. Stribling declares that “this is not a book written with women in mind,” but all readers can find a highly accessible introduction to Buddhism in this intriguing pocket-size work. (Aug.)