The Accidental Buddhist is the funny, provocative story of how Dinty Moore went looking for the faith he'd lost in what might seem the most unlikely of places: the ancient Eastern tradition of Buddhism. Moore demystifies and explains the contradictions and concepts of this most mystic-seeming of religious traditions. This plain-spoken, insightful look at the dharma in America will fascinate anyone curious about the wisdom of other cultures and other religions.
Cutting through religious jargon and abstract concepts, Moore explains in clear terms why Buddhism is becoming part of popular culture. He has the rare ability to be at once sincere about religion and good-humored about the human condition. The Accidental Buddhist never takes itself too seriously—which, as Moore discovers, Buddhists aren’t supposed to do, even when they are mindful, enlightened, and sitting perfectly still.
REVIEW
The Accidental Buddhist is a thought provoking, at times irreverent, journey of a former Catholic altar boy trying to find meaning in exploring Buddhism in America.
Even though this book is almost twenty years old, the narrative is still fresh, original, and entertaining. Author Dinty Moore wrestles with the basic precepts of Buddhism and how it fits into the fast-paced American lifestyle. The reader travels with Author Moore as he takes parts in retreats, wrestles with monkey mind thoughts, and meets the Dalai Lama.
It is an enlightening read. Throughout the tale, Moore uses Buddhist terms that he explains with the first usage, but are included in a glossary in the back. There is also a resource appendix in the back. It may not be current due to the date of the book.
It’s March now, but so far in 2017, this is the best book I’ve read this year.