Blue Jean Buddha : Voices of Young Buddhists

This book is the rarest of spiritual books: one of honesty, and problematic outcome. Even the self-absorbed essays, being almost ingenous in their expression, lend to the honesty of belief and expression.You know, even the best of spiritual books have to me that breezy tone of "you too can have the perfect life in only five minutes a day..." And, if the author recounts some of their past troubles, somehow they seem to have been effortlessly overcome with no residual effects.This book is different. It is a collection of essays by young Buddhists, primarily in their late 20's and early 30's.Many of the essays are excellent. "The Perfect Buddhist Boyfriend" depicts the disintegration of a relationship in which both partners have adopted all the accountremonts of being with-it young Buddhists. Similarly, there's the rude awakening of a young American Buddhist at a Tibetan retreat who, after several days, realizes that the wonderful authentic soup he his being served may be authentic, but it's Ramen that he could purchase at any supermarket. And why were they all isolated here meditating hours on end amongst themselves instead of going out and helping people. (The essay's conclusion is less satisfactory to me.)My favorite essays are by those who have grown up in Buddhistm. "Growing Up with the Dharma Bums" is a riot, as the author in 1970's Rochester has to explain to his friend's mom why he cannot eat meat, straightforwardly, but reluctantly, informimg her that his parents are Buddhists and believe that killing animals is wrong. And at school he and his best friend are quick to remonstrate when they spy other kids burning up ants under the magnifying glass!I myself gave copies of this book to each of my teenage sons. I showed them the introduction which begings with the following quotes: "I did a lot of drugs before I was I Buddhist" "Well, I did a lot of drugs because I was a Buddhist" "Was asking my girlfriend to get an abortion un-Buddhist?"What self-respecting teen wouldn't be hooked on these, at least to open the book. One of mine actually read some of the essays. You've got to sow the seeds and hope that some may take, if not now later.And why did I want them to read the much less exciting essays?Because the honesty of the voice, the struggles, the insecurities, the humility, the uncertainty admidst the seeking and moments of joy and revelation constitute (for me)descriptions of those on a real spiritual path, which I would being doing well to emulate in my own life.

My family has been Buddhists for generations, however, I, like everyone else has to find my own way to the Middle Path. I have just entered my middle ages, so I am a little older than those who have shared their stories with us in the book, but reading it was like meeting a friend I had been looking for.There are always more questions than answers as we continue to try; going back to our cushions again and again. There are questions we don't even know how to ask. Reading this book presented directions as well as comfort as I consider the path ahead of me.

Sumi Loundon and company's BLUE JEAN BUDDHA is a rarity in several regards. For one thing, Loundon and her writers manage to lucidly articulate many ideas and feelings about culture, pop culture, age, and Buddhism that have previously proven to be precarious ground for authors to tread (this is particularly true of Loundon's first-class analyses throughout the book). For another, it switches gears gracefully--for any book, not just a dharma book--between being a sociological study (pieces like Kenneth Lee's "Drugs and the Dharma" and Thich Nu Pho-Chau's "Life as a Vietnamese Nun" exemplify this); a unique and very broad dialogue on philosophy, cultural ideologies, psychology, service, and peace (Claudia Heiman's "Winning over Depression," Noah Levine's "A Dharma Punx Path," and Adrienne Stauffer's "Freeing Tibet, Freeing Myself"); and very often literary nonfiction (Seth Castleman's "If a Nice Jewish Boy Sits in a Cave, Does He Make a Difference?" and Lillian Guild's "The Perfect Buddhist Boyfriend"). And lastly, its pieces burst with a very special kind of honesty about spiritual pursuits and the many facets of American life that only the spirit of youth could offer (Hanuman Goleman's "I'm a Mutt"). BLUE JEAN BUDDHA is fresh, insightful, and right-on. All of the bull's-eyes it manages to hit combined with its heart and humor make it an engaging read for anyone and an essential volume for any Buddhist's library.

What does Buddhism really mean to young people in a century when the Dalai Lama's image is used to sell computers & "Nirvana" is a rock band?In his Foreword, Jack Kornfield poses the question: "What if Buddha were born in North America, in our times?"Sumi Loundon, born into the North American Buddhist culture & coming into her third decade of life, is also asking: "What is being a Buddhist in today's Western world?" As she finds her answers, she also finds she is not alone & so evolved this collection of enchanting, first-person essays from young Buddhists all over this globe.Like pebbles on a beach, each story is fascinating as the writers tell of their strife & boredom, yearning & bliss, hectic lives & momentary glimpses of spiritual stillness.For a look at the world through another window where our senses & our monkey minds are engaged as never before, pick up a copy of BLUE JEAN BUDDHA & if you don't get it on the first read - keep it! Then take it down during a particularly hyper-active period in your life & see how others have walked through their chaos into the Buddhic balance & life-affirming consciousness.Well worth the read! Gave me much about which to think & write!

I loved this book! It gave me a feeling of happiness to know that I am not the only young Buddhist going through lifes trials and tribulations. However, you do not have to be Buddhist to fully enjoy the compassionate tales of life experienced through the hearts and minds of the many young individuals featured in this book. In the last review I read regarding this book, the reviewer stated that there was not enough coverage of the Soka Gakkai tradition, but this is not the case...As a matter of fact there are two complete essays about this new tradition contained within the books' 232 pages. If you're looking for a book that will enlighten you with fresh perspectives from young Buddhist practitioners, then look no further...Blue Jean Buddha delivers!