Book Report #105 - Buddha

Buddha: A Story of Enlightenment by Deepak Chopra

When I saw this at a bookstore I felt joy wash over me. I had to get it even if I had already read Siddhartha and felt the territory had been covered. I'd never read a book by Chopra and really wanted to give it a shot.

I just finished it this morning and am reeling from it. I was disappointed a lot of the way through because I felt that Guatama's (Buddha name as a prince) coming-of-age story was largely irrelevant. What I really wanted to know were the details of how he became enlightened. There was so much darkness and disappointment for him, not the way I'd previously imagined, and it got me down.

When he became awakened I was even more depressed. It seemed joyless to break out of the cycle of samsara (suffering) and reach Nirvana. This is allegedly a point where good and bad no longer exist. At that point Buddha could choose whether he would stay in this world or go. He chose to stay and help people.

Therein lies my question. If there is no good or bad why choose a life of compassion, kindness and non-violence? What does it matter? The writing after the awakening seemed inconsistent and therefore frustrating, especially when Deepak acknowledged that he is not a Buddhist or Buddhist scholar. Where's his credibility supposed to come from?

I'm confused, profoundly affected and more confused. The Epilogue answered some of my questions but not enough. That's fine because Deepak is probably not the best source for the answers. I'm sure they come from looking within although I'm convinced a Master is pretty necessary for an awakening.

General consensus: I'm still unclear on what I read. Trying to figure it out.

Book Report #89 - Quiet Strength

Quiet Strength: The Principles, Practices, and Priorities of a Winning Life by Tony Dungy

I picked up this book because I am going through a difficult time in my life and my friend recommended it as a source of strength. He said it was only about 15% football and the rest about Tony's life.

Tony Dungy is the coach of the Indianapolis Colts. He's a Christian guy who is vocal about his faith. I feel like a jerk saying this but the book made me uncomfortable. It made me think practically everyone in the NFL is Christian since they pray together before and after games. I never considered working for the NFL before and that's good because now I would never apply for a job within the organization. I have a strong feeling I'd be the odd one out.

Aside from all the Christian talk I did manage to extract some solid advice.

"Do the common things uncommonly well."

"Stay the course."

These will have an impact on my life. Thank you, Mr. Dungy.

General consensus: Best enjoyed by Christian football fans since the book is about 80% football and 100% Christian.

Book Review #35

Blonde: A Novel by Joyce Carol Oates

I don't know why I keep giving Joyce the benefit of the doubt. For one thing, her writing is too much. It's unforgivably verbose. Save it, lady!

This particular gem is a biography of Norma Jean Baker, also known as Marilyn Monroe. If you can handle unnecessary defamation of character and a series of romances, divorces and abortions this may be the book for you.

I read about a hundred pages in bed one morning and was surprised to find that the rest of my day was plagued by melancholy. Source? Could only be one thing--Blonde.