Zen Judaism: For You, a Little Enlightenment

by David M. Bader

Few spiritual practices are more intriguing or elusive than those of Zen Judaism,” says David M. Bader in the foreword to Zen Judaism . “This growing movement offers a unique way to follow in the footsteps of the Buddha, ideally without gaining quite so much weight.” These nearly 100 sacred teachings are capable “of bringing about an enlightenment experience so pure, so elevating, and so intense, you could plotz.”

For you, some

To know the Buddha is the highest attainment. Second highest is to go to the same doctor as the Buddha.

Be here now. Be someplace else later. Is that so complicated?

There is no escaping Karma. In a previous life, you never called, you never wrote, you never visited. And whose fault was that?

If there is no self, whose arthritis is this?

Be patient and achieve all things. Be impatient and achieve all things faster.

Genres: Humor, Jewish, Judaism, Buddhism, Nonfiction, Philosophy

112 pages, Hardcover

First published August 13, 2002

About the author

Also published as David Bader
Manhattan attorney turned haiku humourist, David Bader is author of several US cult hits Haikus for Jews: For You, a Little Wisdom and Zen Judaism: For You, a Little Enlightenment. He lives and counts syllables in New York City.

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a humorous collection of aphorisms that seek to combine the ideas/cultures of Judaism and Zen Buddhism for the sake of some insightful laughs.

An example: "The Torah says, 'Love thy neighbor as thy self.' The Buddha says there is no 'self.' So maybe you are off the hook." (p. 46)

[David · Rating 1 out of 5]

I've seen many Jewish-"something" books over the years and, although I love the idea I rapidly got tired of the schticky humor. Maybe reading a page (which is one koen) a week would have been better than trying to read it in one sitting.

[Diane B · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Whenever you feel anger, you should say, "May I be free of this anger!" This rarely works, but talking to yourself in public will encourage others to leave you alone.

"Be a radiant channel of light and love. Project compassionate acceptance and encouragement in all directions. Keep telling others, "May you be happy, may you be peaceful, may you be free from suffering. May all beings be happy, may all beings be peaceful, may all beings be free from suffering." Don't expect anyone to thank you for all your trouble.

....

I laughed out loud when came across this little hardcover book in Kauai, and picked it up at the same time as a more serious one from the Dalai Lama. I find it hilarious and truthful at the same time, a great combination on days when I need to stop taking things too seriously.

[Marc Mannheimer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun book! I would doubt someone who is neither Jewish nor has studied Zen literature will enjoy these one-liner koans as much as I did. Made me contemplate impermanence along with helping me celebrate my Jewish identity at the same time. Very clever.

[Rachel Teferet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best coffee table book ever:)

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is hilarious.

[Agatha Glowacki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and funny

[Ilan Joffe · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's funny, but not that funny

[Dana Jerman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fun little chuckle flip-thru. Endearingly sweet without being too cloyingly-jewy.
Delicate and wry observations in good humor.

[Lia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Often hilarious, always accurate and succinct, completely entertaining.

[Edward ott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hilarious

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

FROM THE PUBLISHER
Few spiritual practices are more intriguing or elusive than those of Zen Judaism,” says David M. Bader in the foreword to Zen Judaism. “This growing movement offers a unique way to follow in the footsteps of the Buddha, ideally without gaining quite so much weight.” These nearly 100 sacred teachings are capable “of bringing about an enlightenment experience so pure, so elevating, and so intense, you could plotz.”

For you, some samples:

To know the Buddha is the highest attainment. Second highest is to go to the same doctor as the Buddha.

Be here now. Be someplace else later. Is that so complicated?

There is no escaping Karma. In a previous life, you never called, you never wrote, you never visited. And whose fault was that?

If there is no self, whose arthritis is this?

Be patient and achieve all things. Be impatient and achieve all things faster.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Learn of the pine from the pine
Learn of the bamboo from the bamboo
Learn of the kugel from the kugel"

[Glory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such pearls of wisdoms and hilarious, too!

[Annabelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A clever little book!

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seriously funny.

[Wendy Lawrence]

the subtitle says it all. a little light-heartedness, too.

[Jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

cute little read, good for a few laughs!

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very short book of 'zen' quotes ending in a stereotypical Jewish twist. Each page was like a little politically incorrect joke.

[Phyllis Neff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny and a good summary of some Buddhist thought and laffs

Lots of chuckling and good buddhism too would recommend for a grey WA day and for the sickened of a Jewish friend

[Frieden · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's best not to say too much-- just read this book and smile at the bits of wisdom; meditate on their wisdom.