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Stumbling Toward Enlightenment
A humorous and honest collection of Buddhist wisdom from a Western beginner'Âs perspective.
Instead of promising a straight and clear path to enlightenment, author and teacher Geri Larkin shows us that even stumbling along that path can lead to self-discovery and awakening, especially if we prize the journey and not the destination. With candor, affection, and earthy wisdom, Larkin shares her experiences as a beginning and continuing Buddhist. This spirituality classic shows any seeker that it's possible to stumble, smile, and stay Zen through it all.
Instead of promising a straight and clear path to enlightenment, author and teacher Geri Larkin shows us that even stumbling along that path can lead to self-discovery and awakening, especially if we prize the journey and not the destination. With candor, affection, and earthy wisdom, Larkin shares her experiences as a beginning and continuing Buddhist. This spirituality classic shows any seeker that it's possible to stumble, smile, and stay Zen through it all.
244 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 1997
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305 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
April 26, 2018
This book is a keeper. Some chapters, like the ones dealing with anger and rage, will be worth rereading when circumstances require, as I'm sure they will.
This book isn't woo-woo Zen. It isn't "I'm superior to you" Zen. Larkin reveals the basics of Buddhism by humbly sharing her struggle to reshape and find meaning in her life. She even manages to throw in humor along the way by sharing her stumbles and frustrations.
I met her around 1990 when I was an independent IT consultant attending her excellent week-long course on growing your business. She was an impressive, very intelligent and very driven high-level management consultant working for Deloitte & Touche. She was definitely not the sort of person you would expect to embrace Buddhism, attend a Buddhist seminary for three years, and become a priest. I lost touch with her after the class and only recently reconnected with her online after purchasing some of her books.
I am not a Zen follower. I simply wanted to learn from Larkin's experience. This is the second book of hers that I've read. (The first was Plant Seed, Pull Weed.) I read a chapter or two each night before bed and it calmed my mind. If I can implement some of the ideas, I'll be a happier and better person.
This book isn't woo-woo Zen. It isn't "I'm superior to you" Zen. Larkin reveals the basics of Buddhism by humbly sharing her struggle to reshape and find meaning in her life. She even manages to throw in humor along the way by sharing her stumbles and frustrations.
I met her around 1990 when I was an independent IT consultant attending her excellent week-long course on growing your business. She was an impressive, very intelligent and very driven high-level management consultant working for Deloitte & Touche. She was definitely not the sort of person you would expect to embrace Buddhism, attend a Buddhist seminary for three years, and become a priest. I lost touch with her after the class and only recently reconnected with her online after purchasing some of her books.
I am not a Zen follower. I simply wanted to learn from Larkin's experience. This is the second book of hers that I've read. (The first was Plant Seed, Pull Weed.) I read a chapter or two each night before bed and it calmed my mind. If I can implement some of the ideas, I'll be a happier and better person.
February 10, 2022
Absolutely hilarious collection focusing on Larkin's goal as a Zen Buddhist...enlightenment might not be coming, but at least she has a good sense of humor.
December 21, 2018
My favorite spiritual book - a clear-minded, down to earth collection of essays by Geri Larkin on Buddhism and how it can be applied to anyone's life, be they Methodist, atheist, or practicing Zen Buddhist.
She's witty, openly neurotic, but crystal clear and confident in what has worked for her and those around her. It's about the journey, not the destination for Larkin, and that's a refreshing approach to spirituality for someone raised with the carrot-and-stick approach of Southern Baptist dogma (c'est moi).
Larkin's got such a light touch, you feel like you've cozied up by the fire with tea and an old friend, rather than coerced your bare feet into the lotus position for lesson time with The Master.
All of Larkin's books are terrific - this may be her best.
She's witty, openly neurotic, but crystal clear and confident in what has worked for her and those around her. It's about the journey, not the destination for Larkin, and that's a refreshing approach to spirituality for someone raised with the carrot-and-stick approach of Southern Baptist dogma (c'est moi).
Larkin's got such a light touch, you feel like you've cozied up by the fire with tea and an old friend, rather than coerced your bare feet into the lotus position for lesson time with The Master.
All of Larkin's books are terrific - this may be her best.
April 25, 2015
I have read many many books in my 52 years and about a hand full of them have made major impacts, this book is one of them. The others were...in order of when I read them; Out on a Limb by Shirley McClaine, Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway (which Geri mentions in this book!) Creative Visualization by Shakti Gwain and When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chodron .
I have read many books on Buddhism but mostly Tibetan, This book is on Zen and I will read it again and again. Geri, like Pema, makes an eastern religion very understandable for this western woman!
I have read many books on Buddhism but mostly Tibetan, This book is on Zen and I will read it again and again. Geri, like Pema, makes an eastern religion very understandable for this western woman!
March 25, 2017
Just turned the last page and closed the book. Now, to start again on page 1! This time I'll highlight things I want to remember - wow, what a lovely, conversational spiritual guide and companion!
October 15, 2017
I can't remember where I heard about this book but as soon as I read its description I knew I had to read it. My library didn't have it and I felt so strongly about it, I went on Amazon and spent actual American dollars on it. I'm done reading it now and I'm going to keep it on my bookshelf.
To be clear - I bought this actual physical book with actual money. And I'm going to keep it, as a physical object in my house. This is a big deal.
This is pretty much what you expect, you aren't going to be introduced to new Buddhist concepts here - the philosophy is hundreds of years old and once you've read a book or two about it, you'll have pretty much gotten to know everything you need to know. What's fun is Ms. Larkin herself - her relatable, American, "normal" self. I don't think I've read any books before written by seekers who also happen to be single mothers. I feel certain no one else has opined at such length of the role sexual drive plays in our path.
Ms. Larkin writes beautifully and relatably. I believe I will pick up this book whenever I want the kind of guidance that an older sister would give. She is gentle and funny and clearly committed to her stumbling path, regardless of how wonky it gets.
To be clear - I bought this actual physical book with actual money. And I'm going to keep it, as a physical object in my house. This is a big deal.
This is pretty much what you expect, you aren't going to be introduced to new Buddhist concepts here - the philosophy is hundreds of years old and once you've read a book or two about it, you'll have pretty much gotten to know everything you need to know. What's fun is Ms. Larkin herself - her relatable, American, "normal" self. I don't think I've read any books before written by seekers who also happen to be single mothers. I feel certain no one else has opined at such length of the role sexual drive plays in our path.
Ms. Larkin writes beautifully and relatably. I believe I will pick up this book whenever I want the kind of guidance that an older sister would give. She is gentle and funny and clearly committed to her stumbling path, regardless of how wonky it gets.
November 8, 2018
Amazing, amazing, amazing! I loved every chapter. It inspired me to take the step of discovering a Zen sangha in my city.
Larkin’s voice is honest, raw, and hilarious. Prior to picking up this book I always pictured a Zen teacher as serious, quiet, and eternally peaceful. Larkin swiftly straightened my misconceptions. She speaks about her own experiences where she swears, makes mistakes, and recounts her difficulties with meditation. All the while, she speaks of her spiritual growth and the teachings of Buddha.
This is one book I could see myself reading many times over.
Larkin’s voice is honest, raw, and hilarious. Prior to picking up this book I always pictured a Zen teacher as serious, quiet, and eternally peaceful. Larkin swiftly straightened my misconceptions. She speaks about her own experiences where she swears, makes mistakes, and recounts her difficulties with meditation. All the while, she speaks of her spiritual growth and the teachings of Buddha.
This is one book I could see myself reading many times over.
December 12, 2022
Geri Larken's open-book struggle with welcoming her Spiritual guide into her "real" life has been pivotal for me in finding a truly human and humane path to my purpose. I'm still traveling that path. I highly recommend reading all her books. It's so refreshing to find out enlightenment about anything is our human struggle worthy of every ounce of our focus of energy.
July 20, 2017
'Just be. Just live your life. Ten thousand joys, ten thousand sorrows. Today sorrow, tomorrow, joy. Impermanence protects you. It is all a circle, joy, sorrow, life, death, over and over. Keep breathing. Keep breathing.'
May 10, 2019
Meaningful personal story of an American reshaping their life as a Buddhist.
August 27, 2019
I DNF this. Stumbled too much
April 7, 2023
read
April 7, 2023
read
August 7, 2024
I was real
Hot and cold on this one. At times I found the tone to
Be very irritating, but the next page would
Contain diamonds, so I stuck with it.
Hot and cold on this one. At times I found the tone to
Be very irritating, but the next page would
Contain diamonds, so I stuck with it.
July 6, 2011
Talk about a book that I couldn´t put down. Geri Larken explains in the easiest of terms how we can follow zen buddhism in the western world. She uses anecdotes and stories of her own experiences and hardships with trying to reach enlightenment. Her whole thought throughout the book is that we are stumblers. There is not one person that will reach enlightenment without some stumbling and that we should never look at anything as a failure, but as a lesson.
There were multiple ideas and teachings that she brought up that made me say ¨ah ha! I knew I wasn´t the only person who thought this way!¨ It´s surprising, and maybe not too surprising, that buddhist teachings often coinsided with my own thoughts on how to live my life. If there was a religion that I had to choose that most fit my values and thoughts on life, it would be buddhism.
A few things that stood out. One was the idea of empathy and loving kindness. There is no way that we can understand the inner workings and background of every person we meet but there is a way to empathize so that we do not react only on what we are feeling. I also love how she explains that change is inevitable in our lives and that we must come to terms with it. Everything that comes into our lives will eventually leave it. I personally put this to use whenever I lose something of value. It is just a thing and what matters in my life are the relationships I have and even those leave. What´s most important is to make the most of every moment we are alive. Life is short and it is not meant to be wasted wallowing in material things. It is meant to be spent bettering the world and affecting the world in a positive way with happiness and most of all joy!
Read this book, it rocks!
There were multiple ideas and teachings that she brought up that made me say ¨ah ha! I knew I wasn´t the only person who thought this way!¨ It´s surprising, and maybe not too surprising, that buddhist teachings often coinsided with my own thoughts on how to live my life. If there was a religion that I had to choose that most fit my values and thoughts on life, it would be buddhism.
A few things that stood out. One was the idea of empathy and loving kindness. There is no way that we can understand the inner workings and background of every person we meet but there is a way to empathize so that we do not react only on what we are feeling. I also love how she explains that change is inevitable in our lives and that we must come to terms with it. Everything that comes into our lives will eventually leave it. I personally put this to use whenever I lose something of value. It is just a thing and what matters in my life are the relationships I have and even those leave. What´s most important is to make the most of every moment we are alive. Life is short and it is not meant to be wasted wallowing in material things. It is meant to be spent bettering the world and affecting the world in a positive way with happiness and most of all joy!
Read this book, it rocks!
July 31, 2009
I am so proud to know that I live in the same town that Geri Larking once lived in (Ann Arbor) This book has been really helpful to me as a twenty first century American business woman. Geri really gets to the heart of the problem gently making fun of her own inability to meditate at first due to her dependence on Starbucks and other common traps that so many of us fall into and need to forgive ourselves for.
Like so many Buddhist teachers, Geri uses lots of analogies to help understand our inner life. My favorite in this book is this:
When someone insults you or yells at you or treats you with out love it is like they have shot a poison arrow at your heart which stops right before it gets to you and drops to the floor at your feet...... When you obsess over revenge and justice fuming with anger mind racing with thoughts of negativity it is like you have picked up that arrow and stabbed yourself all over ;)
Read it!
Like so many Buddhist teachers, Geri uses lots of analogies to help understand our inner life. My favorite in this book is this:
When someone insults you or yells at you or treats you with out love it is like they have shot a poison arrow at your heart which stops right before it gets to you and drops to the floor at your feet...... When you obsess over revenge and justice fuming with anger mind racing with thoughts of negativity it is like you have picked up that arrow and stabbed yourself all over ;)
Read it!
January 3, 2009
This was the first Buddhist book I read and it utterly captivated me. Her clear explanations, honesty, and -- especially -- self-deprecating humour as she talks about her own path (leading from the life of a high-paid management consultant to that of a Buddhist monk) is wonderful. I've eagerly read all of the books she wrote after this, and was never disappointed. It's also a great user-friendly introduction to Buddhism, with a big emphasis on living day-to-day.
December 30, 2019
This was where my Buddhist journey began...when I was 12 or 13. I read a few pages, put the book down for a couple of years, picked it back up, put in back down for a couple more years, etc.
When I finally was ready to actually delve into this one, it really opened my eyes to something that I had been feeling my entire life. Super happy to own this one, and I will read it every so often just because. :)
When I finally was ready to actually delve into this one, it really opened my eyes to something that I had been feeling my entire life. Super happy to own this one, and I will read it every so often just because. :)
November 15, 2014
I bought this book years ago before I got pregnant with my daughter. It sat on my bookshelf unread since. After an emotionally tumultuous time I decided it was time to nurture my spiritual side. This was my first pick to read. I wish I had read this book years ago. Although the book has an emphasis on Buddhism it offers a spiritual toolbox for anyone looking to develop their own spirituality. I wish I hadn't waited so long to read it.
June 6, 2009
A collection of charming, empathic essays far removed from the austere but authentic utterances of my primary Zen teacher, Kyozan Joshu Sasaki. Joshu Roshi would applaud Ms. Larkin's candor but would also vigorously swat her with his paper fan. What this book seems to lack is "Bodhicitta," the "Thought of Enlightenment," which may explain why it stumbles instead of walking straight ahead.
November 18, 2012
I've read this book twice. I don't read a lot about zen or buddhism, but this was one of the first books I "stumbled" upon. I own a copy, so it's very possible that I'll read it again. I just found out that Larkin is a columnist for Spirituality & Health magazine. I found her to be a very accessible writer, so I'll be trying to follow the column.
January 21, 2008
This book is one of my all-time favorites. It provides a reasonable introduction to Buddhist practice through the Geri Larkin's first person point of view. It is presented almost like a memoir. A poignant, easy read. Each time I've read it, I've noticed something new.
September 12, 2008
This is one of my favorite books of all time. Geri Larkin is a warm, entertaining author. She's really funny too! I really enjoy her writing and always feel spiritually re-invigorated after reading one of her books. I highly recommend this book as well as her others!
December 3, 2008
This book helped me realize that a spiritual path is not straight and narrow. It's meandering and at some points lost all together. I go back to this book when I feel my life has gotten too complicated and I've lost my focus.
June 23, 2017
This book is very near and dear to my heart as it was recommended and given to me by someone I hold in very high esteem. He thought I would be able to relate to her, and he was right. Her words took Buddhism out of the abstract and made me see I had always been a Buddhist, I just didn't know it.
Read
August 3, 2011I can't rate this because I skimmed too much. I really enjoyed the parts I read, but didn't feel compelled to read the chapter on rage, etc. I LOVE the chapter titled "Nasty People as Secret Bodhisattvas."
April 20, 2013
I read this book about a year ago. I enjoyed it, but at the time I thought of it as a minor, simple spiritual work. Since then, for some reason I've been unable to stop thinking about it. I have to revisit this one. It's haunting.
June 9, 2023
Meditative and mindfulness practice made accessible. Written in common, everyday language, with a dose of humor. It did lose a little steam toward the last few chapters -- either it started getting a little repetitive, or it dealt with one or two subjects I wasn't as interested in.
October 24, 2007
This is a kind, compassionate and funny guide to walking the spiritual path. This is another one that I ordered as soon as I finished my library copy.
January 12, 2009
This story is very good for us practicing householders.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews