The Accidental Buddhist: Mindfulness, Enlightenment, and Sitting Still, American Style

by Dinty W. Moore

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.
-Moore's hilarious and sometimes irreverent look at Buddhism is a perfect primer for the budding Buddhist.---Publishers Weekly

-[Moore's] witty and candid 'regular guy' approach to these experiences is entertaining and comforting, and his conclusions are right on target.---Booklist

Genres: Buddhism, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Memoir, Religion, Philosophy, Self Help

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Dinty W. Moore is author of the award-winning memoir Between Panic & Desire, the writing guides The Story Cure and Crafting the Personal Essay, and many other books. He has published essays and stories in The Georgia Review, Harper’s, The New York Times Magazine, The Southern Review, Kenyon Review, Creative Nonfiction, and elsewhere. He is founding editor of Brevity, the journal of flash nonfiction, and teaches master classes and workshops across the United States as well as in Ireland, Scotland, Spain, Switzerland, Canada, and Mexico.

Reviews

[Libby · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 'The Accidental Buddhist,' Moore takes the reader on a tour of Buddhism in America, frequently stopping to visit his own 'monkey mind.' I've been fascinated with Buddhism for many years, for the some of the same reasons Moore experiences in his own .Catholic childhood. Brought up in the charasmatic Pentecostal religion as well as being schooled in traditional Baptist beliefs, I dealt with the same disillusionment that Moore experienced with his Catholic faith. One of the things I liked about Buddhism was the fact it didn't proclaim itself as the only way. For those of the Christian faith, Buddhism is heresy simply because it is not Christianity. When the author asks the Dalai Lama what place he sees for Buddhism in America, he answers that he sees America as a Judeo-Christian country, but if Buddhism feels right to you, then you should of course adopt it. However, he continues, when one adopts another religion, he often feels compelled to criticize his former religion. Avoid this, the Dalai Lama admonishes. The author feels guilty. So do I. Meditation has helped me through some tough times and some painful personal experiences. Moore is refreshingly honest as he questions the reasons behind his book even as he writes it. He admits that his research seems to be a product of monkey mind. Yet, he continues. Moore's wife is studying the Quaker religion. In the end, they realize the similarities in the two practices. I enjoyed this thought provoking book very much.

[Clifford · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a quick, enjoyable read about a spiritual search that in some ways parallels my own, although Moore goes much deeper in his quest by undertaking retreats in several different Buddhist traditions. Written in the 90s, it refers to the emergence of a "cottage industry" of Buddhist books; at this point, nearly 15 years later, that cottage industry is a virtual Buddhist-Industrial Complex, with several glossy magazines, meditation supply megastores, and countless books published each year, including, it seems, one every few months from the Dalai Lama and another from Thich Nhat Hanh.

Don't read this one to learn about Buddhism. There are better texts for that. But it's worth the read to see how one person followed the path. Stay tuned for Moore's The Mindful Writer, coming in 2012, which applies some of what he's learned on that path to the writing process.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH MY THIS BOOK IS FUN!
Dinty Moore (yah that's his real name and no, he doesn't make soup) has written a completely fun journey into his study of Buddhism. He sets out to study the American swing toward Buddhism and ends up finding himself drawn to it as well. His observations on meditation, the inside of his mind and retreat are hilarious. I have loaned this to people and gotten a kick out of watching them laugh outloud. How many books really do that???

(on reflection that his teacher "Geshe-la" taught him about anger)
"I'm not sure I do,frankly, but above all the philosophical, one everyday manifestation of this is the understanding that 'others'' do not make you mad. For instance, I said to my wife the other day, 'You are driving me up a wall,' then realized, thanks to my nominal meditation practice, that is is my wall, and I'm the one climbing it, so I guess it isn't her fault. When I explained this, she was so grateful, she wanted to send Geshe-la some money."

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book - it reflects my own search for knowledge about Buddhism (through books and online, I've never been able to go to a Buddhist retreat or ask the Dalai Lama a direct questions, as Moore does), and it reassures me that following the Buddhist path does not mean one has to shave their head (my head is not shaped nicely) or join a convent (my husband might object.) As Moore (and, by the way, he is no relation to the Dinty Moore for whom the Hormel chili is named) says at the end of the book:

"What kind of Buddhist am I?
I think I am probably a fairly lousy Buddhist.
But Buddhism, thankfully, is a tradition with plenty of room,
even for lousy Buddhists."

I find this reassuring.

And, besides, the book made me laugh and not take my whole "search" so seriously. How very Buddhist of it.

[Ellie Coggins Angus · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy, approachable beginner's guide to Buddhism. Recommended by a friend and a great complement to my current yoga practice. I appreciated how this combatted a lot of stereotypes that I had about Buddhist practices and showed ways to incorporate into our modern, American lifestyle.

This book is not recent by any means, and I did laugh a little at references to the busy world of fax machines and pagers. But it was a solid reminder that things have only gotten more chaotic since the 90s, so taking time to slow down, meditate, and focus on the here and now is key to a more balanced life.

[Dan Burt · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.8 stars.

[Ken · Rating 4 out of 5]

One American's search for Buddhism in that moral desert we call the United States. OK, maybe the desert is perfect grounds for this religion. Why else are so many Americans driven if not to embrace it, at least to satisfy their curiosity about it?

Dinty Moore uses humor and an Everyman approach to this now ten-year-old book that still rings true because neither America nor Buddhism has changed much (surprise, surprise). He travels from retreats to meditative circles to concerts in Central Park to individuals (including Catholic priests!) with an interest in Buddhist precepts and shares his findings. In short, he hits the pavement and serves as our roving reporter in search of meaning.

Most importantly, you will learn something about Buddhism, its branches, and its sometimes confusing terminology (the book includes a handy dandy glossary). And unlike Merullo's BREAKFAST WITH BUDDHA, there are no deus ex machina moments with prostrate characters on the last page, just a healthy sigh and a separate peace of sorts. Meditation wins, in the end. Think about it (or, better yet, DON'T think about it...).

[Heather Fineisen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished this book while in the middle of reading the Dalai Lama's Autobiography and strangely, my enjoyment of both was enhanced. Moore is looking for American Buddhism and may have found it, or the fact that there really is no "American" Buddhism. His various and varied experiences in this quest showcase the Dalai Lama's own discourse on Buddhism in the West. The Accidental Buddhist is a fun yet informative read that acts as a nice companion to the subject and headier reads. I will read more Dinty W. Moore.

[Ro · Rating 4 out of 5]

An overall easy and enjoyable read. A little bland for my taste, but still fun to read. It is about a journalist in his mid 40's who is searching for the meaning behind Buddism and what draws Americans to it. Although raised Catholic, he is not religious and finds many faults with it. In his work to study Buddism and how it is practiced in the Western World, he accidentally finds a new sense of calm and understanding about the world around him after attending several different Buddist retreats. His journey is honest and real.

[Lorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved, loved, loved this book! It made me laugh out loud, while at the same time drove me to ask questions and delve into my own spirituality.

[Debra Chalhoub · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy, humorous adventure to the land of Buddhism. I learned more reading this book than I did in other books on buddhism. I enjoyed the easy pace, the light notes and the humor of his book

[Guy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun delightful, informative and ultimately uplifting read. I have enough of a background in Buddhism to see that this is a good introduction to Buddhism. Moore writes with humour and a keen eye and intelligence about the place of Buddhism in America. Except for some of the esoteric details, the basic philosophy aligns with the Judaeo-Christian ideas of peace, love, and do the right thing in thought, words and deeds. In Buddhism the practice of being still helps to calm reactivity and so assists in loving yourself and others. That it was effective for Moore comes with others commenting on the new man he had become.

His encounters with the various sects of Buddhism being expressed in the USA are sharp, funny, and enlightening.

Following the retreat, though, I return home. With my daughter off to first great and my wife busy teaching dance classes, I have the whole house to myself, free to meditate mindfully for hours, but instead, every distraction imaginable is at hand, and I succumb. The computer, the televisions; the radio; the refrigerator; the ability to stand up, walk outside, and check whether the overnight ice storm has ripped off my gutters – the combination of these proves far too compelling (35).

And

Driving home from Atlanta, it hits me – my first experience with Tibetan Buddhism was basically a six-hour sermon.
Six hours.
And I sat through it, willingly.
Six hours?
As a kid I would have cringed at the very thought. Even Father O’Donnell’s shortest orations, as little as fifteen minutes or those Sundays when his colon was acting ups, made me squirm and moan. In my Catholic-boy mind, the sermons were endless, irrelevant, and insincere. Not only were they like medicine – ill-tasting and suspect, forced upon me by a condescending adult – but to the best of my knowledge, the didn’t cure a thing.
So I ask myself, why was I sitting on an uncomfortable cushion, listening to Geshe-la for hours on end, and not complaining? When I didn’t have to? When no one, not even John Daido Loori, had threatened me with eternal damnation? (57).

Does he find the answer to that question?

This was a light read, with food value for the mind. I enjoyed meeting Dinty Moore.

A fun 5 stars.

[Billie Pritchett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dinty W. Moore has authored a fine book here about his exploration into Buddhism. After having grown up a Catholic, he became interested in Buddhism out of curiosity and a journalistic. (He is, incidentally, editor-in-chief of Brevity , an online journal devoted to "concise literary nonfiction.") The charm of this book is the earnestness of Moore's journey as well as a healthy disposition to poke fun at himself and his own pretenses. He constantly refers to his Monkey Mind, indicating his inability to sit still on a cushion for meditation, or his irritation at a fellow Buddhist retreater who complains too much. We get more than a few varieties of Buddhism here, at least in terms of what has been on offer in the United States. There's Tibetan Buddhism, Theravada, Zen, and some more hybrid varieties by the likes of American folks who wear denim jeans and meet in as contrasting circumstances as cabins with limited access to hot water and, alternatively, practically palatial California estates, the pool table moved aside a drawing room to make way for throw pillows. It takes all kinds to get something from Buddhism, is what Moore means to show, and there are many different things you can take away from Buddhism. You could for instance try to adopt it as a wholesale religion, accepting the many heavens, hells, and lives, or you could, on the other end, of the spectrum take up the practical philosophy advocated in the belief system, namely that there's a lot of suffering in the world, and we could do something about it by moderating our own desires and our impact on the world. A good read.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Both the culturally curious and the maturing Buddhist will welcome Dinty W. Moore's The Accidental Buddhist. Originlly setting out to do some George Plimptonesque reporting -- meeting with the odd and the holy and coming back with the story of how Americans are turning to Buddhist meditation -- Moore never expected that what he found would change his life. After all, Moore prides himself on being a skeptic, 'a commonsensical outsider ... like the stage manager poking his head in around the set of Our Town'.

"In The Accidental Buddhist, Moore shows us the geography of Buddhism, American style. Covering a lot of ground on his journey, he describes such events as an Indiana auditorium filled with starry-eyed Dalai Lama admirers, a Tibetan Freedom concert with the Beastie Boys, and Change Your Mind Day, a Buddhist Woodstock in Central Park.

"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."
~~back cover

This is a great little book, and it's the one that let me find my place in the Buddhist camp (Tibetan Buddhism) and let me see how to begin to begin; eat your rice, wash your bowl, and just sit. I think I can do that.

[Michael Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is well written and holds your interest. I am genuinely happy for the author and how his journey worked out for him. My issue with the book is that he drew a lot of conclusions about American Buddhism from an amazingly small sample size of sects and practices. He appears to know more about Japanese Buddhism in Japan than Japanese Buddhism as it has evolved in America. His assertion that there is “no central Buddhist Council of Churches or American Synod”. I would like to introduce him to the Buddhist Churches of America (Japanese Jodo Shinshu sect), founded in 1898 with temples in many US states.
For anyone looking for a different perspective, by all means, use this book as a guide. But, don’t stop there. Buddhism is a rich tradition with many sects, with a variety of practices. Thich Nhat Hanh is a treasure, his books and poetry are wonderful, and though I have never met him, he has changed my life. But, I don’t practice Zen.
If you find your answers on your first stop, that is wonderful. This book is worth the time. Just know that there are more options available.

[Camille · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whats all the fuss these days about meditation and Buddhism?

Ask Dingy Moore. He has got the clearest enriching narrative on the subject. He is the experience and the experiment and his humor and humility takes you through his emotions with compassion and promise.

As a Chatholic who walked out on most of my religious rituals and found comfort and recognition in practicing Buddhism and meditation, Moore eased my guilt as I was not alone in thinking I was "damned".

I struggled with the gap it creates when I felt the need to choose, when in reality my meditations and New found awareness, strengthens my spirituality, makes me a better Catholic.

Like Moore "I too cannot whip out verbiage or mantras from my backpack" but I am content and happy with the efforts I consciously make each day at being a better person.

[Mar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dinty Moore goes looking for Buddhism, but really, like many North Americans, he is looking for a spiritual reality and inner peace. He goes on several retreats and interviews many people, including the Dalai Lama, some who claim to be Buddhists or who are dabbling and searching as he is. Some have retained the religion in which they were raised, so he meets Buddhist meditation masters who are also Catholic priests, while others have abandoned the practices of their youth.

Dinty does not find the pure Buddhism (or the spiritual answers) he seeks, but he does reach a more peaceful understanding of himself, his roles as husband and father (etc.) and will continue to mediate and approach life in a more contemplative and aware mode--when he can still his "monkey mind"- a mind that jumps around and that makes meditative concentration difficult.

[Bish Denham · Rating 4 out of 5]

An exploration into "American" Buddhism circa 1995. I'm sure things have evolved and changed since the writing of this book. But basically it comes down to living ones life according to the principles of kindness, compassion, and awareness.

I liked his description of the mind and what meditating should help to achieve: "The mind is like a bowl of water...sloshing back and forth, spilling out the side. Most of us have lives like earthquakes, so the water is in constant motion. Add to this the fact that we are always grabbing at the water, struggling to make sense of our brain messages, yet all the grabbing just further churns the liquid. Two things have to happen for the bowl of water to come to rest. First you have to turn off the faucet, stop all the input. Second, you have to quit grabbing."

[Bernie4444 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book can save a lot of time

Many people have the impression that Dinty W. Moore was searching for some sort of American Buddhism, and maybe he was. However, his statement was "I am an accidental Buddhist. I never intended to find a new religion, I was just passing curious. ... Before Long, I, too, was hooked. I hadn't counted on liking it."

His travels and insights allow us to start where he left off. And it takes American Buddhism from theory to reality.

The book is in three parts and has 14 chapters and a Prelude. There is a list of Buddhist terms and a Suggested further reading section.

The best thing about this book is that these are first-hand experiences and not a rehash of some theory.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moore's exploration of American Buddhism is a journey unto itself, revealing the close proximity in thoughts and ideals Buddhism and Christianity share. Not the screaming, monetary- driven evangelism, but the thoughtful meditation of prayer and understanding oneself that can bring about action to better oneself, one's community, one's world. Because, as Buddhists, Indigenous and so many others believe, we are truly one. To love and want the best for others is to love and want the best for ourselves; to disrespect others is to disrespect ourselves.

Enjoyable, thought-provoking, uplifting read.

[George Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining look at Buddhism in America from a casual and yet sympathetic perspective. It's not a comprehensive survey but a limited sampling that offers some idea of both commonalties and diversity. He missed as much as he connected with. Nonetheless the sense of humor and the "distance" offered something that was both entertaining and informative. Just as Buddhism changed when it encountered various cultures so it is morphing in interesting ways in our culture. Opinions vary as to how much it should change and how much it should to tied to its past. There is a spectrum but even those who value preserving the past are not immune from cultural adaptation.

[Pinkdrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Our culture has not changed much since the 90s. Most of the book could have been written yesterday. He’s a husband, an employee, a father with a regular life and is completely busy with infinite normal problems like traffic.

He goes on a long journey to figure out what he intuitively knew all along. There are many moments of wisdom, and it’s a fine introduction to Buddhism. But the book feels like it lacks umph. Simple wording (probably intentional, but not for me), a lot of descriptive filler (perhaps it’s not very Buddhist of me to dislike the filler), and it almost seems like he is seeking permission to be Buddhist for most of the book.

[dachs.what.she.read · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s funny, quirky, and full of honest advice. My book is all marked up and I revisit it when I struggle. After loaning it to a friend she bought her own which is a pretty good indication of the usefulness such an honest account can provide. Humans carry varying beliefs, religions, and philosophies but the information in this book reminds us that we all share the same search and feelings on our trek for peace and meaning through the routine of life. You don’t have to be a Buddhist or be interested in becoming one to find this useful and fun.

[Vivian Witkind · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dinty Moore took off across the country to understand the American way of practicing Buddhism. He did it right, immersing himself in retreats like one at the delightfully named Zen Mountain Monastery. Moore takes a humorous view of life, and his investigation is tinged with skepticism, though not cynicism. Meditation, sitting still without letting the mind wander, is key to American use of Buddhism. Moore, however, thoughtfully digs into the value of Buddhist beliefs beyond mere stress reduction. He ends up finding deep personal value in meditation and mindfulness.

[Beth Nolan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this quick little introduction to Buddhism. The author and his subject are not too serious, which can be good and bad. It maybe made me enjoy it more, because I wasn't ready for anything too "heavy" or "deep." Any tools or insight to achieve mindfulness and enlightenment (our nation's current catchphrases and possible obsession) are welcomed. This writing just brings the idea home in kind of a "why not" kind of way - "pick and choose" how you want to and how much you want to observe zen. Kind of "just do it" and don't worry about it.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't gain a ton from the book--my accurate rating would be somewhere between 3 and 4--but I was definitely invested all the way through, and I enjoyed the author's writing style, perspective, and sense of humor, and all factors considered I went with a 4/5. He does a pretty good job of covering the history, types, and practices/beliefs of Buddhism and provides a comprehensive insight into Buddhism as it applies to his journey to discover it. Good read overall.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book I have been looking for. I wanted a book about buddhism written by someone who didn’t grow up speaking “zen,” who struggled with concepts and practice so that they wouldn’t just throw out a cool sounding term to explain something and move on, leaving me behind. He takes you with him, and actually walks you through his own imperfect discovery of Buddhism in a fun and “bite-sized” way.

[Jessica Cawley · Rating 5 out of 5]

While it isn’t the most expert opinion style book on Buddhism (I’ve read a fair few from monks, etc) it oozes authenticity. It is really entertaining and informative, especially to outsiders to Buddhism. At times it almost reads like a travel guide to different locations around the United States. It’s a bit outdated, but I really love this guy’s writing, honestly (and humility) sharing his thoughts on meditation and Zen.

[Sara Saulcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book up at a local used bookstore. I'm so glad that I did. I've been studying meditation and mindfulness the last couple of years and have become a regular practitioner of both. I enjoyed this book because it looks at Buddhism from the perspective of a meditation newbie. It also talks about a number of experiences of the "I thought it was just me" variety. It's also a lighthearted book about what can be treated more seriously than perhaps is necessary.

[Barb MacCarl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very enjoyable, easy to read book! I will recommend it to anyone who wishes to ‘dip their toes’’ into a bit of Buddhism. One point I would like to make however is that there is a central governing body of Buddhism within America. It is within the Jodo Shinshu school and it is called Buddhist Churches of America. Jodo Shinshu is the oldest school of Buddhism in North America brought in the 19th century by Japanese immigrants.