What Would Buddha Do?: 101 Answers to Life's Daily Dilemmas

by Franz Metcalf

Discover the healing power of mindfulness, Buddhist teachings, and Zen meditation with this super approachable guide to Buddhism for beginners.

A unique approach to Buddhism, What Would Buddha Do? shows that anyone can find guidance in Buddha’s teachings. It demonstrates how to use the advice of Buddha to become a better person at work, at home, and in society. Presented in a reader-friendly format, with each page offering a question, a Buddhist quote, and advice from the author, What Would Buddha Do? applies this question to 101 problems confronted in everyday life and reveals how Buddha’s teachings are still meaningful after 2,500 years.

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

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[LP · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was so disappointed by this book. I had such high hopes that it would be one of those 'you've got to read this great little book' books. But alas, it was just a fluffy little bit of self-indulgent drivel. The author couldn't decide where to go with this - a lite comedy? A self-help? A bit of ponderous wisdom? It tries to be all and succeeds at none...
Sadly, I would recommend this to no one.

[Libby · Rating 4 out of 5]

An alternative to the "What Would Jesus Do?" Industry. This book has its roots in the basics of Buddhism and offers some useful perspectives on modern dilemmas. I guess "serious" Buddhists might find this book frivolous or simplistic but I found it to be refreshingly honest and warm.

[Dr. Lloyd E. Campbell · Rating 1 out of 5]

The paragraph description of this book given by The book seller description of this book is kind, mine, not so much. My friend Alan Levin recommenced this book to our book club. As with all books I read, I wanted to like it, mostly because My fried Alan chose it.
Most interesting idea in this book was the writer’s confession in the introduction that he is not a Buddhist. I noticed he wrote three further books on this same subject. If they are or become best sellers I’m sure he could generate another 2400 questions of projected Buddha thoughts. Then, he could hire people in Buddhist monk garb selling the entire 26 volumes set door to door, modern day or ancient day ( depends on how you look at it) encyclopedia salesmen. Yes, I confess, I think the guy wrote the book(s) for a buck. Of course, so what?
My favorite question is, “What would Buddha do when making a salad?” Now there’s a burning question for you. I’m 74 years old and, I confess, the question never occurred to me before reading this book, nor do I remember his answer, a further example of the empty life I lead.
The book did bring back memories of girls I knew who called themselves “spiritual, not religious.” I realize I’ve met few males who talk this way until Metcalf. The star is for you, Alan.

[Marvin · Rating 2 out of 5]

We all know the old saying "What would Jesus do". It is sort of a guideline question for Christians to assist in their attempt to be "Christ-like". Unfortunately the question has seeped itself into popular culture and humor. Some are funny, some are useful and some are not.

Here we have the question asked in relation the Buddha. This should be helpful. There are 101 mostly good question and common-sense answers. But as a Buddhist, I was quite uncomfortable with this idea as a guide to Buddhism.

Here is why. While there are certainly moral guidelines one can follow as a Buddhist. it really isn't what it is about. Buddha sets forth ways to find your own answers through the eight-fold path and meditation. It is not about knowing what is proper and right but experiencing the world as is and not through the excesses and the illusions. Buddha does not ask you to emulate anyone, especially himself. There is good advice in this book but for the author to pass it off as being anything but his own is misleading. If one wants to know about Buddha, there are other perfectly good books on the teaching of Buddha and Buddhism that will help you more than this welled intended but subjective book

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intentional lying contradicts reality.

Look upon one who tells you your faults as giving you a hidden treasure, as a wise person who shows you the dangers of life.

Do not examine others limitations. Examine how you can change your own.

Moderate effort over a long time is important. No matter what you are trying to do.

If on the path you don’t meet your equal, it’s best to travel alone.

Many statements should be left unsaid as they do not lead to peace, knowledge, and awakening.

Seek health; follow virtue; listen to people; read good books; learn; be truthful.

Do not allow skepticism to blind your eyes to other worlds.

[Nancy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Received this book as a gift. Probably best read one page each day - I read it flat out in two days. Presents 101 problems anyone may face in life and presents a 1-2 page response that includes a relevant sacred text of Buddhism and a contemporary thoughtful example of how the text may apply today.

I would say it was affirming for me, but what I didn't appreciate were the times the author personalized the thoughtful example.

Not a book I will keep, but as a thoughtful gift from a friend, I appreciate it.

[Nilakshi Pathak · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is a tad disappointing. The lessons to be taken are few. One chapter that particular hit a chord was the one titled, “What would Buddha do when others attack his beliefs?” The book lays too much of emphasis on endurance and staying silent which is beyond my comprehension. Further, there are few contradictory statements like justifying why one should not drink and contradicting the same logic when it comes to consuming meat by saying purity comes from mind and not what one consumes.

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

As another reader suggested, “What would the Buddha do?” Is indeed “light and fluffy”. But this may be an asset for those looking for a quick introduction to Buddhist thought. In the end, the value is in what you make of it. As quoted,”All the Buddha’s ocean of perfect knowledge begins in your very mind and thought.”

[Ash · Rating 1 out of 5]

The concept chosen to write the book is great, but the author has done a terrible job. Waste of time!

[Margaret Robinet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book, it has been a favorite of mine for years

[Fred Ayres · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mediocre at best. According to Metcalf, it seems that the Buddha would do pretty much anything.

[Indika de Silva · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting take on Buddhism and the Buddist philosophy.

Contains mainly from the Mahayana and Vajrayana schools of Buddhism.

[Yuhan · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was despicable. As a Buddhist, never had I been so disgusted by such a book about it.
First, Metcalf was right when introducing this book only as his viewpoints. Some of the things he wrote were very unclear and difficult to infer his meaning.
Second, he worships the Dalai Lama, a politician. A. Fucking. Politician. I am offended and dismayed that he agrees to political involvement being okay according to Buddhism. The very idea of politics is rotten with lies, deceit, and corruption. Buddhism is about making peace with the world, not forcing human rights activities or any political rebellion group involvements.
Lastly, he states that eating meat is okay in terms of Buddhism, I bet he says that just because Metcalf himself is a huge carnivore. If he believes in the Dalai Lama's twisted Buddhism beliefs that allows Buddhists to eat meat, he should think about Buddhism all over again. The very idea in Buddha's teachings was to not harm any living beings. You're fucking hurting them when you support eating them! And Metcalf has the guts to say that we're not as long as we're not involved with the killing. How idiotic of this statement!
If Metcalf is offended by this, I will be shocked because as he said in the book, I am a real critic, one that is being honest and giving honest-to-heart judgement.

[Wren · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read several books based on Buddhism, and this is something I grabbed to read in the doctor's waiting room. Each page contains a brief quote and then a gloss of that quote. I found these amplifications uneven. Some were very thought provoking and promoted peaceful thinking and enlightenment. Others were still a bit too seeped in Western traditions of philosophical thinking--definitions, arguments, increasing tensions, and so forth.

It's worth thumbing through, but I wouldn't call this representative of the genre of Buddhist meditations. No harm, no foul. I most enjoyed the quotes themselves. The author did a great job selecting interesting quotes.

[Isaac · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book that does link the teachings of jesus and buddha. It is not one of those books where we are subjected to the teachings of the buddha but this book is rather the kind where is educates people about morales in lives. In orther words, it's quote on the cover page is similar to "what is the best option if ......?"

[Asna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book because I kind of lost in facing life at the time. After reading it, I still got lost at some parts because I just barely understand the meaning hahaha Take your time when reading this. It needs some time to apprehension, but once you got it, it gives different perspective of life, feeling and act, which I like it.

[Maria Mendoza · Rating 3 out of 5]

Me pareció un libro entretenido, con muchas frases budistas para reflexionar y sonreír, pero no esperen hallar las respuestas para solucionar la vida. Lo mejor del libro es que recomienda es una sencilla introducción al mundo del budismo y recomienda muchos libros para todos los niveles de interés.

[Tathagata Mukherjee · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book definitely gives a different point of view of ones day to day problems. It's all about how you react to them. I feel "Buddha" is the insite everyone has within themselves. Once you rely on your own wisdom, you will deal the problems how The Historical Buddha might have done, and which is depicted in the book.

[Caecilia Risma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Logis dan realistik. Sangat mendukung pencerahan diri dalam menghadapi haru-biru dunia kerja. Anda tidak harus menjadi penganut Buddha setelah membaca buku ini.. Secara pribadi, dengan menerapkan solusi-solusi di dalamnya, seperti melakukan meditasi penyembuhan. A must have item.

[Meredith · Rating 3 out of 5]

fluffy buddhist information. started out interesting but I lost interest in many of the questions as the book went out. skimmed through and read questions and answers to the questions that were of interest to me.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book and much that really made me stop and think. I can highly recommend this book, it helped me a lot. Maybe you aren't ready for it yet but give it a shot, maybe the buddha in your mind will open up too.

[Dharma Iswara · Rating 3 out of 5]

In front of an angry bosses...or a crazy lecturer...this is worth to be read...

[Al · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is one of those cutesy Western Buddhist books a clueless person might give you as a gift.

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

buddha on credit card debt, materialism, workplace dilemmas, and modern morality. Both lighthearted and full of depth.

[Alexis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lovely little thoughts and directions to frame your life around.

[Mariah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book of peaceful answers to everyday modern dilemma's.

[edypekalongan · Rating 3 out of 5]

so many wisdom in this book, simple and practical.

[Kylene Jones · Rating 2 out of 5]

Was somewhat disappointed in this book. Mainly it was common sense stuff.

[Christine · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not a good introduction to Buddhism and I doubt Buddha himself would approve of many of the things in this book. Buddha being okay with meat eating? That goes against every Buddhist principle.

[Maria · Rating 1 out of 5]

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