Bodhisattva Blues

by Edward Canfor-Dumas

One man’s search for meaning in a world of confusion and uncertainty, ‘Bodhisattva Blues’ is a thoroughly absorbing read. Funny, moving and inspirational, it is just as delightful as Canfor-Dumas’ first novel, ‘The Buddha, Geoff and Me’. When we catch up with our hero Ed, he’s abandoned his Buddhist practice and is stuck in a rut – no career, no love life and no cash.

Plunged unwittingly into a world of street crime and dodgy property deals, Ed finds himself dusting down his beads and reluctantly picking up his Nichiren Buddhist practice to guide him through a series of dramas, dilemmas and big decisions. Spiritual insights then emerge from the grit, grime and SNAFUs of Ed’s everyday life. By turns unsettling and uplifting, this is a book that will also get you thinking about complex issues of our time such as depression, racism, bereavement, suicide and youth crime.

And it gives possibly the best ever explanation of the wisdom that comes from chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo: “Like sending a truffle hound to root around in the leaf-litter of my subconscious and dig up what’s bothering me.” The description by the publisher is spot on – this absolutely is a book “for everyone who's ever wondered whether enlightenment really is compatible with the daily commute.” Welcome back Ed, lovin' yer truffles…

Genres: Buddhism, Fiction

291 pages, Paperback

First published August 28, 2014

Reviews

[Vishvapani · Rating 3 out of 5]

As Buddhist novels of a certain sort: an unpretentious and down-to-earth of one man's struggle to keep in touch with his practice, apply Buddhist teachings and make sense of the chaotic whirl that is his life. Ed - the author and the protagonist - isn't interested in high-faluting philosophy, or formal experiments with narrative. He just wants to make sense of his life. That's a strength - it's an honest and entertaining book; and a limitation as neither the novel nor Ed (the protagonist) are very ambitious. It works on its own level, and will offer a friendly and congenial way in to Buddhist practice for many readers, much like its predecessor, Buddha, Geoff and Me, which I haven't read but seems to be popular.

The Buddhism in question is that of a Soka Gakkai practitioner, and for readers of other Buddhist persuasions, the interest is in seeing how SGI Buddhists go about things. I should mention here that a couple of friends of mine are leading lights in SGI UK, and one of them recently introduced me to the author. We spent a charming evening chatting on Pontcanna Fields, and then he asked the publisher to send me a copy of his book when it cam out. Nice man.

On display here are the things I like about SGI: the racial and class mix, which is very different from the makeup of most other Buddhist movements; the strength of the connections between people; the focus on integrating formal practice and ordinary life. There's also evidence of the things I don't like so much: people keep talking about what Buddhism teaches, when actually its what a particular variety of Nichiren Buddhism teaches; and the chanting practice doesn't really seem to foster direct awareness so much as get you into a space where things make more sense.

All that is a bit by-the-by so far as the book is concerned. I won't trouble you with the journey it describes through adversity and confusion, but I did enjoy the pay-off, which is that Ed finds clarity through making a compassionate connection with the person seemingly least likely to provide it. That rings true.

[David Hare · Rating 5 out of 5]

One man’s search for meaning in a world of confusion and uncertainty, ‘Bodhisattva Blues’ is a thoroughly absorbing read. Funny, moving and inspirational, it is just as delightful as Canfor-Dumas’ first novel, ‘The Buddha, Geoff and Me’. When we catch up with our hero Ed, he’s abandoned his Buddhist practice and is stuck in a rut – no career, no love life and no cash.

Plunged unwittingly into a world of street crime and dodgy property deals, Ed finds himself dusting down his beads and reluctantly picking up his Nichiren Buddhist practice to guide him through a series of dramas, dilemmas and big decisions. Spiritual insights then emerge from the grit, grime and SNAFUs of Ed’s everyday life. By turns unsettling and uplifting, this is a book that will also get you thinking about complex issues of our time such as depression, racism, bereavement, suicide and youth crime.

And it gives possibly the best ever explanation of the wisdom that comes from chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo: “Like sending a truffle hound to root around in the leaf-litter of my subconscious and dig up what’s bothering me.” The description by the publisher is spot on – this absolutely is a book “for everyone who's ever wondered whether enlightenment really is compatible with the daily commute.” Welcome back Ed, lovin' yer truffles…

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember thinking years ago it would be neat if there were Buddhist novels--stories in which characters go through all the drama and adventures, but with a Buddhist perspective. Finally, we have Edward Canfor-Dumas. Well, he's been around for a while, but I just found him. Very enjoyable, very down to earth. Makes it painfully clear that Buddhists are just ordinary people.

[Fi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wasn't sure I was going to like this, but once I got on board with the fact that the protagonist is actually sending himself up, it was really rather good

[Gary Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

good read. not as good as the Buddha, Geoff and me but worthy of my time

[Nilash Ramnarine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable read,

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book better than The Buddha, Geoff and Me. Enjoyable read.

[Craig Peters · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unreadable

[Ameg · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nothing to do with the first book Buddha, Geoff and me.

[Jan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable, but not in the same league as Geoff, the Buddha and me. Not sure why, all the ingredients were there. Apart from Geoff. I missed Geoff.