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Buddhism for Dudes: A Jarhead's Field Guide to Mindfulness
A tough former Marine leads Buddhist basic training for the average Joe.
In Buddhism for Dudes, Gerry "Strib" Stribling, former Marine and all-around good guy, answers questions on life and living with a healthy dose of Buddhist wisdom for the regular guy. Strib takes a good look at who the Buddha was, meditation, karma, and more. With good humor and without sentimentalism (plus a sprinkling of hilarious cartoons), he explains these down-to-earth insights in everyday language. Showing how Buddhism boldly approaches life’s problems head on, unflinching and alert—like a soldier in a forward listening post in the dark of night—Strib emphasizes the Buddhist call to moral action for the good of oneself and others.
In Buddhism for Dudes, Gerry "Strib" Stribling, former Marine and all-around good guy, answers questions on life and living with a healthy dose of Buddhist wisdom for the regular guy. Strib takes a good look at who the Buddha was, meditation, karma, and more. With good humor and without sentimentalism (plus a sprinkling of hilarious cartoons), he explains these down-to-earth insights in everyday language. Showing how Buddhism boldly approaches life’s problems head on, unflinching and alert—like a soldier in a forward listening post in the dark of night—Strib emphasizes the Buddhist call to moral action for the good of oneself and others.
144 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2011
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198 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 23, 2017
This review was given to me free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
This book covers the basics of Buddhism while maintaining a sense of humor. This book talks in simple language covering the core concepts of Buddhism (The Four Noble Thruths, The Noble Eightfold Path,etc). This book is introductory and if you are familiar with Buddhism there probably won't be much new for you.
This book covers the basics of Buddhism while maintaining a sense of humor. This book talks in simple language covering the core concepts of Buddhism (The Four Noble Thruths, The Noble Eightfold Path,etc). This book is introductory and if you are familiar with Buddhism there probably won't be much new for you.
March 20, 2015
I received a copy of Buddhism for Dudes as the result of a Goodreads giveaway. At first I was skeptical but highly interested -- and then grew even more wary after reading the forward, since I'm one of the women it specifically warns...
But ultimately I found this to be a very entertaining and informative read, not nearly as skewed towards machismo as the author made it sound at the onset. The writing has a very genial and inviting tone throughout; the author's voice is friendly and immediately relatable. The light, easy-reading feel of the book serves to build a completely nonthreatening atmosphere in which it can discuss some often misunderstood concepts in philosophy and religion. The author did a fairly good job of explaining some key concepts and diffusing some of the more knee-jerk misconceptions people have towards Buddhism, especially where the philosophy crosses paths with personal religious beliefs and prejudices people may harbor.
The best way I can sum up this book is to say that it's "Buddhism for Dummies", read to you by That Guy in your fishing boat who always wants to talk about Big Things. I did find his words on meditative pooping especially entertaining, and I'm not being sarcastic when I say that they were one of the most helpful and illustrative explanations in the book. Buddhism for Dudes is a great way to introduce people to the central concepts without overwhelming and alienating anyone. A solid four stars; I thoroughly enjoyed this read.
But ultimately I found this to be a very entertaining and informative read, not nearly as skewed towards machismo as the author made it sound at the onset. The writing has a very genial and inviting tone throughout; the author's voice is friendly and immediately relatable. The light, easy-reading feel of the book serves to build a completely nonthreatening atmosphere in which it can discuss some often misunderstood concepts in philosophy and religion. The author did a fairly good job of explaining some key concepts and diffusing some of the more knee-jerk misconceptions people have towards Buddhism, especially where the philosophy crosses paths with personal religious beliefs and prejudices people may harbor.
The best way I can sum up this book is to say that it's "Buddhism for Dummies", read to you by That Guy in your fishing boat who always wants to talk about Big Things. I did find his words on meditative pooping especially entertaining, and I'm not being sarcastic when I say that they were one of the most helpful and illustrative explanations in the book. Buddhism for Dudes is a great way to introduce people to the central concepts without overwhelming and alienating anyone. A solid four stars; I thoroughly enjoyed this read.
August 30, 2015
Absolutely loved this book. If you're interested in Buddhism and don't feel like paging through some of the heavier publications this one's for you. Gerry Stribling breaks down the five precepts, four noble truths, eightfold path and a little history of Gautama Siddhārtha. Easy to digest and quite humorous. It's for the "dudes" who watch Caddyshack once a year. I don't and still enjoyed it tremendously. A big thanks to Joseph whom I discovered this book on my Goodreads feed.
September 26, 2023
Easy read. Aligns with Buddhism. Relatable perspective.
April 13, 2015
Buddhism for the average person. Great book that introduces the Buddist thought into your every day life. It is short and to the point, a great introduction. I hope to see more from Gerry Stribling on this topic. A book to read and pass along to your friends.
October 8, 2020
This is a book for guys who watch Caddyshack at least once a year.
Buddhism for Dudes: A Jarhead's Field Guide to Mindfulness by Gerry Stribling is an introduction to Buddhism written by a former Marine with a masters in education from the University of Louisville. He has studied Buddhism in Sri Lanka and in 2003 he was awarded the title of Dhammaduta, lay teacher of Dharma.
As a Marine myself, I found it hard to pass up a book on Buddhism written by a fellow Marine. Being a Marine in itself requires breaking a few precepts and not quite hitting the Eight Fold Path head on, and that’s all before breakfast. However, a disciplined and a regimented lifestyle fit in and surprisingly Stribling explains Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration into Marine guard duty. Stribling breaks Buddhism down so a Marine can understand it. It’s not that we aren’t smart; it’s just our focus and job description points us down another path, so to speak.
To most Americans over fifty Buddhism is the burning monk protesting the Vietnam war. To the younger generation, it is the Dalai Lama. But Buddhism is not symbolism it is being a stand-up guy, someone who will not let you down. It's not about Buddha; it's about what he said. Buddha was not a God and did not have all the answers. In fact, Buddha did not talk about God or deny God. His mission was the dharma. Stribling at one point calls Gautama (Buddha’s real name) a dharma bum, which immediately put the Kerouac novel of the same name into my head. Buddha was an ordinary man who lived and died.
There are some comparisons to Christianity and the discussion if Buddhism is a religion or a philosophy. The Four Noble Truths, The Eightfold Path, and the Five Precepts are discussed and explained in clear and sometimes humorous language. For example, one of the Five Precepts is not to kill. The concept of not killing is not rationalized. It is simply something that should not be done. But you can defend yourself, it is natural. War is not. There are no wars carried out in the name of Buddhism. Killing of animals follows the same logic. A rabid dog about to bite your daughter is a problem. You, as anyone, would kill the dog before it bit your daughter. It is the logical thing to do. It is the human thing to do. The killing, however, has consequences. Each time you kill makes it easier to kill again and what happened under extreme circumstances may now happen in lesser circumstances. That is the problem even when you kill in self-defense.
Stribling gives a great explanation of death and its results in a eulogy he wrote. It is as logical and as scientific as it is philosophical. Buddhism provides an unclouded way to look at, life the universe, and everything. Buddhism for Dudes is simple and easy to follow but written well enough that it can be read and reread over again. Why is it for dudes and not dudettes too? Simply because the author is male and clueless about women despite being married for forty years...I think it has something to do with the morning meditation ritual. A great read. Informative, entertaining, and will stick in any Marine’s (or average Joe’s) brain housing group. I loved this book and that’s something I don’t often say.
(A careful reader also will discover why the Dalai Lama is always smiling)
Buddhism for Dudes: A Jarhead's Field Guide to Mindfulness by Gerry Stribling is an introduction to Buddhism written by a former Marine with a masters in education from the University of Louisville. He has studied Buddhism in Sri Lanka and in 2003 he was awarded the title of Dhammaduta, lay teacher of Dharma.
As a Marine myself, I found it hard to pass up a book on Buddhism written by a fellow Marine. Being a Marine in itself requires breaking a few precepts and not quite hitting the Eight Fold Path head on, and that’s all before breakfast. However, a disciplined and a regimented lifestyle fit in and surprisingly Stribling explains Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration into Marine guard duty. Stribling breaks Buddhism down so a Marine can understand it. It’s not that we aren’t smart; it’s just our focus and job description points us down another path, so to speak.
To most Americans over fifty Buddhism is the burning monk protesting the Vietnam war. To the younger generation, it is the Dalai Lama. But Buddhism is not symbolism it is being a stand-up guy, someone who will not let you down. It's not about Buddha; it's about what he said. Buddha was not a God and did not have all the answers. In fact, Buddha did not talk about God or deny God. His mission was the dharma. Stribling at one point calls Gautama (Buddha’s real name) a dharma bum, which immediately put the Kerouac novel of the same name into my head. Buddha was an ordinary man who lived and died.
There are some comparisons to Christianity and the discussion if Buddhism is a religion or a philosophy. The Four Noble Truths, The Eightfold Path, and the Five Precepts are discussed and explained in clear and sometimes humorous language. For example, one of the Five Precepts is not to kill. The concept of not killing is not rationalized. It is simply something that should not be done. But you can defend yourself, it is natural. War is not. There are no wars carried out in the name of Buddhism. Killing of animals follows the same logic. A rabid dog about to bite your daughter is a problem. You, as anyone, would kill the dog before it bit your daughter. It is the logical thing to do. It is the human thing to do. The killing, however, has consequences. Each time you kill makes it easier to kill again and what happened under extreme circumstances may now happen in lesser circumstances. That is the problem even when you kill in self-defense.
Stribling gives a great explanation of death and its results in a eulogy he wrote. It is as logical and as scientific as it is philosophical. Buddhism provides an unclouded way to look at, life the universe, and everything. Buddhism for Dudes is simple and easy to follow but written well enough that it can be read and reread over again. Why is it for dudes and not dudettes too? Simply because the author is male and clueless about women despite being married for forty years...I think it has something to do with the morning meditation ritual. A great read. Informative, entertaining, and will stick in any Marine’s (or average Joe’s) brain housing group. I loved this book and that’s something I don’t often say.
(A careful reader also will discover why the Dalai Lama is always smiling)
January 16, 2023
I really enjoyed the simplicity of this book. Perhaps is the author took his own advice he wouldn’t have had such a sexist approach in his introduction. To not understand women is to not understand that we are all above all human. This was lost throughout the book. Women also understand jokes often originating from men and other slang.
Putting that behind me, I was able to enjoy the book and it was a very basic and introductory book into what Buddhism can offer others. I love the emphasis on community and the fact that you never need pay a single dime to learn from others. There are many courses out there but the best teachers are the ones found in your own communities. If you don’t know where to start, like he said ask the owners of your favorite Thai restaurant. I thought this was hilarious but it’s very true. Just ask someone who practices Buddhism and don’t be afraid to delve, explore, and challenge everything.
Putting that behind me, I was able to enjoy the book and it was a very basic and introductory book into what Buddhism can offer others. I love the emphasis on community and the fact that you never need pay a single dime to learn from others. There are many courses out there but the best teachers are the ones found in your own communities. If you don’t know where to start, like he said ask the owners of your favorite Thai restaurant. I thought this was hilarious but it’s very true. Just ask someone who practices Buddhism and don’t be afraid to delve, explore, and challenge everything.
July 6, 2019
I absolutely love this book and highly recommend it! Whether you are exploring Buddhism for yourself or just curious to understand it better, you'll get a fair helping of knowledge peppered with humor. Even though I'm not a jarhead nor have I served in any form of the military, I really enjoyed the author's witt and found it all very relatable.
November 9, 2017
I appreciate the down to earth attitude, though I'd recommend this book mainly to those who are completely new to Buddhism.
February 23, 2018
I'm not a dude, but this was a nice little intro to Buddhism. A quick read, too!
December 10, 2020
Great easy to read introduction to buddhism. Plain spoken and up front. A nice read that leaves you feeling a little more knowledgeable about buddhism and ready to learn more.
November 9, 2021
Short read but a great introduction to mindfullness without mumbo jumbo metaphysical.
July 29, 2025
As basic as "dude" quality is.
April 4, 2018
Some great sections. Hits some of the core ideas really well.
April 23, 2015
Buddhism For Dudes, by Gerry Striblin, is my eighty-seventh book that I have received and read from Goodreads. I found this book to be very interesting, and very intriguing. The author of the book gave you the basis of Buddhism, with a sense of humor. I think the author gave you Buddhist thoughts that you could use in your every day life. By reading this book you find yourself becoming at peace with things that are really unimportant. I will be keeping my eyes out for more books from Gerry Stribling.
August 21, 2015
Not just for dudes, though not for those of any gender who have delicate sensibilities when it comes to bathroom humor or mentions of sex (are there any of those folks left in the world?). And, really, there wasn't all that much the delicate could object to, anyway. Most of the book just deals in a down-to-earth way with what Buddhism is about. Wonderful on the basics of Buddhism, quick read, friendly, informal tone. I'm getting extra copies to give away to friends -- no greater recommendation than that, is there.
October 7, 2015
I read the first TWO chapters in a night. Easy reading n that's wonderful, compared to those thick heavy books. The book is right size, easy to bring along to read anywhere, and easily understood.
After I finished reading the book once, I am re-reading it again as I find this book a jewel in content; precise and so concise for beginners and a great revision for practicing Buddhists.
Well done, Gerry Stribling.
After I finished reading the book once, I am re-reading it again as I find this book a jewel in content; precise and so concise for beginners and a great revision for practicing Buddhists.
Well done, Gerry Stribling.
March 12, 2016
Amazing roadmap
Stripping has written a very intensive, yet easy to understand guide to Buddhism. Buddhism can be intimidating and hard to grasp, especially with our Western mind, but he breaks it down in language that is easy to understand and follow. A great resource for embarking on this most important journey.
Stripping has written a very intensive, yet easy to understand guide to Buddhism. Buddhism can be intimidating and hard to grasp, especially with our Western mind, but he breaks it down in language that is easy to understand and follow. A great resource for embarking on this most important journey.
October 23, 2018
Good, concise introduction to Buddhism, interspersed with humor. If you already are familiar with Buddhism, you probably won't gain that much from this book, but Stribling's clear and easy-to-understand writing presents a nice introduction for someone wanting to know the basics. He uses the word 'Dharma' frequently, but never explains its meaning.
January 3, 2016
Gerry's writing is accessible to Dudes. Though don't be fooled into thinking "Dude" is gender specific. This book brings Buddhism to the center for all humans. Read it. Be it. Just don't take my word for it.
October 18, 2015
A decent introduction with some good lines in it, but a little overly-juvenile in catering to the Maxim Magazine crowd. I mean, I dig Caddyshack as much as anyone, but that doesn't make me an idiot. An alternate title might be "Beer Commercial-Style Buddhism."
April 4, 2015
I received a free copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway. It is a very short book but it's very informative. Despite the title, this book is for anybody looking to improve their life.
September 9, 2015
Pretty much a book as the title advertises, liked his views a lot, definitely a meeting point for us all in the west to understand eastern thought!
December 1, 2015
A simple guide that speaks at a level we can all relate to. I keep a copy in my car door
April 8, 2016
By far, this has been the best piece of educational Buddhist literature I have read. Simple yet deeply informative.
April 20, 2016
This is an excellent book for ordinaryDudes to learn about Buddhism. I liked the down to earth style and practical suggestions.
December 4, 2016
You want to know the basics of Buddhism laid out in easy to understand text that doesn't seem like someone is speaking ancient Greek to you? This is the book for you.
December 3, 2018
Quick read. A little predictable in tone and style. Might be a good entry book for someone looking to explore Buddhism for the first time.
July 28, 2016
It's a fun simple introduction to Buddhism and meditation. Easy reading.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews