Dharma Delight: A Visionary Post Pop Comic Guide to Buddhism and Zen

by Rodney Alan Greenblat, Richard Thomas (Foreword)

In Dharma Delight , abstract artist and Zen practitioner Rodney Greenblat uses lighthearted narrative and vivid pop art paintings to celebrate the joys of living life from the inside out.

Part graphic guide, part personal testimony, part art book, Dharma Delight illustrates how seeking the path of compassion and acceptance can be as zany and exuberant as it is profound. It is a happy exploration of Buddhist Enlightenment--what it is, where to seek it--and how to recognize the perfection in ourselves. A great option for Zen beginners and experienced practitioners alike, sutras (teachings), Bodhisattvas (enlightened beings) and jataka tales (parables) are presented in a way that's simple, upbeat and fun to read.

The original paintings--some new, some already known on the New York art scene and elsewhere--are an imaginative and affirming mind's-eye view of Buddhist teaching. Together, the words and illustrations are a warm and cheerful invitation to newcomers and a cool splash of refreshment to any traveler on the road to enlightenment.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Spirituality, Art, Nonfiction, Buddhism, Religion, Philosophy

128 pages, Paperback

First published May 10, 2016

Reviews

[George Ilsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Giving this five stars for the art. All my other Buddhist books are shelved under Tibet — which is telling. Despite my minor obsession with all things Japanese, I've not had much truck with Zen. But this art is colourful, vibrant and playful.

Also it’s instructive and helpful, if one has a mind to pay attention to such things. Colourful, playful, and helpful— this book is just plain full.

[Emma Strawbridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

hehe love

[Kuno · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very nicely illustrated, however the text is indecipherable nonsense. Perhaps the reader needs to be already enlightened before reading?

[Kanti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why are these strange Zen monks sitting facing the wall?

Dharma Delight: A Visionary Post Pop Comic Guide to Buddhism and Zen by Rodney Alan Greenblat is a beautifully illustrated and simplified introduction to Zen meditation and Buddhism. This book is for all "budding Buddhas of the future." This is serious stuff explained in a simple and joyful way!

***

There are billions and billions of Dharmas happening all the time, and every one of them can give us the opportunity to look, listen and reflect... and then learn.

Study Your Self - What am I about?

The best way to study the self is in meditation.

If we shine the lamp on our own quality of being, we can solve problems and live in peace.

Your starship is called The Selfless-Self.

The benefits:

So I'm not going to get any gold?

You already are gold.

May you be a lamp to yourself and all beings!

[Min · Rating 4 out of 5]

As informative as the text is, I found the illustrations to be wonderful moment of contemplation; they are packed with layered images that can be examined for a thoughtful benefit. I noticed immediately thumbing through the book; it is eye-catching. The concepts are definitely in the intermediate realm, in addition to presenting basic ideas, buddhas, and bodhisattvas of Buddhism.
The inclusion of fable-like Jataka Tales- modern, and re-tellings- offers more insights to reflect upon. Following the author offers Koans, which are always good for deeper thinking.
The last section demonstrates Zen Training with Community, Posture, Breath, and Mind.

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like this more than I did. If you can pick it up cheap it's an interesting and often funny and strange look at Buddhism.

It is odd though! It's basically an artist book, but all the paintings and drawings happen to be related to Buddhism. They're then arranged and expanded upon with little comics etc that go a little deeper in mediation and Buddhist practices and beliefs.

Its interesting but only skims the surface, most concepts will likely confuse or fly right over your head... But it is an enjoyable ride whilst it lasts.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful and fun illustrations, getting into fairly deep philosophy. This is not really a book for true beginners nor young readers, as some other reviews seem to think. But a great book for those of us who know a little about dharma and would like to go deeper in a more casual and colorful way. I recommend just reading one or two pages a day/evening to absorb the depth of the images and let the philosophy sink in. Delightful and enjoyable read all around.

[Amanda [Novel Addiction] · Rating 3 out of 5]

Giving this three stars because it was definitely visually appealing... but as a "guide" to Buddhism and Zen, this is not that great. If I hadn't already done some reading up and studying of Buddhist and Zen principles, then this book would have just confused me, and maybe even turned me off of the subject.

So basically - super awesome to look at, but a little rough in the reading department.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to have this book. I loved it. It’s about the teachings and beliefs behind Buddhism and Zen accompanied by colorful illustrations. For anyone who is into self-improvement, this book is a must.

[Carol · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nice illustrations. Text was way over my head.

[Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun, colourful, brief look at various aspects of Buddhism and Zen. The art style is a joy.

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was fascinating to look at and and got me curious about zen buddhism, but in all honesty it was way over my head.

[Vero Stewart · Rating 2 out of 5]

I appreciated the author's intent to make a friendly, accessible introduction to Buddhism and Zen ideas - but I constantly felt like I was missing huge gaps of information. It's less of a guide and more of a mishmash of ideas that aren't pieced together coherently.

[Katilyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am all for updated, modern and plain language explanation/interpretation of topics that are sorely in need of a modern image and Buddhism is definitely one that could use it. This book manages it in some places, but in others, I think that it obscures concepts to the point of meaninglessness.

Someone with little to no knowledge of Buddhism might find some of the pages absolutely absurd and dismiss the whole venture completely. Obviously the book does not market itself as a primer, but the low barrier to entry of his art can make it feel that way.

I would like to see this done with a more focused purpose.

On its own, the art is fun and colorful. If it helps him practice and brings others greater understanding of the topic then it is not wasted effort.

[Shilpa · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do you teach kids about Dharma, and make them excited about the teachings of Buddhism and Zen? "Musho" Rodney Alan Greenblat has figured out a way to bring his own experience into a creative, fun comic book. Topics covered are the central teachings of Buddhism: the Four Novel Truths, the Sutras, the Bodhisattvas, and most of all, the profound teaching of Buddhanature and one's own role in the world.

The book is powerful in its simplicity. The illustrations are lively, yet juxtaposed beautifully against the serious topic. It is a truly delightful book for adults and children to read. The comic aspect of it adds a friendly, visual touch that is relatable and readable.

Full Review: http://sukasareads.blogspot.com/2016/...

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

The art was so much fun, though I'm struggling to make sense of the book overall. It seems kind of like an intro to Buddhism, but I suspect it would be difficult for people to digest if they had no prior knowledge of it. I liked the hodge podge, but I also wanted a little more coherence.

********
Read Harder: Book about religion

[Bodhidasa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great introduction to people who are new to Buddhism. It presents Buddhism as a bit wacky and fun rather than dry and serious and I like it when books do that. The images are awesome and the texts are brief and meaningful. You could actually practise the stuff in this book and change your life. I recommend it to Buddhists who take themselves too seriously.

[Dubzor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely beautiful artwork accompanies simple (and not so simple) examples of the Way. It's not so much an introduction, nor is it deeper reading for those already practicing, but a clever and beautiful book to accompany any other Dharma books on your shelf.

[Joann Calabrese · Rating 5 out of 5]

The art is beautiful in this book and illustrates the ideas beautifully. Whimsical and funny in parts.... I really liked it. I don't think you'd want to start with this if you knew nothing about Buddhism, but maybe.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just beautiful.

[Aja · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun art work, but I'm such a beginner when it comes to understanding Buddhism that it was over my head. Perhaps one day I'll understand...

[KSerfass]

Though it could've used more thorough explanations in places, I greatly enjoyed the images and the Jakata Tales. I learned a bit, though not as much as I'd hoped.

[Ron Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun illustrations and a little bit of Dharma.

[Mads P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun, colorful take on Buddhism

[Ginny Pennekamp · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really incredible outpouring of creativity and it was awesome to see how inspired Rodney is by his Zen teachings. The art is fabulous!

[Madhusree]

Such a fun read about heavy topics. I love the illustrations.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting but also confusing guide to the world of zen

[M. Jane Colette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful.

Insane.

Gorgeous.

Peaceful.

Crazy.

... I don't think one can write a review of this book. It just needs to be experienced.

The art is fabulous. The interpretation and presentation of Buddhism... unique.

It's a kaleidoscope of... what? Musho Rodney Alan Greenblat's dreams? Visions? Thoughts?

See, I can't define it.

It's just fabulous.

If you're interested in Buddhism, check it out.

If you're interested in Buddhism, but find most of the books about it too... I dunno, Zen? Bland? Check it out.

This book's got passion.