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The Buddha and the Bard: Where Shakespeare's Stage Meets Buddhist Scriptures
What does Shakespeare have to teach us about mindfulness? What Eastern spiritual views about death, love, and presence are reflected in the writings of The Bard? The Buddha and the Bard reveals the surprising connections between the 2,500-year-old spiritual leader and the most compelling writer of all time.
“Shufran’s compelling juxtapositions will encourage the reader to ask the deepest questions of themselves while delighting in the play of resonances across a cultural and historical divide.” – YOGA Magazine
Shakespeare understood and represented the human condition better than any writer of his time. As for the Buddha, he saw how to liberate us from that condition. Author Lauren Shufran explores the fascinating interplay of Western drama and Eastern philosophy by pairing quotes from Shakespeare with the tenets of an Eastern spiritual practice, sparking a compelling dialogue between the two. There’s a remarkable interchange of echoes between Shakespeare’s conception of “the inward man” and Buddhist approaches to recognizing, honoring, and working with our humanness as we play out our roles on the “stage” of our lives.
The Buddha and the Bard synthesizes literature and scripture, embodied drama and transcendent practice, to shape a multifaceted lyric that we can apply as mindful practice in our own lives. Shufran’s compelling juxtapositions will encourage the reader to ask the deepest questions of themselves while delighting in the play of resonances across a cultural and historical divide.
DAILY Dip into The Buddha and the Bard for insight and inspiration whenever it’s needed.
SURPRISING Reveals links from the “theatricality” of human incarnation to the “great globe” that both Shakespeare and the Buddha gently guide us to remember is already within.
THOUGHTFUL A beautiful gift for lovers of Shakespeare and followers of Buddha alike.
EXPERT Poet and former University of California instructor Lauren Shufran has studied and taught literature and Shakespeare, informed by her personal yoga, meditation, and mindfulness practices, for more than 8 years.
“Shufran’s compelling juxtapositions will encourage the reader to ask the deepest questions of themselves while delighting in the play of resonances across a cultural and historical divide.” – YOGA Magazine
Shakespeare understood and represented the human condition better than any writer of his time. As for the Buddha, he saw how to liberate us from that condition. Author Lauren Shufran explores the fascinating interplay of Western drama and Eastern philosophy by pairing quotes from Shakespeare with the tenets of an Eastern spiritual practice, sparking a compelling dialogue between the two. There’s a remarkable interchange of echoes between Shakespeare’s conception of “the inward man” and Buddhist approaches to recognizing, honoring, and working with our humanness as we play out our roles on the “stage” of our lives.
The Buddha and the Bard synthesizes literature and scripture, embodied drama and transcendent practice, to shape a multifaceted lyric that we can apply as mindful practice in our own lives. Shufran’s compelling juxtapositions will encourage the reader to ask the deepest questions of themselves while delighting in the play of resonances across a cultural and historical divide.
DAILY Dip into The Buddha and the Bard for insight and inspiration whenever it’s needed.
SURPRISING Reveals links from the “theatricality” of human incarnation to the “great globe” that both Shakespeare and the Buddha gently guide us to remember is already within.
THOUGHTFUL A beautiful gift for lovers of Shakespeare and followers of Buddha alike.
EXPERT Poet and former University of California instructor Lauren Shufran has studied and taught literature and Shakespeare, informed by her personal yoga, meditation, and mindfulness practices, for more than 8 years.
200 pages, Hardcover
Published May 24, 2022
7 people are currently reading
1787 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
July 26, 2022
Beautifully written! Lauren successfully captured and married Shakespearean quotes with Eastern spiritual practice. "the embodied drama we're living is only part of the truth" and this book really does explore different areas of our inner beings while filling us with art and liberation.
There are parts I've sat with, parts I've shared, and parts I've gone back to several times.
Highly recommend!
There are parts I've sat with, parts I've shared, and parts I've gone back to several times.
Highly recommend!
May 15, 2023
Ever thought about what Buddhism and the works of Shakespeare might have to say to each other? Well, why not? This playful yet heartfelt collection of short essays is both spiritually substantial and burdenless to read. Even the tangible aspects of the book are fitting, from the sturdy-yet-soft, handheld format, to the buddha-intertwined-with-living-vines interlude of art before each segment. Though I was initially skeptical about the premise (Shakespeare may have been many things, but he probably wasn't a Buddhist), I found the oddness of it helped me look at both Bard and Buddha from fresh angles. Highly recommend to hopeless Shakespeare fans and folks with any level of curiosity about Buddhism, all the way from casual interest to devout practice. Sanskrit/Pali words are consistently translated, and technical terms explained, with skill and depth without ever feeling condescending. Likewise, the plays discussed are introduced with clarity and focus; you won't be lost without an English major. Each meditation brings out the richness of some of Shakespeare's best metaphors and characters, often involving "minor" scenes and relationships that get little press elsewhere. Even if you've never thought about either subject, feel free to pick this up and see what sticks. You never know, you might learn something about yourself.
Free copy provided by Speakeasy. All opinions are my own.
Free copy provided by Speakeasy. All opinions are my own.
October 17, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
It was interesting to see the connections between the writing of Shakespeare and the teachings of the Buddha
It was interesting to see the connections between the writing of Shakespeare and the teachings of the Buddha
December 9, 2022
Lovely 💙 Astute connections from Buddhism to Shakespeare in addition to a tiny bit of pragmatism on translating Buddhist philosophy to modern life.
May 25, 2022
What would you do if you were keen on both the Buddha and the Bard? You could do one or the other or both? But to do both so that the reader sees the synergies between these two people separated by whole cultures and a few thousand years is most definitely special. To do it so that it seems wholly intuitive is clever. But to do it with a shining sincerity and humility that has you hooked on both is most definitely exceptional.
This book has the Bard raise the predicaments and the Buddha provide the way out, taking you through the basic tenets of Buddhism in the words of the Bard.
Drama as a metaphor for life is not new and Buddhism itself comes from a long philosophical tradition where reality is described as “play”. Drama itself as a immersive experience is as mindful as it gets.
However, it is Shufran's use of counterintuitive examples that is most compelling. Of course it would be King Lear talking of the pervasiveness of grief but using Iago to exemplify Buddhist meditative practice enjoining humans as “beings abundant in agency” is truly cognitively shape-shifting.
I knew a little about the Buddha and just a little bit more about the Bard but this book in the tradition of all good books has me wanting to know a whole lot more of “what hasn’t passed and what has remained” of both the Buddha and the Bard”. Happy to walk this walk beside Shufran for this moment while I’m allowed it
This book has the Bard raise the predicaments and the Buddha provide the way out, taking you through the basic tenets of Buddhism in the words of the Bard.
Drama as a metaphor for life is not new and Buddhism itself comes from a long philosophical tradition where reality is described as “play”. Drama itself as a immersive experience is as mindful as it gets.
However, it is Shufran's use of counterintuitive examples that is most compelling. Of course it would be King Lear talking of the pervasiveness of grief but using Iago to exemplify Buddhist meditative practice enjoining humans as “beings abundant in agency” is truly cognitively shape-shifting.
I knew a little about the Buddha and just a little bit more about the Bard but this book in the tradition of all good books has me wanting to know a whole lot more of “what hasn’t passed and what has remained” of both the Buddha and the Bard”. Happy to walk this walk beside Shufran for this moment while I’m allowed it
April 30, 2023
I’ve only ever read or seen a few of Shakespeare’s plays during my life, and the very little I know about Buddhism is because of stereotypes in media or because of practices that have been appropriated for modern, Western, health-focused sensibilities. Therefore, I was very excited to dive into Shufran’s work. The book is laid out in chapters that are meditative writings on different Buddhist principles. For example, there are chapters for each of the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path, among others. Each chapter focuses on and reflects on one of these principles, connecting it to other Buddhist beliefs. Coming into this book as a blank slate when it came to Buddhist teachings, I feel that I legitimately learned a lot through Shufran’s writings. I highlighted and tabbed many pages, and it sparked my curiosity to look up other books and sources to learn more about Buddhism (relatedly: the book includes an extensive bibliography and index).
While I was a little more familiar with Shakespeare, it was still a pleasure to have Shufran open up the texts, describe the scenes, discuss etymology, and introduce interpretations and layers that I was unaware of. I loved the deep dive into the snippets of Shakespeare’s plays. Shufran also includes many of the lesser-known plays, so don’t expect to stay with Romeo and Juliet the whole time.
I love the physicality of the book. The cover design is beautiful. I sent pictures of it to several friends. The attention to detail that is featured on the cover goes throughout the book, with thematic illustrations and chapter drawings. The paper is thick, the font easy to read, and the hardcover book is a wonderfully small size that is a joy to hold. You may not think this aspect of a book matters, but to me it really does. When a book’s topic is as heady and “serious” as reading about Shakespeare and Buddhism, it can be pretty easy to not exactly feel “in the mood” to read it all the time. But when the physical book is enjoyable to hold, and you keep it out to show off the cover, it increases the incentive to pick it up and dive back in.
Was the bridge between Shakespeare and Buddhism successfully constructed? Not quite for me, but I don’t particularly care. To me, this felt like reading journal entries of a practicing Buddhist as they read Shakespeare and go “Huh, that really reminds me of this…” which I enjoyed, appreciated, and recommend.
Disclaimer: I received this book free from the publisher through the Speakeasy blogging review network. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
While I was a little more familiar with Shakespeare, it was still a pleasure to have Shufran open up the texts, describe the scenes, discuss etymology, and introduce interpretations and layers that I was unaware of. I loved the deep dive into the snippets of Shakespeare’s plays. Shufran also includes many of the lesser-known plays, so don’t expect to stay with Romeo and Juliet the whole time.
I love the physicality of the book. The cover design is beautiful. I sent pictures of it to several friends. The attention to detail that is featured on the cover goes throughout the book, with thematic illustrations and chapter drawings. The paper is thick, the font easy to read, and the hardcover book is a wonderfully small size that is a joy to hold. You may not think this aspect of a book matters, but to me it really does. When a book’s topic is as heady and “serious” as reading about Shakespeare and Buddhism, it can be pretty easy to not exactly feel “in the mood” to read it all the time. But when the physical book is enjoyable to hold, and you keep it out to show off the cover, it increases the incentive to pick it up and dive back in.
Was the bridge between Shakespeare and Buddhism successfully constructed? Not quite for me, but I don’t particularly care. To me, this felt like reading journal entries of a practicing Buddhist as they read Shakespeare and go “Huh, that really reminds me of this…” which I enjoyed, appreciated, and recommend.
Disclaimer: I received this book free from the publisher through the Speakeasy blogging review network. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
July 31, 2022
This book is that rare book of spiritual and literary caliber. Connecting the bard to Tibetan Buddhist bardo, the liminality between life and death, Lauren Shufran, poet-scholar-Buddhist practitioner, couples Shakespeare’s words and Buddha’s wisdom into a profound and beautiful handbook of self-cultivation, inviting us to cross the threshold, to awaken into a life where we may truly live. In so doing, she skillfully bridges the bardos between literature and scripture, “embodied drama” and “transcendent practice” (6) in our own spiritual endeavors, and, last but not least, between scholarly and public engagement. Honestly, I can’t think of a book that appeals as widely to the general public as this one and still taps so articulately into the profundity and complexity of Shakespeare. By the same token, Shufran manages to give us a most accessible primer on Buddhism, appealing to people with or without previous knowledge, thereby providing the spiritual grounding mostly lacking in contemporary self-help books. Inviting all as friends on this beautiful, most important journey of all, Shufran shows you the ropes to Buddhist tenets and principles and its practice of mindfulness and compassion. This book will delight, nourish, and guide all those who know there’s something more out there than the treadmill of wanting; all potential Seekers, all who love great literature, crave deep thought, and want to become the best versions of themselves—to become truly human. It is a book to read and reread, savor and consult time and time again.
Self-cultivation, in the spiritual and philosophical traditions of the East and the West, is the cornerstone of building a good society. Aristotle, as he writes in both Nicomachean Ethics and Politics, knew that each person must embark on virtue in order to achieve happiness for the body politic. This idea is even more resonant in Buddhism through the voices of the late Thich Nhat Hanh, the Dalai Lama, Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche (The Shambhala Warrior), Joanna Macy, and others; and Bhutan’s institution of Gross National Happiness in 1972, passed as a UN resolution in 2011—a holistic rather than simply an economic approach to human development.
May Shufran’s bodhisattvic work ripple out with good effects along these lines.
* If you want to keep up with Shufran’s Buddha-Bard musings, check out her Instagram posts: https://www.instagram.com/shakespeare...
Also check out the Bhutanese film, Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom.
Namaste.
Self-cultivation, in the spiritual and philosophical traditions of the East and the West, is the cornerstone of building a good society. Aristotle, as he writes in both Nicomachean Ethics and Politics, knew that each person must embark on virtue in order to achieve happiness for the body politic. This idea is even more resonant in Buddhism through the voices of the late Thich Nhat Hanh, the Dalai Lama, Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche (The Shambhala Warrior), Joanna Macy, and others; and Bhutan’s institution of Gross National Happiness in 1972, passed as a UN resolution in 2011—a holistic rather than simply an economic approach to human development.
May Shufran’s bodhisattvic work ripple out with good effects along these lines.
* If you want to keep up with Shufran’s Buddha-Bard musings, check out her Instagram posts: https://www.instagram.com/shakespeare...
Also check out the Bhutanese film, Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom.
Namaste.
May 24, 2022
"Have I not here the best cards for the game . . . " - King John V.ii
This quote pretty much sums up my feelings of this magnificent book. It gives the reader the very best cards for understanding the pursuit of Right View/Intentions/Speech/Actions/Livelihood/Effort/Mindfulness/Concentration, not to mention the poetry of Shakespeare. I could not wait to read this book and was not disappointed. As a Shakespeare director/scholar as well as a practicing Buddhist, I can see one might imagine that it is only for those who are drawn to either of these modalities. However, I would say that this book speaks to us all regardless of an understanding (or even appreciation) of Shakespeare or an active practice in mindfulness. This book is for anyone who wishes to dive deeper into the understanding of the human condition through perfectly curated connections between the various texts. I read this with abandon the first time and with mindfulness the second. And will read again and again, opening randomly to a chapter. It is masterfully and lyrically written by one who has delved deeply. Ms. Shufran knows their material and brings it to the reader in such a way that it feels personal. I cannot recommend this book enough to everyone. "...placing the Buddha and the Bard beside each other and striking the gong where they touch, ears wide open to the resonances, they ways they illumine each other." You will find yourself altered in the very best ways. "Here's to remembering where (and who) we were before we arrived on this stage..." ~Lauren Shufran
I could not possibly love this book more.
This quote pretty much sums up my feelings of this magnificent book. It gives the reader the very best cards for understanding the pursuit of Right View/Intentions/Speech/Actions/Livelihood/Effort/Mindfulness/Concentration, not to mention the poetry of Shakespeare. I could not wait to read this book and was not disappointed. As a Shakespeare director/scholar as well as a practicing Buddhist, I can see one might imagine that it is only for those who are drawn to either of these modalities. However, I would say that this book speaks to us all regardless of an understanding (or even appreciation) of Shakespeare or an active practice in mindfulness. This book is for anyone who wishes to dive deeper into the understanding of the human condition through perfectly curated connections between the various texts. I read this with abandon the first time and with mindfulness the second. And will read again and again, opening randomly to a chapter. It is masterfully and lyrically written by one who has delved deeply. Ms. Shufran knows their material and brings it to the reader in such a way that it feels personal. I cannot recommend this book enough to everyone. "...placing the Buddha and the Bard beside each other and striking the gong where they touch, ears wide open to the resonances, they ways they illumine each other." You will find yourself altered in the very best ways. "Here's to remembering where (and who) we were before we arrived on this stage..." ~Lauren Shufran
I could not possibly love this book more.
September 20, 2022
I love this book. I need to start by saying that. I LOVE this book. Not only is it beautiful esthetically (not too small, not too big, gorgeous picture and cover design - Hello coffee table book choice!), the content of the pages are stunningly thought provoking to anyone who comes across them.
Whether you are a Shakespeare fan, delving into the world of Buddhism, mindfulness or spirituality, or none of the above, there is something in this book for you.
I loved Shakespeare as a student with an interest in both literature and theater, but had never seen his work explored in such a way that brought so much relevance to his words in relation to the human condition. As a practitioner of acupuncture, Reiki and massage therapy, life has now taken me on a journey that challenges me to look internally in order to heal and provide healing to others. Self reflection and meditation are vital parts of this process. In her book, Shufran poignantly and eloquently presents the reader with life questions to contemplate via quotes from one of the world's most widely read authors, relating them back to the teaching of Buddha, dissecting these complex words as well, and does so in a way that is digestible and not at all preachy. One can't help but read a few pages and be left with honest, deep and relevant ideas for self reflection. I find myself returning to this book and after each read, walking away with a new impression.
Whether you are a Shakespeare fan, delving into the world of Buddhism, mindfulness or spirituality, or none of the above, there is something in this book for you.
I loved Shakespeare as a student with an interest in both literature and theater, but had never seen his work explored in such a way that brought so much relevance to his words in relation to the human condition. As a practitioner of acupuncture, Reiki and massage therapy, life has now taken me on a journey that challenges me to look internally in order to heal and provide healing to others. Self reflection and meditation are vital parts of this process. In her book, Shufran poignantly and eloquently presents the reader with life questions to contemplate via quotes from one of the world's most widely read authors, relating them back to the teaching of Buddha, dissecting these complex words as well, and does so in a way that is digestible and not at all preachy. One can't help but read a few pages and be left with honest, deep and relevant ideas for self reflection. I find myself returning to this book and after each read, walking away with a new impression.
September 6, 2022
Buddha and the bard
I was both truly blessed, and academically challenged, by Lauren Shufran’s The Buddha and The Bard. As a spiritual person with a M.A. in Comparative Literature, I found this to be a perfect combination for me. For those that consider themselves neither academics nor Buddhists, this work is still highly informative and accessible to all. I am not of a Buddhist background or practice (specifically), and I learned so much through Shufran’s expounding on both Shakespearean and Buddhist teachings. The book is written in short enough chapters to be read as a daily “devotional” of sorts. Think of it as your daily bit of wisdom that seamlessly draws from both the Bard and the Buddha to bring together the best of both worlds. As a “nerd,” I truly enjoyed the citations and bibliography of nearly 60 sources as something I could dig into for further future study. The length of the chapters and the deep-dive focus and close reading that Shufran employs throughout truly elucidate what was first put forth in the introduction - that attention “is transformative. It too, is a practice, but it’s also a form of love. It’s ultimately what spiritualizes any experience” (14). And this is what Shufran does for the reader - demonstrates the attention and love of writing that truly makes this book a spiritual and enlightening experience regardless of your particular persuasion.
I was both truly blessed, and academically challenged, by Lauren Shufran’s The Buddha and The Bard. As a spiritual person with a M.A. in Comparative Literature, I found this to be a perfect combination for me. For those that consider themselves neither academics nor Buddhists, this work is still highly informative and accessible to all. I am not of a Buddhist background or practice (specifically), and I learned so much through Shufran’s expounding on both Shakespearean and Buddhist teachings. The book is written in short enough chapters to be read as a daily “devotional” of sorts. Think of it as your daily bit of wisdom that seamlessly draws from both the Bard and the Buddha to bring together the best of both worlds. As a “nerd,” I truly enjoyed the citations and bibliography of nearly 60 sources as something I could dig into for further future study. The length of the chapters and the deep-dive focus and close reading that Shufran employs throughout truly elucidate what was first put forth in the introduction - that attention “is transformative. It too, is a practice, but it’s also a form of love. It’s ultimately what spiritualizes any experience” (14). And this is what Shufran does for the reader - demonstrates the attention and love of writing that truly makes this book a spiritual and enlightening experience regardless of your particular persuasion.
May 11, 2022
Never have reflections of Buddhism been massaged so intimately with Shakespeare’s colossal understandings of human nature. Shufran weaves Buddhist principles and Shakespearean wisdom with tender dexterity to elucidate the readers mind and liberate their soul.
While the author is quick to acknowledge that “neither Buddhist practices nor reading Shakespeare are passive undertakings”, Shufran nonetheless creates a seamless and accessible guide for any novice or master to enjoy. Whether confronted with death as a subject matter or anger, hatred, or other forms of human suffering as explored by Shakespeare, the Buddhist antidote is an infallible source of comfort throughout every chapter. For me the unanticipated peace and healing inherent in the pages is ingenious.
The Buddha and the Bard will appeal to the intellectuals as much as it will to those who thrive on absorbing conscious literary masterpieces.
While the author is quick to acknowledge that “neither Buddhist practices nor reading Shakespeare are passive undertakings”, Shufran nonetheless creates a seamless and accessible guide for any novice or master to enjoy. Whether confronted with death as a subject matter or anger, hatred, or other forms of human suffering as explored by Shakespeare, the Buddhist antidote is an infallible source of comfort throughout every chapter. For me the unanticipated peace and healing inherent in the pages is ingenious.
The Buddha and the Bard will appeal to the intellectuals as much as it will to those who thrive on absorbing conscious literary masterpieces.
May 12, 2022
This is one of the most beautiful books I have read in a very long time, I hardly know where to start with my review. The author eloquently, articulately and seamlessly merges the worlds of Buddhism and Shakespeare in a way that brought me immense calm and inspiration while reading. I poured through the book, and am already eager to go back for a second, slower drink of it and take notes and journal along. For anyone who knows the teachings of Buddha, this book will bring renewed relevance to your practice. For anyone who considers themselves a Shakespeare lover, scholar, buff, nerd, or fan, this is the kind of book we live for. But mostly I would like to point out, for anyone who is new to either study, this book is also for you. It is clearly written by a well-versed teacher, one who can discuss deep theory and dense rhetoric in a forward, clear and inspirational manner. It is delightful, fresh, and beautifully of it's time, and for all time. I highly recommend it.
July 18, 2022
The Buddha and the Bard is a pioneering work which focuses on the connections between the Buddhist Scriptures and Shakespeare’s plays. It is mind-blowing how many references to mindfulness and Buddhist practices exist, and how the author subtly introduced them in the dialogues, layering them with meanings for his posthumous fans to read.
So many Shakespeare’s scholars have underlined that the Bard has literally invented the modern man with its human drama (see Hamlet..), yet none still had deepened this fundamental connection that, in my humble opinion, gives to the plays a new, fresh, cutting-edge perspective.
What I also loved about the book was its approach: you don't need to be an expert on Shakespeare (or on Buddhism) to easily understand the main topics addressed, if you simply enjoy Shakespeare’s plays or you are into Buddhism, you must absolutely read it.
As a fan of both mindfulness and Shakespeare, I found this book truly interesting and fascinating.
So many Shakespeare’s scholars have underlined that the Bard has literally invented the modern man with its human drama (see Hamlet..), yet none still had deepened this fundamental connection that, in my humble opinion, gives to the plays a new, fresh, cutting-edge perspective.
What I also loved about the book was its approach: you don't need to be an expert on Shakespeare (or on Buddhism) to easily understand the main topics addressed, if you simply enjoy Shakespeare’s plays or you are into Buddhism, you must absolutely read it.
As a fan of both mindfulness and Shakespeare, I found this book truly interesting and fascinating.
August 17, 2022
The Buddha and the Bard is the book I have been waiting for! As a Shakespeare teacher and Tibetan Buddhist practitioner, I have long noticed resonances between the Bard's dramas and Buddha Dharma. In her splendid and wise book, Lauren Shufran offers a brilliant illumination of two worlds, Western drama and Eastern spirituality, showing how they intersect in surprising ways. There are many rich gems of thought to discover when Shakespeare lines are read in light of Dharmic teachings. The interplay between theatrical texts and spiritual practice opens the door to profound questioning of what it means to be human, to love well, and to show genuine compassion to all living beings. This is a book for daily contemplation and delight. You don't really need to know much about the Buddha or the Bard to gain life wisdom from this book. I will be reading Shufran again and again, taking joy in her instruction, and accepting her bodhisattvic offerings!
December 24, 2022
If I could give more than five stars, I certainly would, without question. I’ve been slowly reading through this amazing book since it came out, the way that I would savor a perfectly delicious meal. It’s a beautiful looking book, and the content, which explores the touch points between Shakespeare and Buddhism could not be closer to my own interests. (My master’s thesis was on Taoism and King Lear.) I first discovered Shufran on Instagram, where she has a beautiful account called “shakespeareandmindfulness” and writes bite-sized essays on the same topic of her book. I know I will revisit this volume over and over. It is gorgeous to look at, highly insightful and meditative, and written with enthusiasm and great care by someone who clearly has a deep respect for language. By far my favorite book of 2022. If you have any interest in Shakespeare or comparative literature, you will undoubtedly agree.
September 29, 2022
Lauren blends Shakespeare's words with mindful practices as taught in the perennial wisdom of Buddhism. Shakespeare is one of those writers one must slow down to take it all in. Lauren helps me decipher Shakespeare and even come to enjoy him in a way I never thought possible before following Instagram and reading her book.
I am also getting to know myself a bit more by reading The Buddha and The Bard. As someone who has been a spiritual practitioner delving into ancient texts and teachings for nearly four decades, Lauren's writings make new connections to self-liberation. She beautifully highlights human nature, and it's a timeless connection to our lives.
Whether you are a contemplative type or seeking to be a reflective practice, I imagine you will find tools within Lauren's visually beautiful, heartfelt book.
I am also getting to know myself a bit more by reading The Buddha and The Bard. As someone who has been a spiritual practitioner delving into ancient texts and teachings for nearly four decades, Lauren's writings make new connections to self-liberation. She beautifully highlights human nature, and it's a timeless connection to our lives.
Whether you are a contemplative type or seeking to be a reflective practice, I imagine you will find tools within Lauren's visually beautiful, heartfelt book.
June 19, 2025
I applaud the attempt to link passages from Shakespeare's plays with Buddhist precepts. The author, with a PhD in early modern British literature and extensive experience with Buddhist teaching and practice, is well-placed to make these comparisons. The references to Shakespeare, well-grounded and well-intentioned, do seem at times more used as a point of departure for a focus on the tenets of Buddhism, this is probably due to the common reader's far greater familiarity with the former than the latter. However, overall the comparisons are intriguing and open another door into understanding Shakespeare's plays. I also found that by reading just one brief chapter per day (well focused as they are on specific points of Buddhist teaching), the message of each chapter stayed longer in memory. There is wisdom to be found there.
May 19, 2022
Lauren Shufran really sets the stage with her seamless interlocking of Shakespeare’s works and the Buddha’s realizations. A Union of Western drama and Eastern philosophy… layered with codes and lessons to help bridge the gap between culture, history and time… a reminder that we all share the same experience of our very human drama unfolding in this life. Both the Buddha and Shakespeare consistently share their visions through literature and scripture… all with messages to look within to create our external world. The Buddha and the Bard is a book to come back to when seeking inspiration, motivation and/or when seeking to find purpose in one’s daily life.
June 20, 2022
I was excited for the release of this book. It was worth the wait. I read a chapter of the book everyday and journal on the theme of the chapter. You don't need to know anything about Shakespeare or Buddhism to love the message and lessons of the book. The author does a remarkable job exploring deep life lessons through the stories of Shakespeare weaving in history and teachings of buddhism. It's so good. I love take a few moments to reflect after reading each chapter. It's hard to find the right words to describe just how amazing this book is. I highly recommend and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
June 3, 2022
I love this book! It combines two of my favorite topics, classical literature and Buddhism. The book contains quotes from Shakespeare which are then used to give the teachings of the Buddha a new and unique perspective. The writing is excellent and easy to read. I do much of my reading during breaks between my daily activities, so I love that the chapters are short. Whether you are new to buddhism or a long time practitioner, I believe this book will be beneficial to anyone that reads it. I greatly enjoyed it!
August 24, 2022
I enjoyed every page of this book! The way that the author blends the wisdom of mindfulness with the writings of Shakespeare is truly amazing! I’ve always loved both separately, but never considered the connection. Once they are pointed out, it is obvious that Shakespeare blended so much profound wisdom into his plays. Thank you to this author for creating this beautiful work. Highly recommend:)
January 1, 2024
I took me a long time to read this because I only read a few chapters at a time. I loved the ways in which the author connected Shakespeare to the Buddha's teachings. I did find that it was harder for me to follow along when the chapters referred to Shakespeare plays that I haven't yet read, although I did feel inspired to read them some day! An interesting book that was well-researched and enjoyable to read overall.
June 18, 2022
This absolute treasure of a book captures moments from Shakespeare’s plays and compellingly elaborates them through the tenants of mindfulness and self-reflection. The concept is genius and Shufran’s thought process here is perfection—the book itself a master-class in the art of the book to reflect culture and story-telling, as they play out in the theatre of our lives (a concept magically and seamlessly brought to life through Shufran's elucidations).
For Shakespeare lovers and those with an affinity toward mindfulness, The Buddha and the Bard is also for any who love a genius weaving of topics. It is full of beautiful moments where reflection and revelation achieve a perfect balance of synchronicities, too, the pages are home to delightful, well researched anecdotes.
The Buddha and The Bard by Lauren Shufran has made its way into my Top 3 ever read, I found it beautiful and genius, and cannot recommend it enough.
For Shakespeare lovers and those with an affinity toward mindfulness, The Buddha and the Bard is also for any who love a genius weaving of topics. It is full of beautiful moments where reflection and revelation achieve a perfect balance of synchronicities, too, the pages are home to delightful, well researched anecdotes.
The Buddha and The Bard by Lauren Shufran has made its way into my Top 3 ever read, I found it beautiful and genius, and cannot recommend it enough.
December 31, 2024
A fascinating intersection between two minds which reached the totality of human experience through their own genius.
June 8, 2022
Once in a while, there comes along a book that brings a new offering to the world, which highlights with incredible lucidity, that which may not have been conceived of before. The Buddha brought such clarity with his teachings on the Dharma (the nature of reality) and Shakespeare through his wisdom of the human drama in unparalleled literary genius. The Buddha and the Bard then is a offering in this vein, in that the author manages with deep understanding of both these giants in the repository of human wisdom, to crystallise for the reader the great parallels, complimentary reflections and synthesis of ideas and thinking from these two great teachers on the human condition.
The book is laid out and formulated in such a way that whether you only have prior knowledge of just Buddhism or Shakespeare, or have no previous understanding of either, you are educated and entertained into a clear understanding of both. In this work, Lauren has set a benchmark for the symbiosis of western and eastern insights, that can only help the reader to find a better understanding of their place in this universal human drama.
The book is laid out and formulated in such a way that whether you only have prior knowledge of just Buddhism or Shakespeare, or have no previous understanding of either, you are educated and entertained into a clear understanding of both. In this work, Lauren has set a benchmark for the symbiosis of western and eastern insights, that can only help the reader to find a better understanding of their place in this universal human drama.
August 30, 2022
Every now and again you come across a book that you know from the first page on you will read again and again—The Buddha and the bard is one of these books for me.
In this amazing read, Lauren Shufran places the Buddha’s wisdom and Shakespeare’s words on human nature and its condition beside each other and weaves them into engaging and enlightening contemplations on the core doctrines of Buddhism. With her deep understanding and clear insights on both eastern spiritual practice and western Shakespearean theatrics Shufran brings a fresh—and to me surprising—perspective on both, making this book most relevant to all modern readers wrestling with the timeless challenges of what it means to be human in this world.
Shufran’s writing is very eloquent, and I find it a treat to read her thoughtfully crafted chapters one by one. They invite me to pause and reflect on my place on this ‘stage of life’—again and again. There’s no need to have any prior knowledge of Buddhism or Shakespeare’s work—this book delights anyone who’s looking for a beautiful and inspiring read.
In this amazing read, Lauren Shufran places the Buddha’s wisdom and Shakespeare’s words on human nature and its condition beside each other and weaves them into engaging and enlightening contemplations on the core doctrines of Buddhism. With her deep understanding and clear insights on both eastern spiritual practice and western Shakespearean theatrics Shufran brings a fresh—and to me surprising—perspective on both, making this book most relevant to all modern readers wrestling with the timeless challenges of what it means to be human in this world.
Shufran’s writing is very eloquent, and I find it a treat to read her thoughtfully crafted chapters one by one. They invite me to pause and reflect on my place on this ‘stage of life’—again and again. There’s no need to have any prior knowledge of Buddhism or Shakespeare’s work—this book delights anyone who’s looking for a beautiful and inspiring read.
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