Recommended Reading from HositalityEducators.com| The Buddha Walks into a Bar: A Guide to Life for a New Generation

		The Buddha Walks into a Bar: A Guide to Life for a New Generation by Lodro Rinzler
A delightful message for everyone! ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ The introduction to this book properly positions what is to follow. It states One – this is not a book for your grandparents about meditation Two – it is not going to tell you enough information about what you do to become a practicing Buddhist Three – it does provide reassurance that one does not necessarily have to change their life to embrace the truths identified in the book Four – the author tells you that you will explore the fundamentals of the four of dignities of Shambhala vehicles of traditional Tibetan Buddhism  ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ The book is divided into four sections 1. Part one: get your act together 2. Part two: how to save the world 3. Part three : letting go into space 4. Part four: relaxing into magic ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ The author, Lordom Rinzler, is a 28 year-old Buddhist teacher who states that he is talking to Generation O, which is defined as individuals and college or about to enter the workforce. He tackles the topic of Buddhism in a nonthreatening, easy to understand way. He explains the methodology of meditation, as well as how it might be used in everyday living. One of the things I really like about this book are the discussions about everyday issues, with optional basic meditations that could be used by anyone interested. I find the book to be more about identifying awareness of self and interaction with others, rather than trying to promote a specific religion ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ While the author does address some of the more mystical side (to Westerners) of Buddhism, he delves into into real-world issues facing Generation O such as clothes, relationships, office politics, money, friends, school, making mistakes and a bit of politics. ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ My son was born and raised in Tennessee and exposed to Christian teachings and beliefs. When he was 23, he moved to Seoul South Korea to teach English. Over the next five years, he experienced a wide range of religions, including Buddhism, and felt much more at ease in his personal journey of seeking the truth. He has now returned to the U.S. and feels much more open minded about religious freedoms, ideas and methods of seeking a higher power. ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ I originally ordered this book for my son, but found I enjoyed it as much as I mentioned he will. It is a pleasure to recommend this book. As always, comments and feedback are welcome Dr. John Hogan, CHE CMHS CHA HospitalityEducators HoganHospitality