Book Review: ‘Walk Like a Buddha’ by Lodro Rinzler

Lodro Rinzler’s first book ‘The Buddha Walks Into a Bar: A Guide to Life for a New Generation’ received some sweet praise on this old blog last year so I was pleasantly pleased to bury my little nose into his latest book ‘Walk Like a Buddha: Even if Your Boss Sucks, Your Ex Is Torturing You, and You’re Hungover Again’

The basis of the book comes from Lodro’s advice column ‘What would Sid Do?’ which addresses the trials and tribulations of Generation Y and offers workable solutions for practicing Buddhism and meditation in the world we find ourselves in today. In essence, what is being investigated is how to apply the wisdom of traditional teachings to modern questions and concerns. The flavour of Shambhala vision permeates this book and quotes from Sakong Mipham Rinpoche as well as Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche are sprinkled liberally within as are mentions to many other sources be they Captain America or Zen masters.

Lodro is like a friend you’ve be comfortable asking any kind of question to. No matter how crazy, weird, philosophical, scary or gross. There’s a profoundly light, breezy tone to this book, but it doesn’t shy away from the hard stuff. Deep and diverse questions on topics ranging from happiness, working with distraction, mindfulness in daily life, drinking, smoking, drugs, sex, relationships, love, anger, loneliness, work and so very much more are all tackled and pretty much the full experience of the precious human birth is covered. I don’t want to spoil the book by telling you any additional topics Lodro gets into, but just know that while I didn’t agree with a few pieces of advice (I’m a non-smoking, non-drinking vegan), I honestly would have been surprised or scared if I did. This is what makes the Buddhist path one’s own to walk.

I believe that Lodro’s intention in this book is to challenge and empower readers to find the answers for themselves by using their inherent wisdom. The responses are balanced and honesty runs throughout the pages. Lodro off the bat admits he is a mess and doesn’t have all of the answers and he brings his experience to the reader, not as an expert but as someone who is figuring it out himself but with some experience given his background of study and practice. This humility is comforting and his low-ego approach will resonate with both newbie-Buddhists as well as those more seasoned veterans.

I wholeheartedly recommend ‘Walk Like a Buddha’ as it provided me with fresh insight into both the questions that practitioners are asking as well as responses from a compassionate, articulate, well-meaning and funny dharma teacher.The book is a balance of Buddhist history, teachings, philosophy and ethics fueled by wisdom and compassion.

Lodro’s warmth makes one feel like you could ask him anything without judgement so get in touch with him @lodrorinzler or via email [email protected] with your questions or feedback.

I’d love to share this book with you so I have 1 free copy to give away to the first commenter who posts a reply to this question:

What is the name of the Institute that Lodro founded in January 2013?