The Dharma of Star Wars by Matthew Bortolin

Is Yoda a Zen Master? Is the story of Luke Skywalker a spiritual epic? The answers, as well as excitement, adventure, and a lot of fun, are here! This revised and expanded edition of The Dharma of Star Wars uses George Lucas' beloved modern saga and the wise words of the Buddha to illuminate each other in playful and unexpectedly rewarding ways. Matthew Bortolin writes an inspiring and totally new take on this timeless saga, from A New Hope through Revenge of the Sith and television's Clone Wars. Great fun for any Star Wars fan. Includes instruction in The Jedi Art of Mindfulness and Concentration and The Padawan Handbook: Zen Contemplations for the Would-Be Jedi. Editorial Reviews Bortolin, an ordained member of Thich Nhat Hanh's Buddhist community, may be the ideal person to write about the Buddhist themes in Star Wars: he camped out for tickets to all of the movies-even the less than stellar ones-and possesses his very own set of Jedi robes. In short, consistent chapters, Bortolin explores themes such as suffering, mindfulness, karma and transcending the dark side. One especially helpful chapter examines what nirvana is, comparing it to the all-pervasive Force of Star Wars, and clarifying that nirvana isn't a sort of Buddhist heaven or a blissed-out mental condition. Rather, Bortolin asserts, it is the very absence of ideas and conceptualization. Bortolin looks to Jedi meditation as a parallel discipline to the Buddhist practice of mindfulness meditation. In this state, Jedi knights get in touch with reality as it truly is, observing their minds with calm compassion and allowing greater understanding of the present moment. One of the book's greatest strengths is Bortolin's stubborn determination to find something redeeming about the two most recent Star Wars films, and he does actually recover enough of these nuggets to make some fans take a second look at those overhyped flicks. With humor, strong examples and timeless wisdom, Bortolin offers a new way to think about a pop culture phenomenon. Lead us to Yoda, he does. (Apr.) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information. - Publishers Weekly A clear and clever introduction to Buddhism. The work will also broaden anyone's understanding and appreciation of the subtle underpinnings of Lucas' films. Bortolin's work is an important contribution to the lexicon of modern Western Buddhist studies. The book draws an arc of meaning and wisdom across the centuries from the deer park to the pinnacle of 21st century pop culture. - Ashe Journal This entertaining and insightful primer provides a useful service to future film buffs who want to better understand the real-life religion behind this popular fictional world. Bortolin succeeds in ferreting out some real wisdom from [the films], providing a Buddhist interpretation of the Jedi Way. - Tricycle Whether you are a fan of Star Wars or not; whether you are a newcomer to Buddhist thought or a long-time practitioner, his light, yet richly rewarding approach provides a fresh perspective that should encourage deeper thinking and practice. - Frank Jude Boccio This will be a welcome and enlightening addition to Star Wars fans' world, opening up a new way to understand the narrative of this beloved series. Bortolin's Padawan Handbook is especially useful. - Sumi Loundon A must-read for anyone ever inspired by the wisdom of Yoda, the courage of Luke Skywalker or drawn to the dark side by Darth Vader. - Noah Levine Star Wars fans will find Bortolin's pleasant humor and simple directness immensely enjoyable and thought provoking, while longtime spiritual practitioners will discover a new and profound avenue into self-transformation.- - Robert A. Johnson The Dharma of Star Wars is, simply put, many of life's little lessons wrapped up in Jedi robes. You don't have to be a believer in the Buddhist way of life to appreciate some of the wisdom that emanates from these pages. - StarWarz.com A light-hearted exploration of the Star Wars movies, providing a new take on the six-part space fantasy epic. It's a good introduction to teachings of Buddha, and how they infuse the characters of Star Wars...on both the light and dark sides of the force. - SFRevu Whether you interpret 'The Force' as being Nirvana or the Holy Spirit, finding spirituality in 'Star Wars' can bring that galaxy far, far away a lot closer to home. - Newsweek With humor, strong examples and timeless wisdom, Bortolin offers a new way to think about a pop culture phenomenon. Lead us to Yoda, he does.-Publishers Weekly Bortolin's book succeeds as one of the most in-depth investigations into Star Wars likely ever to have been written, and as an excellent introduction to Buddhism as well. Star Wars fans and Buddhists alike can thank Bortolin for bringing new relevance to the power of the Force.-What Is Enlightenment? magazine A light-hearted exploration of the Star Wars movies, providing a new take on the six-part space fantasy epic. It's a good introduction to teachings of Buddha, and how they infuse the characters of Star Wars...on both the light and dark sides of the force.-SFRevu The Dharma of Star Wars is, simply put, many of life's little lessons wrapped up in Jedi robes. You don't have to be a believer in the Buddhist way of life to appreciate some of the wisdom that emanates from these pages.-StarWarz.com Brings a very different and deeply compelling analysis of the galaxy far, far away.-FilmThreat.com Bortolin's book will appeal to Star Wars fans, to fellow Buddhists looking for insights from popular culture, and to people who are just curious about Buddhism.-Saga Journal Star Wars fans will find Bortolin's pleasant humor and simple directness immensely enjoyable and thought provoking, while longtime spiritual practitioners will discover a new and profound avenue into self-transformation.-Robert A. Johnson, author of He and She and We and Owning Your Own Shadow A must-read for anyone ever inspired by the wisdom of Yoda, the courage of Luke Skywalker or drawn to the dark side by Darth Vader.-Noah Levine, author of Dharma Punx This will be a welcome and enlightening addition to Star Wars fans' world, opening up a new way to understand the narrative of this beloved series. Bortolin's Padawan Handbook is especially useful.-Sumi Loundon, editor of Blue Jean Buddha: Voices of Young Buddhists An interesting read [that] makes the Star Wars more profound, and Buddhism more accessible.-Eastern Horizon Whether you are a fan of Star Wars or not; whether you are a newcomer to Buddhist thought or a long-time practitioner, his light, yet richly rewarding approach provides a fresh perspective that should encourage deeper thinking and practice.- Frank Jude Boccio, author of Mindfulness Yoga Bortolins's use of Star Wars as a template for explaining the Dharma is innovative and spot on. Fans of either Yoda or the Buddha will find The Dharma of Star Wars an enjoyable, informative read.-Keith Kachtick, author of Hungry Ghost The Star Wars saga takes place in a galaxy far, far away, but The Dharma of Star Wars demonstrates quite effectively that the universal truths that George Lucas explores are very much rooted in the here and now. Bortolin takes readers on a journey like no other-into their own hearts, minds and spirits.-Jeff Cioletti, producer/director, Millennium's End: The Fandom Menace Throughout this wise and accessible book, Bortolin helps readers understand the truth that Yoda speaks: Luminous beings are we; not this crude matter.-Jana Riess, author of What Would Buffy Do? Whether you interpret 'The Force' as being Nirvana or the Holy Spirit, finding spirituality in 'Star Wars' can bring that galaxy far, far away a lot closer to home.-Newsweek This entertaining and insightful primer provides a useful service to future film buffs who want to better understand the real-life religion behind this popular fictional world. Bortolin succeeds in ferreting out some real wisdom from [the films], providing a Buddhist interpretation of the Jedi Way.-Tricycle A clear and clever introduction to Buddhism. The work will also broaden anyone's understanding and appreciation of the subtle underpinnings of Lucas' films. Bortolin's work is an important contribution to the lexicon of modern Western Buddhist studies. The book draws an arc of meaning and wisdom across the centuries from the deer park to the pinnacle of 21st century pop culture.-Ashe Journal - From the Publisher