Buddhism for Bears [Hardcover]

Claire Nielson (Author), Chris Riddell (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 1999

Life lessons for bears-a lighthearted illustrated guide to basic Buddhist beliefs that feature our portly, plucky, and perpetually hungry bear friends.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Nieslon and Riddell team up to offer the practical insights of Buddhism to our ursine friends. Riddell has held forth on the virtues of Buddhism to domesticated animals already in Buddhism for Sheep, and his portly bear friends here discover the merits of wisdom and self-control, even as they learn meditation techniques that will help them achieve truth. Each page features one of Riddell's humorous illustrations of Nielson's text. For example, the teaching on wisdomA"Let go of the craving and greed that bind you to the world"Ais accompanied by a drawing of a bear climbing out too far on a limb to reach a bee's nest and the limb snapping. On self-control: as Goldilocks thumbs her nose at the bears, they are advised to "practice self-restraint with regard to your fellow beings." On techniques: the bears are advised to "choose nourishing vegetables rather than meat" even as the illustration shows the inherent dangers the Buddhist bear faces in tearing into a moose's hide. Finally, as a bear prepares to step into a leg trap, it is reminded that "self-mortification does not lead to inner truth." On the one hand, this is a silly little book whose (p)awful humor is unbearable, e.g. drunken bears being advised to "abstain from drinking intoxicating liquors and spirits." On the other hand, though, like the Porcine History of Western Philosophy, this little manual offers a simple introduction to Buddhist principles and techniques for beginners. (July)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Chris Riddell and Claire Nielson both live in England. Riddell's illustrations are also featured in Buddhism for Sheep.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 80 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Press; 1st edition (July 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312205031
• ISBN-13: 978-0312205034
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 5.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,192,419 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Amusing Little Book, December 30, 2000

By 

David (Denver) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Buddhism for Bears (Hardcover)

This is an amusing little book, filled with large, cute drawings of bears doing all sorts of silly things to demonstrate the one-line thoughts found at the bottom of each page. I was hoping for more informative Buddhist thought - this is mostly illustrations with a little bit of Buddhism - but it's amusing. If you're looking for a little book of bear drawings with some Buddhism here and there, this is it. However, if you're actually looking for a little book of Buddhist thought (like I was) with some beautiful illustrations here and there, I recommend the one by Taro Gold.

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A very cute book, June 16, 2000

By 

Verena Birkhold - See all my reviews

This review is from: Buddhism for Bears (Hardcover)

If you're interested in buddhism, this is a very cute book to learn something about it.

6 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Very disappointing, August 11, 2001

By 

Mark Hawthorne (Rohnert Park, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Buddhism for Bears (Hardcover)

I had high hopes that "Buddhism for Bears" would be an insightful blend of two of my favorite subjects. Sadly, this nice idea is poorly executed with illustrations depicting bears as buffoons. The jacket notes tell the reader, "Like the rest of us, bears are searching for a way to fill the emptiness inside themselves." Excuse me? As one of nature's most noble beings, bears should be the object of veneration, not ridicule. Riddell's sketches, while cleverly rendered, show bears as drunken idiots, demonstrating the worst behavior of human beings. I realize the drawings are intended to portray human characteristics, but why not make them humans instead of projecting human stupidity on the gentle bear? Since Lord Buddha--who in an early incarnation sacrificed his life so that a hungry tigress and her seven cubs could eat--appreciated the dignity and spirit of animals, I had hoped this slim volume might distill Buddha's teachings through the eyes of our ursine friends. Readers seeking a lesson in the dharma would be better served buying something along the lines of "The Buddha Speaks" or Rahula's classic, "What the Buddha Taught." And any book of bear photos will show their enormous nobility and spirit.