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Jeff Bridges

Bernie Glassman

The Dude and the Zen Master Hardcover – January 8, 2013

by Jeff Bridges (Author), Bernie Glassman (Author)

470 ratings

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The New York Times bestseller from Academy award-winning actor Jeff Bridges and Zen leader and author of Bearing Witness, Bernie Glassman.

Zen master Bernie Glassman compares Jeff Bridges’s iconic role in The Big Lebowski to a Lamed-Vavnik: one of the men in Jewish mysticism who “are simple and unassuming, and so good that, on account of them, God lets the world go on.” His buddy Jeff puts it another way. The wonderful thing about the Dude, he says, is that he’d always rather hug it out than slug it out.

For more than a decade, Academy Award–winning actor Jeff Bridges and his buddhist teacher, renowned Roshi Bernie Glassman, have been close friends. Inspiring and often hilarious, The Dude and the Zen Master captures their freewheeling dialogue about life, laughter, and the movies with a charm and bonhomie that never fail to enlighten and entertain. Throughout, their remarkable humanism reminds us of the importance of doing good in a difficult world.

Print length

288 pages
Language

English
Publisher

Blue Rider Press
Publication date

January 8, 2013
Dimensions

5.75 x 1 x 8.5 inches
ISBN-10

0399161643
ISBN-13

978-0399161643
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Editorial Reviews

From Bookforum

A tremendously harmless, good-natured pile of mindlessness. —Choire Sicha

Review

“Mr. Bridges and Mr. Glassman are likable, and smart, and interesting...[The Dude and the Zen Master] includes compelling discussions of Mr. Bridges’s marriage, acting technique and close relationship with his father...you’ll always be grateful for the hang.”
—The New York Times

“[The Dude and the Zen Master] is an odd and wonderful little work that makes use of the transcendentally funny characters and language of [The Big Lebowski] as the starting point for a relaxed philosophical discussion about a wide variety of topics.”—Los Angeles Times

“[A] truly incredible book about two friends talking about the good life.”
—Huffington Post

“Whether he knows it or not, The Dude’s laissez-faire attitude has become a model for coping with life’s complexities...[in] The Dude and the Zen Master, one gets the impression he or she is eavesdropping on an intimate conversation...It’s more than chicken soup for the soul, [it’s] cacciatore for the spirit, a winner’s guide to optimal living—a manual on how to Dude-ify oneself and just abide, man.”
—Examiner.com (Cleveland)

“The Dude and the Zen Master is an exercise in likeability....[Bridges] is in rare form here....To know the Dude (and, by extension, Bridges’ own meditational endgame) is to love him.”
—The Hairpin

“[A] good conversation between good friends...One of the unexpected treats of The Dude and the Zen Master is the insights into who Jeff Bridges is behind the Dude persona...touching remembrances of his parents, his reflections on life as a devoted family man, and his behind-the-scenes stories of movies he’s worked on [and] profound little Zen observations and insights sprinkled throughout the book.”
—The Dudespaper

“The Dude and the Zen Master doesn’t read like a traditional book at all—but rather riffs like a jam session....you’ll feel as though you yourself sat in on the sessions with the dude behind the Dude in The Big Lebowski and Buddhist buddy, Bernie....And what’s so cool is that the two of them manage to address many of life’s profundities—relationships, politics, working, aging, living, dying—in this very funny and readable jam session.”
—Rock Cellar Magazine

“The Dude and the Zen Master [is] a wonderful book of conversations...about acting and Zen and the long, fond relationship between these men.”
—Sheila Heti, Financial Times

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Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Blue Rider Press; 1st edition (January 8, 2013)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 288 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0399161643
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0399161643
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 15.2 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.75 x 1 x 8.5 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #356,723 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #369 in Zen Spirituality
- #916 in Movie History & Criticism
- #3,001 in Spiritual Self-Help (Books)

Customer Reviews:
470 ratings

About the authors

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Jeff Bridges
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Academy Award–winning actor Jeff Bridges is widely admired as a jewel of American cinema, with dozens of leading credits to his name. For more than 30 years, on numerous film sets, Bridges, with his specialized panoramic camera, a Widelux F8, has captured behind-the-scenes views of the creative world of moviemaking. Now, 16 years since his first collection of photography in “Pictures by Jeff Bridges” (2003), comes “Pictures, Volume Two” (2019).
In addition to his work before and behind the camera, Jeff Bridges and Zen master Bernie Glassman captured their spontaneous dialogue in the New York Times bestseller “The Dude and the Zen Master” (2012).
Jeff Bridges also narrates and brings to life the only audio book version of the holiday classic “The Night Before Christmas” (2016).
Most recently, Bridges collaborated with his oldest daughter, Isabelle Bridges-Boesch, who wrote “Daddy Daughter Day” (Fall 2020). He has charmingly illustrated her story of their adventures together on her proclaimed “Daddy Daughter Day.”
The multitalented Bridges has also recorded several albums: “Be Here Soon” (2000), “Crazy Heart: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack” (2010), “Jeff Bridges” (2011), and “Live. Jeff Bridges & The Abiders” (2014).
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Bernie Glassman
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Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read author blogs and more
See more on the author's page

Customer reviews

5 star		69%
4 star		16%
3 star		9%
2 star		4%
1 star		1%

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Top reviews from the United States

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Jamison E. Ousley

The Dude Gets Deep

Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 2019

Verified Purchase

I first heard of this book listening to Bridges talk to Marc Maron on WTF. I think I picked it up on sale for $2 or $3. Once I started reading, though, I couldn't put it down. The book is a series of transcribed conversations Bridges has with an old friend who happens to be a Zen master. These conversations are ostensibly a meditation on how The Dude from The Big Lebowski embodies various Koans of Zen philosophy.
What follows is meandering at times, but ultimately that's the point. Keeping things simple and decluttering your psyche is what it's all about. I wouldn't recommend this as a primer on Zen, but I found it a thoughtful, feel-good meditation on ways to live a little more simply.

5 people found this helpful

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RevAngieT

Surprising Conversion

Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2014

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Okay, here's the deal. With a masters and doctorate in religion, and 30 years in a lim
beral ministry that fosters diversity, I know a little to a lot about all major faiths. Also, after my best friend raved about the film featuring THE DUDE for a dozen or more years, I finally rented and viewed THE BIG LABOWSKI. I was surprised at how much I disliked it. A layabout, ne'er-do-well, who never made anything of himself other than simply, "To abide?" What's to like? I never told my friend i hated his favorite movie, but tomorrow is Rick's birthday, and after I saw an ad for the book, I knew I'd found the perfect gift. Bought the book and kept it around awaiting the proper day for shipping, and f look inside. Read it cover to cover, and finally.undersood. I had previously teased my.own minister about how.his universe was unfolding entirely too much as it should. Now, I get it. I plan to lead a workshop on the subject, first by viewing the film and discussing it, then by reading together the book and discussing that too. Great workshop for persons with limited exposure to Zen. Simple modern language elevates

20 people found this helpful

Helpful

Suttree

This Is Just Like…My Opinion, man

Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2021

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This book really ties your thoughts together. I mean say what you want about the tenants of Zen but at least it’s an ethos! Good reading for those trying to improve their lives or just abiding. I personally use it as one of my many mental calisthenics to keep the mind limber. Lotta ins, lotta outs, lotta good chapters. The only time I don’t read is during league play, other than that this is a good anytime read even on Shabbas. It’s actually well written and insightful none of the making viz da funny shtuff. A friend of mine recommended to me said it was some kinda Eastern vibe as we sipped Sioux City Sasparillas. You’re already late if you haven’t started reading…it’s already the 10th.

Helpful

h,s (s h)

enjoyable to degree you're getting the munchies

Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2013

Verified Purchase

Okay, ignore those first half dozen or so 5-star reviews that publisher arranged for and let's get comfortably serious about this book. Some people get the munchies by their own volition -- they do things to get that way. You might be one of those people. If so, you are more likely to enjoy this book than the average person--even more than the average person that enjoyed the film "The Big Lebowski."

It's not a bad book (if you don't count "Whoa, man, what are you saying" occurring three times in the first few paragraphs as bad). But it's not a very good book either. E.g., it's not the deftly written script for "The Big Lebowski," a minor classic among films. It's just a couple of dudes rapping about the character from the movie. Basically, it's like "My Dinner with Andre" with the angst removed and voluntary munchies added. Or like the early David Letterman show without the band, commercials, and audience, and with munchies added.

It's is funny in places but you wouldn't buy this book just for the occasional humor.

It tells you a little about the film and avid fans might like it as much as they like anything having to do with the film. But you wouldn't buy this book for the film background and analysis.

You might learn something about Zen. After all, if you can find Zen in motorcycle maintenance, you can find it here too, or, for that matter, staring at the wall of a cave. For at least two of these, voluntary munchies will help.

If this book changes your life, you probably need to read more, more of lots of different books. But reading this book won't hurt you more than the price of the book and an hour or two of reading time. I'd recommend seeing "The Big Lebowski" again, and see what that does for you.

26 people found this helpful

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Philly B

A book with a lot of fun between these two.

Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2017

Verified Purchase

You play the fly on the wall in a conversation between these two. It reads much more like a conversation than a book and was a pleasure listening to them discuss not just the movie but their own life experiences. It was refreshing to read something so positive when I had been feeling pretty down. These guys really seem to have a good grasp on life and enjoy talking to each other which makes reading the book a pleasure.

3 people found this helpful

Helpful

Andrew G

Wonderfully honest, genuine, and intimate conversation of modern-day Zen

Reviewed in the United States on February 20, 2015

Verified Purchase

This charming little book is great for anyone interested in Zen, or just for any Big Lebowski fans curious about the deeper thoughts going on behind the scenes of the movie. There are excellent examples of modern-day Zen teachings, thought and practice presented here, all framed within a discussion of the film "The Big Lebowski."

The book dips a little into promotional territory for Jeff and Bernie's various charitable causes towards the end, and this is primarily the reason why I would dock a star in my rating. Their plugs are perfectly relevant to the discussion, and not overly intrusive or forced, but it can get a little distracting and may turn other readers off. It actually prompted me to think about my own involvement in charitable foundations and organizations, something I'd like to do more of, so I can't fault Jeff and Bernie for for raising my own awareness.

7 people found this helpful

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Megan

At peace with The Dude

Reviewed in the United States on November 24, 2020

Verified Purchase

I find this book infinitely helpful in reminding myself about the bigger picture and a more peaceful interaction with my world and the others in it. It's been incredibly helpful in this general era of uncertainty and increased anxiety. It gives very simple metaphors for how to view life, how to approach your struggles, and how to become more peaceful and mindful all around.

Helpful

Top reviews from other countries

Generic Nomenclature

It's okay

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 10, 2018

Verified Purchase

This is a slightly 'niche' book: Jeff Bridges and a Zennist discussing The Dude and Zen. We learn a lot about Jeff Bridges' approach to acting and the ways in which the student of film or theatre can correspond with the work of a Zen student. The pages shown via the 'Look Inside' feature on Amazon give you a fairly good idea of what lies within. It's fine, it's amusing, there's interesting nuggets in there. I read it through quite quickly so it's engaging on some level. It's a 'hard to place' book so its reception will vary according to the reader - quite Zen in that regard I suppose.

4 people found this helpful

PETER

Good read

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 15, 2018

Verified Purchase

Good read

Hangyassun

There’s learning here, man!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 10, 2019

Verified Purchase

I enjoyed the book a lot, it made my tube rides a mental journey and helped me to put a lot of pieces of this puzzle called life to the right place. Thanks Jeff & Bernie

One person found this helpful

Mirian

Five Stars

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 14, 2018

Verified Purchase

Perfect

Bob

Takin' it easy so you don't have to.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 6, 2014

Verified Purchase

A pleasant, gentle book. As you'd expect, perhaps, not much wisdom from a Zen Master, but a glimpse into the world of Jeff Bridges is cool and interesting. Don't expect too much, take it as it is, and you'll have a few hours of relaxation and ease.

2 people found this helpful

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