If you’re like me, then you quite rightly love Jeff Bridges. If, like me, you’ve also read a number of star autobiographies, you may expect Bridges’ release to be concerned with the chronological tale of his life and career. But The Dude and the Zen Master defies all these expectations. Written alongside Buddhist practitioner Bernie Glassman, it is a reflection on Zen, on life, and on Lebowski. And it is fascinating.
The topics covered in their discussion have been studied by Bridges and Glassman over fifteen years of friendship, but the actual process of the novel was engaging in lively and amicable debate over the course of four days in each other’s company. The friendship between Bridges and Glassman is immediately apparent. They are not afraid to disagree with each other, but constantly respect what the other is saying and learn from each other. Despite the fact that this is, in some regard, a book about the Buddhist faith, the fundamentals of the narrative are universal and human: it is about how we view ourselves, the people and events in our lives, and our connection to the world around us.
For fans of Jeff Bridges’ film career, the book still isn’t a disappointment. Rather than recount the day to day business of being on a film set, Bridges recounts various projects, and links the characters, stories, and experience of making these films to the life experiences that have shaped him as a person. Lebowski is the most often discussed, but movies from across his filmography are viewed in a new light. It is an introspective and reflective read, and one that readers can immediately relate to. This book may inspire readers to delve into Buddhism further, it may inspire readers to think a little deeper and more theologically about the media they consume, or it may just bring a smile to your their face exploring the easy camaraderie of two old friends. The easygoing vibe that Bridges is so famous for goes a long way towards making this book such an enjoyable read. You feel like the silent, third friend, sat with Bridges and Glassman around a comfortable log fire, as wholly a part of the experience as the men themselves.