Dharma Delight

March 14, 2016
Fans of Greenblat’s video game and comic book characters (such as PaRappa the Rapper and Thunder Bunny) will recognize his whimsical style in this graphic book collecting his art related to Buddhism, particularly Zen. A walking, talking “sentient bean” (aka “being”) and wise guide Pandatsu (a Zen panda) help Musho (a self-inserted Greenblat) explain a variety of Buddhist concepts, including the Four Noble Truths, bodhisattvas, koans, and Jataka tales (traditionally stories of the Buddha’s past lives). The book concludes with a brief introduction to Zen practice. Particularly effective are Greenblat’s pages showing ways to behave like a bodhisattva in everyday life. Despite being roughly organized by topic, the content sometimes seems random; readers looking for a step-by-step introduction to this Eastern philosophy will be disoriented, and some aspects of Greenblat’s visual humor (including apparent in-jokes) may puzzle them. However, the creative exuberance, wild variety of art styles, information-packed pages, and playfully wise treatment of a seemingly serious subject should invite closer investigation by a range of readers interested in Buddhism. Answering the question, “What is Dharma Delight?”, Musho ably illustrates that “this very everyday world is the world of miracles and the unknown.”

March 1, 2016

Gr 7 Up-A whimsically illustrated guide to the basic concepts of Zen and Buddhism. Greenblat briefly describes dharma, Shakyamuni, and a few classical bodhisattvas and offers a simple introduction to meditation. Also included are a selection of Jataka tales and koans, some traditional and some of the author's invention. Greenblat recommends veganism, stating that it is consistent with Buddhism, and details other important elements, such as compassion and the cessation of desire. His original material, both text and artwork, set this work apart from other overviews and will either appeal to or put off potential readers. The fanciful and very colorful artwork exists somewhere in the nexus among doodles, primitivism, and comics and features figures like the smiling "Thunder Bunny cloud deity," a panda Zen master, and a "Sentient Bean." One of his Jataka tales centers on the Diatom Buddha, who eventually becomes Buddha Oil, which is used on a bike chain. VERDICT This title won't take the place of a more straightforward primer, but the original presentation may draw in some teens.-Eric Norton, McMillan Memorial Library, Wisconsin Rapids, WI

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 15, 2016
Greenblat introduces readers to Buddhism and Zen with a pleasant, inviting combination of art and text. He offers a brief history of Buddhism, along with modern interpretations of Zen koans and Buddhist Jataka tales. His playful artwork, incorporating bright, colorful cartoon versions of traditional art styles and mandalas, is nicely incorporated into more explanatory prose sections. Some of the book might be confusing for readers new to Buddhism, but for those ready to get a more in-depth taste, it will provide some insight along with gentle humor. The section on Zen training, with its four components of community, posture, breath, and mind, provides some great practical advice for anyone interested in trying out the practices on their own or those interested simply in meditation. The relatively brief text invites rereading, and those readers who truly want to learn more will do so. Thoughtful older teens and adults seeking a spiritual outlet may find much to enjoy here. Though the format is graphic-novel-like, this would be just as at home in the religion section.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)