cover image What Would Buddha Do?

What Would Buddha Do?

Franz Aubrey Metcalf. Gramercy Books, $5.99 (144pp) ISBN 978-0-517-22007-8

Buddhist Spirituality contributor Metcalf applies sacred Buddhist teachings to road-rage, maxed-out credit cards, competitive co-workers and more in this tidy gathering of insights that serve as brief but astute reminders that enlightenment is obtainable, even when you're stuck in traffic. Metcalf ""plumbed a deep reservoir"" of Buddhist practices, texts, rituals and myths to uncover practical, soothing and surprisingly contemporary advice on topics such as addiction, personal identity struggles, relationship conflicts and financial worries. Each page begins with the phrase, ""What would Buddha do?"" and then considers his enlightened behavior in taxicab queues, kitchens and offices (Buddha, for instance, would defeat office enemies with grace). Buddha's answers, as interpreted by Metcalf, range from the profound to the puzzling. Essentially a collection of 101 spiritual Post-it notes, the book may appeal readers looking for a quick spiritual fix. (Metcalf offers a list of suggested further readings for those seeking more substance.)