About the book
The Dharma of Star Wars is kinda like Return of the Jedi: a bit cheesy, sometimes unpalatably ewokian, but all-in-all pretty alright--oh, and there's lightsabers too.
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Reviews:
"Bortolin, an ordained member of Thich Nhat Hanh's Buddhist community, may be the ideal person to write about the Buddhist themes in Star Wars: he camped out for tickets to all of the movies - even the less than stellar ones - and possesses his own set of Jedi robes. [...] One of the book's greatest strengths is Bortolin's stubborn determination to find something redeeming about the two most recent Star Wars films, and he does actually recover enough of these nuggets to make fans take a second look at those overhyped flicks [...] With humor, strong examples and timeless wisdom, Bortolin offers a new way to think about a pop culture phenomenon. Lead us to Yoda, he does." – Publishers Weekly
"Matthew Bortolin is one of those 'Star Wars' fans. Jedi robes in the closet. Marathon camp-outs for tickets. To speak to Bortolin, you might think "Star Wars" is his religion. But Bortolin, who's lived in Buddhist monasteries in America and abroad, sees his existing religion in 'Star Wars.' Last week he published a book he was uniquely qualified to write: 'The Dharma of Star Wars,' which explains Buddhism by outlining its parallels with the sci-fi epic (page 161: 'We can transform the 'Jar Jar from within' by practicing mindful breathing').... Whether you interpret 'The Force' as being Nirvana or the Holy Spirit, finding spirituality in 'Star Wars' can bring that galaxy far, far away a lot closer to home." – Newsweek, May 9, 2005
"THE DHARMA OF STAR WARS is, simply put, many of life's little lessons wrapped up in Jedi robes. You don't have to be a believer in the Buddhist way of life to appreciate some of the wisdom that emanates from these pages. . . .Bortolin never fails to impress you with his knowledge of Buddhism and of Star Wars. He colors each page with many phrases from the film or replaces the more cliche every day words you might use with some kind of Star Wars reference or term. That's where Star Wars fans have find the most fun here - relating the important lessons learned within the pages to their favorite films. . . . I know that I personally took a few of the concepts in this book and tried to adapt them to my personal life. If the book can help you in little ways like that, then this is a good thing. It's by no means a book that's trying to convert anyone to the Buddhist faith, and I certainly won't be doing that, but that does not mean there aren't concepts and lessons inside which can help you in your daily lives. . . [D]efinitely a book worthy of your attention if you're interested in learning more about both Star Wars and one of the belief systems the films are based on. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised...and hopefully enlightened." – Tbone @ Starwarz.com
"Bortolin has outlined the unlikely common ground between the two cultural phenomena, Star Wars and Buddhism, in his new book "The Dharma of Star Wars." Covering the entire "Star Wars" odyssey from the 1977 landmark through the upcoming "Revenge of the Sith", Bortolin traces elements of Buddhist philosophy and theology in the epic story lines and larger than life characters of the "Star Wars" films. Bortolin's "The Dharma of Star Wars" brings a very different and deeply compelling analysis of the galaxy far, far away. "– FilmThreat.com
"The characters in the Star Wars films seem to have led some unsuspecting souls toward the Buddha's Path. Matthew Bortolin appears to be one such fan. In his new, well-timed book, The Dharma of Star Wars he uses his beloved films as a vehicle for explaining [Buddhism]. This entertaining and insightful primer provides a useful service to future film buffs who want to better understand the real-life religion behind this popular fictional world. Anyone who knows the movies only from their commercial detritus will be surprised at how deeply Buddhism - and in particular, Zen - permeates the Star Wars universe. There's no question that George Lucas borrowed a great deal. [. . . ] Bortolin succeeds in ferreting out some real wisdom from [the films], providing a Buddhist interpretation of the Jedi Way." – Tricycle, Fall 2005
"A light-hearted exploration of the Star Wars movies, providing a new take on the six-part space fantasy epic. It's a good introduction to teachings of Buddha, and how they infuse the characters of Star Wars...on both the light and dark sides of the force." – SFRevu
"There have been quite a few references to the influence of Eastern culture on the Star Wars films, whether it's the films of Akira Kurosawa, the vaguely Japanese look of the Jedi tunic, or even George Lucas admitting in an interview that he considers himself a 'Methodist-Buddhist.' In The Dharma of Star Wars, Star Wars fan and Buddhist Matthew Bortolin hopes to show Star Wars in a new light as well as help us find some enlightenment at the same time. The book aspires to show us the way of 'Jedi mindfulness' in our everyday lives. There are interesting insights about the films, and food for thought, whether or not you agree with Bortolin's perspective. [...] It's hard not to enjoy a book with chapter titles like 'Darth Vader's Karma' or 'Transforming Our Jar Jar Nature.' Bortolin's book will appeal to Star Wars fans, to fellow Buddhists looking for insights from popular culture, and to people who are just curious about Buddhism." – SagaJournal.com
"The Star Wars saga takes place in a galaxy far, far away, but The Dharma of Star Wars demonstrates quite effectively that the universal truths that George Lucas explores are very much rooted in the here and now. Bortolin takes readers on a journey like no other -- into their own hearts, minds and spirits." – Jeff Cioletti, producer/director, Millennium’s End: The Fandom Menace, Galaxy’s End: Revenge of the Myth, Chronotrip, Inkswell, Unwound, and the Silent But Deadly Trilogy.
"This week, I'd like to give a platform to a very talented writer with a very unusual book. The writer is Matthew Bortolin, whose twin passions are Buddhism and Star Wars. Bortolin is an ordained member of Thich Nhat Hanh's Order of Interbeing - and a set of Jedi robes hangs in his closet. What do the Buddha and Luke Skywalker have in common? If one delved into Bortolin's marvelous THE DHARMA OF STARS, it would seem there is more than enough common ground between the ancient Asian theology and the galaxy far, far away. Issues and observations relating to suffering, karma, ego and letting go of evils (or, in the case of Anakin Skywalker, embracing them) are viewed within the Star Wars context through a decidedly Zen lens. [. . . ] The Zen concept of patience is clearly tested in the Star Wars series, especially in the eternally egregious Jar Jar Binks. 'In my book, I liken Jar Jar to that fidgety, erratic, spastic nature of our minds, Bortolin says. 'He is our mind when it is running on and on and won't shut up no matter how many times we yank it by the tongue and order it to quiet down. Jedi mindfulness and meditation help calm the Jar Jar within us, and yes, he's there whether we want to admit it or not.' - New York Resident
"A clear and clever introduction to Buddhism. The work will also broaden anyone's understanding and appreciation of the subtle underpinnings of Lucas' films. The Dharma of Star Wars is not simply another attempt at capitalizing on the Star Wars franchise. Published by the nonprofit Wisdom Publications, Bortolin's work is an important contribution to the lexicon of modern Western Buddhist studies. The book draws an arc of meaning and wisdom across the centuries from the deer park to the pinnacle of 21st century pop culture." – Ashe Journal
"Those movie lovers who haven't yet gotten their copy of the 'Star Wars trilogy on DVD may want to wait [until the release of The Dharma of Star Wars ] -and achieve enlightenment at the same time." – Publisher Weekly Religion Bookline
"A must-read for anyone ever inspired by the wisdom of Yoda, the courage of Luke Skywalker or drawn to the dark side by Darth Vader." – Noah Levine, author of Dharma Punx
"This will be a welcome and enlightening addition to Star Wars fans' world, opening up a new way to understand the narrative of this beloved series. Bortolin's Padawan Handbook is especially useful." – Sumi Loundon, editor of Blue Jean Buddha: Voices of Young Buddhists
"Whether you are a fan of Star Wars or not; whether you are a newcomer to Buddhist thought or a long-time practitioner, his light, yet richly rewarding approach provides a fresh perspective that should encourage deeper thinking and practice." – Frank Jude Boccio, author of Mindfulness Yoga
"Bortolins's use of "Star Wars" as a template for explaining the Dharma is innovative and spot on. Fans of either Yoda or the Buddha will find "The Dharma of Star Wars" an enjoyable, informative read." – Keith Kachtick, author of Hungry Ghost
"Bortolin draws upon Buddhist principles, his own life experiences, and the Star Wars movies to show readers that life-changing dharma can be found in classic drama. He speaks as both a fan and a Buddhist practitioner, lacing his interpretation of the space saga with cogent observations on suffering and mindfulness. Fellow fans will appreciate the fact that Bortolin never strays too far from the mother ship of Star Wars analysis, and will marvel that his compassionate bodhichitta even extends as far as Jar-Jar Binks. Throughout this wise and accessible book, Bortolin helps readers understand the truth that Yoda speaks: "Luminous beings are we; not this crude matter." – Jana Riess, author of What Would Buffy Do?
"Twenty-eight years after introducing Luke, Darth Vader, and The Force, the Star Wars saga concludes this May with the release of the final prequel, Revenge of the Sith. Rabid fans and pop-culture academics already have committed to memory the mish-mash of spiritual themes grafted to plot, character, and dialogue. In THE DHARMA OF STAR WARS, Matthew Bortolin, an ordainee of Thich Nhat Hanh, playfully investigates these themes through a Buddhist lens. Bortolin sees the series not as a Buddhist epic, but as a portrayal of the human condition to which Buddhist teachings can be applied. As such, The Dharma of Star Wars uses favorite moments to discuss topics such as suffering, karma, concentration, and letting go (recall 'Use the Force, Luke.'). A bit of a romp, this book is for the Star Wars enthusiast." – Shambhala Sun, May 2005
"Star Wars fans will find Bortolin's pleasant humor and simple directness immensely enjoyable and thought provoking, while longtime spiritual practitioners will discover a new and profound avenue into self-transformation." – Robert A. Johnson, author of Owning Your Own Shadow
"[Bortolin's] voice is uniquely his own yet resonant with the simplicity and elegance of Thich Nhat Hanh's writing. Highly recommended." – Mindfulness Bell Journal
"Just in time for the final installment of George Lucas's epic space-fantasy saga, a lifelong fan named Matthew Bortolin has produced a treatise that might save a few wayward Jedi from succumbing to the dark side. Bortolin's two-hundred-page manifesto is an entertaining and surprisingly serious consideration of the major themres, characters, and events of that galaxy far, far away. . . .Bortolin's book succeeds as one of the most in-depth investigations into Star Wars likely ever to have been written, and as an excellent introduction to Buddhism as well. Star Wars fans and Buddhists alike can thank Bortolin for bringing new relevance to the power of the Force." – What Is Enlightenment? magazine
“The book’s alright.” – Heather, wife of the author.