from: Chronicle Books
Discount Price: $16.95
Price fluctuation possible.
How soon does it ship: Normal ship time within one day
Shipping? Absolutely FREE if you qualify for Super Saver Shipping.
Type of bind: Hardcover
Dewey Decimal Number: 779.8943092
EAN num: 9780811848145
ISBN number: 0811848140
Label: Chronicle Books
Manufacturer: Chronicle Books
Quantity: 1
Page Count: 128
Printing Date: February 23, 2006
Publishing house: Chronicle Books
Sale Popularity Level: 735121
Studio: Chronicle Books
Accessories:
Other books you might be interested in perusing:
User popularity level:
Rated by buyers -
There is a sense in which the book 'If You Find the Buddha' is a sort of 'where's Waldo?' hunt. Sometimes the images of the Buddha are very prominent; sometimes they are almost imperceptible. Sometimes there are several Buddhas; sometimes there is only one, and even then, just in shadow. Some Buddhas are large; some are small. Some are in intentionally religious or holy settings; some are in everyday positions, such as above a diner's cash register. Even more ironically, the image of the Buddha can be found on the tag of a rifle-toting soldier, or in rows of figurines, each bearing their own price tag.
As the writer comments, the figure of the Buddha is ubiquitous in many parts of the world, and not uncommon in other parts of the world. East and West alike have a share in the presence of the Buddha in this collection, and peoples of all races and conditions of life are shown in relationship here. Perhaps the most surprising element is the touch of the common and the ordinary - in much the same way that pictures or figurines of Jesus or the Last Supper or various saints might adorn the homes, the Buddha similarly is incorporated almost unconsciously into the everyday life and work of people. It becomes part of license plates, nametags, lawn ornaments, golf equipment, and more.
There is a foreword provided by Jeff Greenwald, an author of several books perhaps best known for his travel writing. There is also a brief essay by Jesse Kalisher, who writes of his transformation from a person who lived inside of set boxes (offices, car, apartment, television) to someone enlightened enough to seek the whole world. He recounts his encounter with a Buddhist monk, Pat Panom, with whom he shared his interest in this project, and how his life had come to this point.
This is not a religious text - well, not a religious text per se. It is not a manual of Buddhism, with exegesis, systematic interpretation, description and such. In some ways, however, it is a great expression of Buddhism - I am reminded of a sermon of the Buddha which consisted simply of him holding up a flower. If a picture can speak a thousand words, and open up a thousand worlds, then this book is indeed a religious text, albeit not in traditional Western sense.
The photographs are stunning in quality and composition, all the more remarkable for being 'typical' and 'mundane' subject matter in many cases. The collection as a whole places the pictures in an interesting context that makes for enlightening and enjoyable reading.
Rated by buyers 
-
This marvelous coffee table book has been sitting on my shelf far too long. Visually witty, engaging and just plain fun to look at Jesse Kalisher's pictures from around the world finds Buddha in various shapes. It's colorful and the only complaint I have is that I would have liked to have a bit more text discussing the circumstances of the photos, where they were, when, what inspired Kalisher to take and pick the particulary pictures he uses in this book.
The sixteen page introduction is witty,intelligent and I could have used more of it throughout the book. While I'm visually driven I also am text driven--words are important to me, their meaning and how we use language since it shapes as much about how we see the world as what we see. Jeff Greenwald's text would have been perfect to illuminate these things in brief chapters discussing each section of plates.
Regardless this is a terrific book and those that enjoy coffee table books that actually LOOK at the pictures and become lost in the details will enjoy the variety of photos included in this book from throughout the world. My apologies to Chronicle Books for taking so long to review this.
Rated by buyers -
A delightful collection of images from the lands where Buddha's philosophy is part of daily life. Kalisher has a good eye for content. His images range from the intimate close-up to a distant perspective where the viewer must pause to probe the surroundings to perceive the item of interest. The item may be a tiny statue or graphic representation. Sometimes it seems wholly out of place. That, however, only demonstrates how important the Buddha is to the society. While it may not dominate, it is always present. The reality of the Buddha in these societies and the photographs are intimately matched. Kalisher has the ability to capture them with charm and grace. That he shares them with us is almost a personal favour.
We are given more than a hundred images of the Buddha. They may be giant close-ups in a temple, or centred in a wide-angle view in a restaurant. One watches over some elderly men at a game, while another is a medallion set in stark contrast to a soldier's bayonet-bearing rifle. Sitting on a high shelf, the Buddha keeps guard in an apothecary's shop. Still another helps a guitarist find his muse as he practices. What is significant about this wide variety of settings is that in none is the Buddha disjointed or disconnected .
Even the format of this collection is proper for the subject. While in the West we've become suffused with "coffee-table" books that present us outsized images, this collection is set in an appropriate framework. Kalisher's images and Greenwald's text may be slipped into a purse or briefcase for easy retrieval. The large books are designed to overwhelm our attention. This book follows the theme of that what the Buddha teaches must be sought. It cannot be forced or implanted in our minds. Only one flaw can be attributed to this collection. Designed for a Western market, the identification list at the back of the book might have included more descriptive material. The locations are gratifying, but the circumstances would be informative. [stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada]
Rated by buyers -
I'm not really qualified to evaluate the quality of photography in this or any other book. When I sit down and try to review a book of photography such as this, I basically ask two questions: can I see what the photographs are supposed to be showing me, and is there a concept that ties all of them together? If You Find the Buddha makes it rather easy for me in this regard: obviously, there is some representation of Buddha to be found in each photograph, and the whole point of the book seems to be an inspirational one, as it's a veritable signpost helping point readers in the direction of their own individual paths toward enlightenment and a sense of purpose in life.
Jeff Greenwald's Foreword and photographer Jesse Kalisher's introduction are no less enlightening than the photographs themselves. In comparatively few words, they give the reader a good feel for who Buddha is and what he represents, while also tearing down some of the veil of misunderstanding that separates many Western minds from this traditionally Asian way of life. I feel rather stupid to even admit it, but I had always assumed that Buddhists worship Buddha - they do not, for Buddha was a supremely enlightened soul but never a god. He even forbade his followers from making any images of his likeness - a fact which is somewhat ironic, giving the ubiquity of Buddhist statues and icons all over the world yesterday (Greenwald explains how this came to be). Another little insight I picked up here has to do with individual reactions to different religious icons. Seeing an image of Jesus turn up unexpectedly doesn't exactly put you at your ease; for a Christian, such a sighting is the equivalent of a "straighten up and fly right" moment. In contrast to this, the Buddha normally engenders a calming influence on just about everyone. Even as a Christian, I feel a sense of reverence (which is not the same as worship) and otherworldliness when I see a Buddha statue. I believe that is the very thing that rests in the heart of this book.
The gorgeous photographs that make up the bulk of this book are impressively diverse, capturing images of the Buddha in all shapes and forms. If you're like me, you tend to think of Buddha only in terms of the large golden statues typically found at holy sites, but this book shows us that Buddha is basically everywhere. Many of Kalisher's photographs do come from Buddhist shrines in several Asian countries, but the most arresting inclusions capture images of normal life in America as well as Asia. For example, you'll find the Buddha in an impressive sand castle, in yard ornaments, in small statues sure to draw tourists' eyes, on dashboards, in clothing patterns, and even in a Thai sex market. Having spent the best years of my life in Chapel Hill, I was especially interested in a significant number of photographs from that city (now the photographer's home) and some of its neighbors. A few of the photographs did prove to be a challenge of sorts to me (Where's Buddha?), but that actually just encouraged me to pay more studious attention to them than I probably would have otherwise.
Certainly, If You Find the Buddha gave me a better appreciation for Buddha and the type of thinking he represents. I suppose many a reader will see the title of this book and ask: what does happen if you find the Buddha? That is something you have to answer for yourself (and this book only starts you on such a spiritual path), but I think most individuals will definitely take away something of value from Kalisher's photographs.
Rated by buyers -
This small, oblong book hides a lot of treasure. Jesse Kalisher, who grew up on the Upper East Side of New York City, traveled to Viet Nam and photographed street scenes that show the image of the Buddha from the sacred setting to the profane. From a tattoo artist engraving an arm to a glitteringly gold temple, the Buddha image, familiar as Uncle Sam or a crucifix, is shown in startling settings.
The photography is good "journalistic" style, and it's a great look at life in Viet Nam. I've spent quite a bit of time in Southeast Asia and I was very nostalgic paging through the book. But if you dwell on each photo for its own content and not its postcard quality, a message seeps out.
Kalisher's work has been on exhibit at the Field Museum as wel as residing in permanent collections of other museums across the US. I think he has a lot to say in his photos.
Perfect gift book for a yoga devotee or a person influenced by Asian philosophy and culture. Highly recommended.
Find other books like this one:
