Marek reviewed Zen of R2-D2 by Matthew Bortolin
Fun, kind, and brief introduction to some of the principles of zen buddhism through Star Wars
3 stars
This is a somewhat long-form (though still brief) essay in the spirit of the Philosophy and Popular Culture series.
Bortolin does a good job of introducing some of the basic tenets of zen buddhism though discussion of examples and quotations from Star Wars. It's lovingly done both to the zen source material and the Star Wars wrapper. Light, kind, and quick.
For chasers to this shot: If you'd a still-accessible, but richer exploration of the Asian philosophy, Ed Slingerland's "Trying Not to Try" is a nice one. bookwyrm.social/book/700092/s/trying-not-to-try-ancient-china-modern-science-and-the-power-of-spontaneity
If it's the philosophy in Star Wars cosplay you're in it for, can recommend at least one particular chapter of "The Ultimate Star Wars and Philosophy: You Must Unlearn What You Have Learned." bookwyrm.social/book/1573337/s/the-ultimate-star-wars-and-philosophy-you-must-unlearn-what-you-have-learned
