If You Find the Buddha

by Jesse Kalisher and Jeff Greenwald

Book Overview

Whether in the heart of Asia or a farm in the American heartland, the Buddha image never seems out of place. As a reminder to stop and live in the moment, it is as appropriate as a charm around the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0811848140
• ISBN13: 9780811848145
• Release Date: February 2006
• Publisher: Chronicle Books
• Length: 128 Pages
• Weight: 1.17 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.3" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

Capturing eye and mind

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]

A gorgeous collection of evocative, enlightening photographs

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 today (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

Stunning book, a true "jewel in the lotus"

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.

Am so glad I have this book in my vast home library

Lovely book that has a variety of photos of the Buddha in places all over the world, with page 125 listing where they are for those who travel and may like to visit. Varied places like here and abroad. Especially like the man in the car in North Carolina and San Francisco page 119 . My favorite because I have chickens is page 112 with the two chickens and the small Buddha statue. But as the author writes on page 7 'The most ironic thing about Buddha images is that they exist at all. Buddha himself forbade any likeness of him--and for half a millennium his directive was honored'. Surreal one of a Ronald (pages 86-87) McDonald in Bangkok Thailand hands clasped. Reminded me of page 6 where the author writes 'Some time ago, walking down a street in Istanbul, I came upon a riveting sight. It was the Turkish version of a shoeshine stand: a gleaming, multilevel platform of polished brass, like something right out of The Time Machine. The base of the stand was decorated with images in ornate gold frames. Two of them caught my eye: a portrait of the Virgin Mary and, beside her, a luscious pinup of Marilyn Monroe. The dissonance was shocking--like seeing the pope pulling from a hip flask.' The text pages 6-16 was informative and lovely as well. Not a book I would have normally have found, but am so pleased it is now in my home library.

Far More Than Meets The Eye

This small in size but huge in message book allows Jesse Kalisher to share his sensitive eye, mind, and talent with us. Not merely a monograph or photograph collection, 'If you find the Buddha' is a beautifully designed art book that contains 123 color photographs taken throughout Thailand, California, and North Carolina, the magical theme being the surprising presence of the image of Buddha in the most unexpected circumstances. After a warm and tender introduction by author and traveler Jeff Greenwald, Kalisher explains in words the concept of this journey. He speaks of discussions with a monk and the permutations of that discussion in rethinking his history and the influence of finding connection with the universe that he documents with his camera. What follows are exuberant color photographs of Buddha as a statue, then representations of Buddha in the form of words on license plates, on nightscapes of markets in Thailand, on billboards, car mirrors, temples, souvenir makers, GI medallions, garden objects - and these only name a few. The first reading of this book is a game to identify the Buddha in each photograph - an entertainment in and of itself. But subsequent readings draw the viewer into the universality of the concept: suddenly, or perhaps gradually, the viewer becomes involved with Kalisher's point of view and the book becomes inspirational on its own terms. This is one of those rare books that belongs by the bedside - or at any location where the reader can escape from the world outside for some treasured moments available in these pages. Kalisher has a gift, a gift he shares graciously, and this book justifies his fine resume of being in the collections of many museums. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, May 06