Publishers Weekly reviews Jerry Lynch’s book, The Competitive Buddha saying it’s full of wisdom and inspirational anecdotes.
Sports psychologist Lynch (Thinking Body, Dancing Mind) uses Buddhist wisdom and inspirational anecdotes in this beneficial guide to improving one’s competitive ability. For Lynch, competition is a “natural state of collaboration, connection, compassion and cooperation,” and athletes who follow Buddhist teachings can detach from the ego and the need for praise to achieve calmness and clarity, live in the now by observing what is happening around them, and offer humility and praise for defeated opponents. Star athletes including Kobe Bryant, Derek Jeter, and Chris Wondolowski used meditation and relaxation techniques to focus on their game, Lynch writes, while coaches can take on the role of “servant leader,” as seen by Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr’s method of empowering his players to reach their full potential. Though the material can be repetitive, Lynch digs deep into the athlete’s mindset and provides numerous examples of Buddhist wisdom in action. Athletes and coaches alike will find plenty of takeaways here. (July)
The Competitive Buddha
How to Up Your Game in Sports, Leadership and Life
Connect Spirituality to Sports. The Competitive Buddha is about mastery, leadership, and spirituality. Learn what you need to keep, what you need to discard, and what you need to add to your mental, emotional, and spiritual skill set as an athlete, coach, leader, parent, CEO, or any other performer in life. Understand how Buddhism can help you to be better prepared for sports and life, and how sports and life can teach you about Buddhism. Discover how people from all parts of the world have brought together the Buddha and athletics for greater fun, enjoyment, and pleasure during their performances. Dr. Jerry Lynch demonstrates how certain timeless core Buddha values inspire you to embrace and navigate unchartered waters, and understand the Buddha-mind and the Kobe Bryant Mamba Mentality.