It’s not only Jeff Bridges’ most iconic character who wishes we would just take it easy, man. While his stint as The Dude inspired a religion of its own, Bridges himself is a practicing Buddhist who meditates for a half an hour before starting work on set and aspires to infuse Zen sensibilities into his movies. So perhaps it’s not too surprising that Blue Rider Press, an imprint of Penguin, has acquired the rights to a book about Zen from Bridges that will explore “the meaning of life, laughter, the movies and trying to do good in a difficult world.” Tentatively titled The Dude and the Zen Master, the book will be an informal exchange of sorts, co-written by Bridges and his longtime friend Bernie Glassman, an American Zen Buddhist roshi and co-founder of the Zen Peacemakers. It will also feature several hand-drawn illustrations by the Dude himself.
“On a movie set I do my best to keep my head and heart open,” Bridges said in a press release. “My favorite part of the whole deal is jamming with the other artists, getting to know them, sharing the excitement of what we’re up to, and inspiring each other. That means intimacy. I look for that in life as well. That’s why I hooked up with Bernie, to make the most of this wonderful experience called Life.” Sounds good to us, El Duderino. The book is slated to hit shelves in November. Until then, we suggest you make some White Russians, hit the lanes, and try to keep that mind limber, man. [via Shelf Life]