Pavement: Reflections on Mercy, Activism, and Doing "Nothing" for Peace

by Lin Jensen

There's a war on—and Lin Jensen isn't gonna take it standing up. In 36 riveting scenes, Pavement shows how the Buddhist perspective can help us all, even in the toughest times.

Every day, Lin Jensen has gone down to the center of his small town of Chico, California, plopped down a meditation cushion, and sat "peace vigils" in protest of the US invasion of Iraq—his honest effort to change the world.

From his knee-level spot on the pavement, he has encountered a wonderful array of what Lin calls "uprights": a heart-breakingly generous homeless man who offers Lin his only possession; hostile passers-by who shout "F@#k you, Peace Wimp!"; "White Wolf," who punctuates every comment (always shouted!) with a sharp poke to Lin's chest; compassionate soldiers; and more—all amid rain and bright sun, exhaust fumes, and the scent of azaleas.

Jensen, the author who so moved readers with his acclaimed memoir Bad Dog! , here shares what sidewalk-dwelling has taught him about humility, generosity, and what it really means to love our neighbors. It's inspiring, good-humored reading—especially for anyone who might work or wish for change but doesn't want to be just spitting into the wind.

Genres: Buddhism, Nonfiction

128 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2007

Reviews

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

During the Iraq War, Lin Jensen would go into downtown Chico, California ans sit on the sidewalk meditating for an hour every day as a "peace vigil", as the sign beside him stated. This book is about his encounters with various people while he was doing that (some pleasant, some not so much) and the thoughts that each meeting inspired. Jensen practices in the Zen tradition, but he sort of stands out from other Zen writers by his strong emphasis on compassion. I'd say these pieces have two main emphases, compassion and his recognizing the extent of just what he doesn't know.

Jensen puts a lot of his heart into his books, and you'll definitely find that here.

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best, most unexpected treasures of a dharma book I've read in a long time. No surprise Jensen is a zennie...this book is short, to the point, eloquent and simplex (my word for simple yet complex). :-) HIGHLY recommend for all of mankind.