Driving the Dharma Home

About the book

When Geshe Dadul Namgyal, a Tibetan Buddhist monk, learned to drive in the United States, reading the Georgia state driver’s manual and the experience of learning to drive became another opportunity for him to practice the Dharma and teach for the benefit of others. He recognized that driving presents us with both unending obstacles to overcome and continuous opportunities to practice kindness.

In the epilogue, Geshe Dadul said: “The goal of any practice is to bring what we have learned into our daily life.” In saying this and being a living example of the Dharma, Geshela continues to teach us. This book, with its compelling message, speaks to all of us—especially young adults. Through Geshela’s wisdom, we will understand that, just as in life, the most influential, vulnerable, and dangerous entity on the road is the driver in a vehicle. The real-life anecdotes sprinkled throughout the book introduce us to the Buddha’s Eightfold Noble Path in a way that makes sense, and just as a driver’s manual guides us to travel safely, this book teaches how to live well and with kindness.

Edited by Venerable Thubten Chodron and published by Sravasti Abbey.

The story behind the book and a reading

Stories for reflection: Real life insights from the book

Excerpt: "Palms Together" by Geshe Dadul

“I’m not someone who looks for trouble and I consider myself fortunate in that I’ve only had to face a few challenging situations involving rude or reckless drivers. But one incident remains particularly memorable. I was traveling in Atlanta’s Dunwoody region, and even though I was driving at the posted speed limit, a persistent tailgater stalked me. The neighborhood was a mixed commercial-residential area, and it wasn’t safe to drive faster than the speed limit there, so I did my best to ignore the tailgater. As we neared a residential section, I had to stop suddenly for a red light, and thinking of the tailgater, I braced myself to be rear-ended.

Much to my surprise and amazement, however, the tailgater made a swift move to the right, avoiding a collision. Although he had clearly been in the wrong, I still felt bad that I had to make a sudden stop and glanced over to look at him. He was giving me a nasty glare, but I was so happy that he had been able to make such a quick lane change that I instinctively put my palms together at my heart to show my gratitude. The tailgater looked at me for a moment and much to my surprise, put his palms together and returned the bow. It was a truly joyful moment. Seemingly small gestures of goodwill really can change a situation.

Selected contents

• Common Sense Is an Asset to Cultivate
• Mindfulness Rules Anytime, Anywhere
• Relying on Our Inner GPS
• Rudeness Begets Rudeness, Kindness Begets Kindness
• Unmuffled Outbursts Break Down Healthy Communication
• Using the Mirrors of Introspection and Self-Reflection
• Plan Your Escape Route to Prevent Calamity

Reviews

“What would it be like if one’s Buddha-nature were to be awakened? If this question comes to your mind, the book you hold in your hands—”Driving the Dharma Home” by the most Venerable Geshe Dadul Namgyal-la—is a must read. The author was a mentor-figure for me during my student days in Drepung Loseling Monastery. In addition to the richly authentic wisdom the book offers, the purity of heart that one is expected to manifest from the knowledge and practice of the Buddha’s teachings may be experienced, if only as a glimmer and even for a beginner, as one glides along the pages of this book.

A work of an unparalleled great scholar and tender-hearted practitioner, this book taught me what it is to be a true Dharma student and practitioner. I cannot recommend it highly enough for any aspiring or seasoned student and exponent of the Dharma.

— Geshe Dorji Damdul, Director, Tibet House, Cultural Center of H. H. the Dalai Lama, New Delhi

“In this engaging and practical little primer, Geshe Dadul Namgyal invites us to join him in learning how we might begin to drive the Dharma home. Supplemented by useable meditations and “roadside reflections,” we are encouraged to see how even driving manuals can offer us sage counsel for living.

— Jan Willis, Author of "Dreaming Me: Black, Baptist and Buddhist" and "Dharma Matters: Women, Race, and Tantra, Collected Essays"

“Every driver knows the DMV’s Driver’s Manual, but this delightful and inspiring book by a renowned Buddhist monk probes its unexpected lessons for how to live, not just drive. Quotes from the manual (‘right-of-way is something to be given, not taken,’ ‘be aware’) launch insightful reflections complemented by illustrative road experiences and guided meditations. A gem!

— Carol M. Worthman, Emory University, Samuel Candler Dobbs Professor Emerita

“Over many years, Geshe-la’s writings arrived in my inbox like gentle yet precise reminders of the Dharma path—grounded in deep learning, yet offered with humility and warmth. As a long-time contributor to Eastern Horizon journal, he shared his profound understanding of the Nalanda tradition with clarity and grace, always making complex teachings feel intimate and alive. “Driving the Dharma Home” is a fitting tribute to a rare mind and kind heart—one who lived what he taught, and who brought the Dharma home to so many of us with quiet brilliance and compassion.

— Benny Liow Woon Khin, Editor, Eastern Horizon