In the introduction to this do-it-yourself manual on the history, teachings, practices, and applications of Buddhism, author Gary Gach feints, “A few people may scoff that this is sacrilegious, or something.” Yes, reading about suchness (the “unrepeatable interpenetration of impermanences”) in the standardized format of a Complete Idiot’s Guide is ironic. But Buddhism, of all religions, embraces irony and paradox. Think of this book as a koan, as the sound of one hand clapping.Anyway, modernity has already adopted Buddhism as a life-style; as Gach points out, “zen influence (lowercase) has extended to martial arts, gardening, haiku, motorcycle maintenance, you name it.” You can’t get through the day without hearing something described as “very zen.” Yet enlightenment cannot be commodified! It’s always already there for free. That’s why the Buddha is smiling.