Matthew Bortolin - 12 Nov

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Hes a foul-mouthed, greasy bucket of bolts, but there is no one in Star Wars that embodies the qualities of Zen like R2-D2.

I have barely finished typing these words on my laptop when a familiar golden protocol droid shuffles up to me and says in a lilting British accent, Pardon me, sir. Are you talking to me?

I realize I had spoken the words aloud and say, Its something Im writing, C-3PO. While we wait for Star Wars Celebration to start.

You meet all kinds in line for these Star Wars conventions. So, its no big deal when you find yourself sitting next to C-3PO or a cosplayer indistinguishable from him.

This C-3PO flips up the front of his mask revealing the kindly face of a man in his autumn years. He extends his metal-gloved hand.

A pleasure to meet you, he says around a charming smile. I am Anthony. The little fellow inside the R2-unit beside me is Kenny.

To Anthonys right is a perfect replica of R2-D2. The droids dome cracks open an inch or two, and from inside theres a flash of bright eyes and wriggling fingers waving hello. Then the dome clicks shut, and a fusillade of beeps and boops erupt from the costumed robot as it jostles cheerfully back and forth.

He would like to know what youre writing. He seems to think its about him.

You understand those noises? I ask incredulously. The beeps make no sense to me.

Anthony pulls down his mask, and once again Im staring into C-3POs illuminated eyes.

I am fluent in over six million forms of communication, Anthony quips in a perfect imitation of the movie character. What is it youre writing, sir? He gestures to the computer in my lap and the words I had just typed.

Oh, its a book about R2 and Zen.

C-3PO/Anthony straightens up in surprise.

The stormtrooper turned Resistance fighter?

Not Finn, Zen. Its a way of living that unlocks profound happiness and wisdom. Its the path of insight and compassion that brings freedom and unsurpassed appreciation for life.

That is a great many things for such a small word, the C-3PO lookalike replies. I dont see what R2 has to do with any of them. Are you sure youre not thinking of Master Yoda?

Despite what my new friend thinks, there is a lot R2 can teach us about Zen.

Just give me some time and Ill explain, I say out loud.

Oh, we have plenty of that, sir, C-3PO/Anthony says, placing a hand on R2s head. Ever since BB-8 came around, theres not a lot for R2 and I to do.

R2 SAVES THE DAY

Okay, C-3PO err, I mean Anthony, weve got several hours until the opening ceremonies of Star Wars Celebration. Where should we start?

Please allow me the pleasure of this conceit, sir. When my mask is on call me 3PO.

Gladly, I say. And Ill call Kenny, R2. Sound good?

Excellent choice, sir. To answer your question about where to start, I typically prefer the beginning, 3PO says. He tilts his head to listen as Kenny makes a series of beeps from inside R2. R2 agrees. The beginning is the best place to start.

In that case, lets begin with Bodhidharma.

Very good, sir. R2 and I visited there once. Humid planet. Very hard on the joints.

Bodhidharma isnt a planet, 3PO. Hes a man. A monk. From Earth. A sage who is credited with founding Zen Buddhism.

Bodhidharma (pronounced bo-dee-dar-ma) was a Buddhist monk living sometime in the fifth century. He traveled from India (or Afghanistan) to China to share Buddhism with the people of that region. When he got there, he was not pleased with what he found.

China at the time was a hotbed of philosophical discourse and emerging ideas. People were eager to learn new ways of thinking and use that knowledge to create a better life. Buddhist writings had recently been translated into the local language, and the Chinese took to them with vigor, debating the merits of Buddhism alongside homegrown philosophies like Confucianism and Taoism.

Unfortunately, much of Buddhism in China became steeped in superstition. People believed it could grant magical power or provide riches in the next life. Many rulers built Buddhist temples and dagobas these were tombs housing Buddhist relics, not swampy planets hiding fugitive Jedi masters to gain merit that would benefit them above others. Intellectuals spent much of their time systematizing Buddhist concepts and debating the finer philosophical points of the Buddhas teachings instead of living life the way he modeled and advised.

Bodhidharma came upon all this and became very grumpy.

You can see for yourself just how grumpy. Look at these pictures, I say, calling up Bodhidharmas image on my browser.

R2 emits a high-pitched squeal. From inside, Kenny makes his domed head spin around like a top.

I heartily agree with R2, sir, 3PO says. What a terrifying visage. Rather reminiscent of Master Luke on Ahch-To, Im afraid.