Dharma Bums Lesson Plan

Why does Ray’s family have reason to feel disinterested in his meditation insights, and what does it reflect about his character that he reacts the way he does?

Responses may discuss the range of reactions that are reasonable, from feeling almost offended by his idleness to being confused or even insulted by his philosophical advice about life. Strong answers should focus primarily on his brother-in-law (who must work all day) and perhaps his mother (who gets sick), in explaining that the people around him do not appreciate his insights. They should observe the fact that Ray has gone quite deeply into the practice, and that like anything else, something that requires...