Summary of The Dharma Bums

The Dharma Bums is a novel by Jack Kerouac, published in 1958. It follows the story of two friends, Ray Smith and Japhy Ryder, as they explore their own version of Buddhism and search for enlightenment. Along the way, they explore the Beat culture of the 1950s and the counter-culture of the 1960s, as well as the spiritual teachings of Zen Buddhism and the practice of meditation. They travel around the country, visiting different places and meeting new people, and ultimately learning about life and the world around them. As they journey, they contemplate the meaning of life and how to live it to the fullest. Ultimately, the novel is a journey of self-discovery and exploration as two men search for their Dharma.