In this simple but important volume, Stephen Batchelor reminds us that the Buddha was not a mystic who claimed privileged, esoteric knowledge of the universe, but a man who challenged us to understand the nature of anguish, let go of its origins, and bring into being a way of life that is available to us all. What the Buddha taught, says Batchelor, is not something to believe in but something to do and as he explains clearly and compellingly, it is a practice that we can engage in, regardless of our background or beliefs, as we live every day on the path to awakening.
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First Sentence
LET'S GO BACK to the beginning: to the awakening of Siddhartha Gautama, aka the Tathagata, Shakyamuni, the World Honored One-the Buddha himself. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
LET'S GO BACK to the beginning: to the awakening of Siddhartha Gautama, aka the Tathagata, Shakyamuni, the World Honored One-the Buddha himself. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
82 of 83 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
As a newcomer to the field I bought several introductions to Buddhism. This was the best for me, helping me to understand how the teachings can underpin the way we live our modern lives. The book takes an agnostic stance therefore preaches nothing, helping the reader to absorb the main tenets without demanding blind acceptance of ancient doctrines. It clearly separates belief (as required in religions and "isms") from action - which is helpful if you want something practical and logical. Though the book is quite short (127 pages) it's a very stimulating, if intense, read, and gave me lots of ideas about how becoming a Buddhist could affect my life. Go for it!
106 of 108 people found the following review helpful
By E. Taylor
Format:Paperback
This book is profound on so many levels that even an experienced and committed buddhist finds it challenging and thought-provoking. It is also an excellent beginners' book. What it does so uniquely well is separate buddhism from "religion" by showing that doubt is a necessary part of faith rather than a hindrance to it. It completely eschews jargon - which is a very effective technique - focussing instead on the human experience of life. Interestingly, this style is closer to the Lord Buddha's message because personal experience is so much more important than dogma. Like many great buddhist books, it is divided into small readable chunks, making it ideal for contemplation. It basically provokes us to ask many questions about life and see how we can integrate meditation and a gentle approach to others into it. The topics covered are typical buddhist ones - suffering, anxiety, aggression and so on. It also deeply personal - at times we feel the author letting us into his own mind.
84 of 87 people found the following review helpful
By David Rose
Format:Paperback
Having read many books on buddhism and been suprised at how many of them have succeeded in making a religion out of it- this book is a revelation.
For me it expresses pure buddhist thinking-no ritual,no traditions, no religious ceremonies to make you less afraid of dying,no oracles to consult(as with Tibetan Buddhism),no having to "vow to save" others (as with Zen)just looking inward and trying to change your core-the hardest thing of all.
One critique is that it is "too simple". Yes,it is simple but the work that follows will be the hardest you've ever undertaken.
As Batchelor points out -Buddhism is something to do, not to believe in.It is, in my opinion, exactly how the original teacher would have wanted it.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
A life-changer
An exciting and mind-expanding introduction to some challenging concepts. One to re-read (perhaps several times) and to try to put intopractice.
Published 13 days ago by Stephen Manning
4.0 out of 5 stars
Fine book, but don't know about the subject!
I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone starry eyed who thought that Buddhism was going to be the answer to all their problems. But I'm finding it quite interesting so far. Read more
Published 29 days ago by Banshee
2.0 out of 5 stars
A contemporary guide to awakening
Brought this book hoping it would enlighten me to opening up my mine! Instead it just confused me not the book I was hoping for.
Published 11 months ago by Mel
1.0 out of 5 stars
A sheep in wolf's clothing
This book was a total shock for me. I knew it was influential and controversial, but as I read on, my initial curiosity gave way to increasing disbelief. Read more
Published 13 months ago by arkebra
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great eye-opener
This is a great book which simply and effectively debunks the myth and nonsense which has been attached to Buddhism over the years. Read more
Published 15 months ago by P. Firth
4.0 out of 5 stars
a simple yet exhaustive guide to agnostic Buddhism
This book immediately rang a bell with me. I have long felt close to Buddhism, among other reasons, because it does not require believing in any dogma. Read more
Published 15 months ago by Marco Carnovale
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very clear and articulate
A wonderful book that strips away the mythology, symbolism and religious-isms that seem to accumulate around Buddhism.
Short, clear, thought provoking read. Read more
Short, clear, thought provoking read. Read more
Published 16 months ago by A. D. Thacker
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great as a second beginners-guide book,
Buddhism Without Beliefs: A Contemporary Guide to Awakening Stephen
Am getting alot out of this great book. Read more
Am getting alot out of this great book. Read more
Published 16 months ago by Sidge72
3.0 out of 5 stars
A Bit of a Struggle
Like some of the reviewers, I struggled a little with Batchelor's prose style (Steve Hagen's books are easier to read). Read more
Published 22 months ago by sandy t.
5.0 out of 5 stars
buddhism without belief
This author has been a revelation to me. This book bridges the gap between western and western thought. Read more
Published on 27 Nov 2010 by Ja Hewitt
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