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Product Description
Synopsis
An introduction to the Buddhist religion explains, without jargon or obscure terminology, the essential elements of its teachings, presents ways to work towards awakening, and examines Buddhism's relevance in Western culture.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
76 of 77 people found the following review helpful
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!
102 of 104 people found the following review helpful
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.
80 of 83 people found the following review helpful
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
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 1 month ago by arkebra
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 3 months ago by P. Firth
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 3 months ago by Carno Polo
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 4 months ago by A. D. Thacker
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 4 months ago by Sidge72
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 10 months ago by sandy t.
buddhism without belief
This author has been a revelation to me. This book bridges the gap between western and western thought. Read more
Published 18 months ago by Ja Hewitt
Worth reading But Hard Going
I think any book of this type needs to be read more than once, in order to gain a reasonably good idea of its true worth. I have read it twice. Read more
Published on 23 Mar 2010 by K. Picken
Rewarding Read
I ordered this book in a doubtful mood. All I can say now is buy it, read it and keep an open mind. Not the usual banalities, takes a tricky subject and boils it down to key... Read more
Published on 20 Mar 2010 by whispering breeze
And the Experienced Buddhist says NO
While I wholly condone the attempt to articulate a buddhism without beliefs, this is not it. for that, this book is far to random, specific and cluttered in presentation.
Published on 17 Feb 2010 by asp
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