Synopsis
This title takes a look at why Buddhism is the fastest-growing religion in the West. Vicki Mackenzie, author of "A Cave in the Snow", has been a Buddhist for 25 years. An interviewer, journalist and author, she explores this question in the UK, the US and Australia, with people who have turned to Buddhism, taking its philosophy and spirit into their lives and work. Among the stories are those of composer Philip Glass and Professor Bob Thurman and Buddhist luminaries Sharon Salzberg and Stephen Batchelor. The book explores Buddhism in relation to: ideas about other religions; about work and worldly success; thoughts on mind, consciousness and enlightenment; views on nature, the family, relationships; and death. The picture that emerges is a reflection on what Buddhism means to the contemporary West. This picture shows that Buddhism appears to attract intelligent and creative thinkers who seek a wiser way to live, inspiring them with joyful spirituality, tolerant and practical ethics, and fellowship within the unity of all life.

About the Author
Vicki MacKenzie was born in England and spent most of her early years travelling with her father, a British Naval officer. She gained her BA from Queensland University, where she had the privilege to count Judith Wright among her poetry tutors. A career in journalism followed, starting as a cadet news reporter on the Sydney Sun before moving to London where she worked as a feature writer for several national newspapers including The Times and magazines. In 1976 on impulse, she attended her first Buddhist meditation course in Nepal which triggered a continuing personal and professional interest in Buddhism. She has written many articles on the subject including several interviews with the Dalai Lama. Her books have all been published internationally. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews   1 of 1 people found the following review helpful: I hope this is not another bandwagon, 16 Nov 2006 By  Sarakani (Harrow United Kingdom) - See all my reviews    This review is from: Why Buddhism?: Westerners in Search of Wisdom (Paperback) Uma Thurman's dad, Philip Glass, Sharon Salzberg represent the nexus of a coterie of eccentric, intelligent, thoughtful and highly sensitive beings that Mackenzie has chosen to portray through a series of colourful interviews as to Why Buddhism?, what's in it?, and something of how it goes. It is of course also a good look in to the minds of a few of these extremely interesting individuals and what makes them tick. The book smiles, is optimistic and the lessons in it bring hope and happiness. Not because Buddhism is spreading - globally it isn't and the slower it grows the better according to one teacher. But because some people have aspired to the highest goodness they can muster based on their own efforts, common sense and intelligence. These people are either very happy, very succesful, very content or have come to terms with their problems. We enjoin in their lives and empathise with their progress and perils. This book is like a flower one picks up during the exhaustive walk of life.  Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? (Report t