Buddhism For Dummies
by Jonathan Landaw, Stephan Bodian

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Book Reviews of Buddhism For Dummies

Book Review: Four and a half stars, really
Summary: 5 Stars

This is a practical book designed to educate the Western reader on what Buddhism is and what it is not. A lot of attention is paid to dispelling myths Westerners frequently believe about Buddhism. What this book does not do is presume to get the reader started on some kind of practice of Buddhism, but it may well get a reader well enough informed to choose to pursue the Buddhist way further -- or not, for that matter.

As a liberal Christian, I appreciated this book a lot. I'm interested in knowing more because I already look from a viewpoint that includes Buddhist ideas as experienced truth. One of the interesting things about Buddhism is that it neither teaches nor denies a supreme being and has nothign negative to say about other religions. Rather, in a nutshell, Buddhism is more of a system of spiritual self-discovery than it is a religion, per se.

It's interesting to note that there are many different systems of Buddhist discipline, much as there are different denominations in Christianity, for example. The beliefs and teachings all have the same foundation, but are not necessarily identical from one form of Buddhism to another, nor are the practices the various adherents follow. It's interesting to find out what the differences are and when, how and where each "denomination" came into being.

One thing annoyed me as I read this book, however, which is why I've given it four and a half stars and not five. Throughout this book, the historical human being we most often think of as the Buddha is referred to as Shakyamani Buddha, a term I hadn't heard before. Nearly everyone refers to Prince Siddartha who became enlightened while sitting under the Bodhi tree in northern India in his role as enlightened being as Gautama Buddha (or sometimes Gotama Buddha, a variant spelling). Not once in this book is the name "Gautama" even mentioned that I could find. At least a paragraph addressing the disparity between the appellations "Shakyamani Buddha" and "Gautama Buddha" would have been apprecited -- after all, the author is using the less familiar of the two terms.

(I could be wrong here, but I think "Gautama" was Prince Siddartha's clan name, more like a family name, and his family belonged to the much larger Shakyamani tribe, of which he became prince.)

Other than that, I very much liked this book and found it satisfyingly informative about a very interesting topic. I wish all Westerners were clearer about what Buddhism is and what it isn't and this book is effective toward that end.

Summary of Buddhism For Dummies

If you?re curious about Buddhism but feel intimidated by all the exotic jargon and strange trappings, this book is for you. Written by two leading American Buddhist teachers and scholars, it offers you a uniquely friendly way to explore the fascinating history of Buddhism and discover:

• Who Buddha was and his significance in world history and spirituality
• How the practice of Buddhism can enrich your everyday life
• How Buddha?s teachings combine to create a path to enlightenment
• Daily observances and meditation practices
• How to fulfill your highest potential through Buddhism

In plain English, experts Jonathan Landaw and Stephan Bodian define the important terms, explain the key concepts and explore, in-depth a wide range of topics, including:

• Buddha?s life and teachings and the evolution of the major Buddhist traditions
• How Buddhism works as a religion, philosophy of life and a practical approach to dealing with life?s problems, all rolled into one
• The idea that the mind is the source of all happiness and suffering
• How the practices of wisdom and compassion can connect you with your inner spiritual resources
• Meditation and other core Buddhist practices and how they can affect your everyday life
• How to apply Buddhist teachings at each stage along the spiritual path

Whether you?re a searcher of truth, a student of religions, or just curious about what?s got Richard Gere and all the rest of those celebrity Buddhists so excited, Buddhism For Dummies is your intro to Buddhism basics.

Reference Books

• Subjects > Education & Reference
• Religion & Spirituality > Buddhism