On The Buddha

Rating:
Summary: Good for understanding the Buddha's practical teachings
Review: I show that the Buddha rejected speculative metaphysics and focused on a practical solution to the problem of suffering. Quoting from primary sources, I begin with a clear presentation of the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, Buddhist ethics, and the Buddha's account of the nature of the self. I also introduce the reader to brief but accurate accounts of loving kindness, compassion, equanimity, mindfulness, meditation, monasticism, the three refuges, "nirodha" (cessation), and dependent origination. I include brief accounts of Zen, Mahayana Buddhism, Vajrayana, and a comparison of Theravada and Mahayana Buddhisms. Throughout the text I addresses several philosophical objections that might be raised against a Buddhist perspective and devote one chapter to a particularly difficult problem (i.e., that a "desire for desirelessness" shows that the aim of Buddhism is ultimately impossible). The aim of the book is to provide a clear presentation of the basic teachings of the Buddha and to lay out the basic method of practice. I use numerous quotations and references that empower the reader to explore the primary texts.

Rating:
Summary: Good for understanding the Buddha's practical teachings
Review: I show that the Buddha rejected speculative metaphysics and focused on a practical solution to the problem of suffering. Quoting from primary sources, I begin with a clear presentation of the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, Buddhist ethics, and the Buddha's account of the nature of the self. I also introduce the reader to brief but accurate accounts of loving kindness, compassion, equanimity, mindfulness, meditation, monasticism, the three refuges, "nirodha" (cessation), and dependent origination. I include brief accounts of Zen, Mahayana Buddhism, Vajrayana, and a comparison of Theravada and Mahayana Buddhisms. Throughout the text I addresses several philosophical objections that might be raised against a Buddhist perspective and devote one chapter to a particularly difficult problem (i.e., that a "desire for desirelessness" shows that the aim of Buddhism is ultimately impossible). The aim of the book is to provide a clear presentation of the basic teachings of the Buddha and to lay out the basic method of practice. I use numerous quotations and references that empower the reader to explore the primary texts.