Buddhish
A Guide to the 20 Most Important Buddhist Ideas for the Curious and Skeptical
1 of 3 copies available
Are you curious about Buddhism but find yourself met with scholarly texts or high-minded moralizing every time you try to pick up a book about it? Well, if so, relax. This is no ordinary introduction to Buddhism; there are none of the saccharine platitudes and dense pontification that you may have come to expect. Buddhish is a readable introduction for complete newcomers that provides an objective, streamlined overview of the tradition—from unpacking the Four Noble Truths to understanding what “nirvana” actually means. For those who have already dipped their toes into the tradition through the practice of mindfulness or meditation, this guide will help you create a more well-rounded and informed experience by delving into the history of the Buddhist traditions that shape a mindful practice.
Buddhist scholar Dr. Pierce Salguero analyzes the ideas and philosophy of the complex tradition through the eyes of both a critic and an admirer. He shares anecdotes from his time at a Thai monastery, stories from the years he spent living throughout Asia, and other personal experiences that have shaped his study of Buddhism. Through this guide, readers will have the opportunity to develop an approach to practice that is not quite Buddhist but Buddhish.
Through engaging and lighthearted stories, Dr. Salguero breaks down 20 central principles of the tradition, including:
• Awakening
• Suffering
• Doubt
• Karma
• Buddha Nature
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Creators
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Publisher
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Release date
March 8, 2022 -
Formats
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OverDrive Read
- ISBN: 9780807064764
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EPUB ebook
- ISBN: 9780807064764
- File size: 4007 KB
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Languages
- English
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Reviews
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January 17, 2022
Salguero (A Global History of Buddhism and Medicine), professor of Asian history and religious studies at Pennsylvania State University, offers an informative, skeptic-friendly introduction to 20 fundamental Buddhist concepts. In accessible language, Salguero covers topics such as awakening, suffering, karma, non-self, mindfulness, and more, raising questions that stimulate critical thinking without condescending to provide definitive answers: “Only you can say whether or not this perspective helps you.” The author states upfront that he identifies as “Buddhish” and disagrees with many of Buddhism’s philosophies, despite his experience as a monk and academic interest in the religion. As such, his evenhanded approach empathizes without tempering critique as he tackles devotional rituals, misogyny and patriarchy, and the social implications of karma. Salguero exercises remarkable facility and care in faithfully capturing an unromanticized Buddhism as a living tradition while encouraging readers to draw their own conclusions, offering up a balanced and broad overview of the faith. Those new to Buddhism will find this a nuanced and approachable explanation of its essential concepts. -
December 30, 2021
Salguero (Asian history, medicine, and religion, Abington Coll. at Penn State Univ.; Translating Buddhist Medicine in Medieval China) presents straightforward discussions of 20 key Buddhist ideas in his latest book. He has a unique lens, as a transdisciplinary humanities scholar with more than three decades of focused research in Buddhism, including experiential learning in Buddhist monasteries and across the Asian continent. The author is not a Buddhist himself; here states that his approach is skeptical of aspects of Buddhist philosophy. (This book is intended as a layperson's introduction to basic Buddhist concepts, rather than a guide to meditation or how to be Buddhist.) Salguero organizes the book logically, introducing formative Buddhist ideas that will be built upon to discuss more complex ideologies, which are then explained within a practical context; a guide to terminology and a list of further reading conclude the volume. VERDICT Salguero's is not a work for academic researchers or readers already versed in Buddhist philosophy; in fact, he dissuades such readers in the introduction. It will most suit niche readers with a skeptic's mindset who are seeking basic information about Buddhism. Not a necessary acquisition.--Angela Forret, State Lib. of Iowa, Des Moines
Copyright 2021 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
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