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Average customer rating:

The greatest book for a prospective western Buddhist that I've ever come across.
Good Book
A realistic and logical explanation for being comfortable with one's self.
Great Book
Beliefs vs Truth

Buddhism without Beliefs
Stephen Batchelor
Manufacturer: Riverhead Trade
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Living with the Devil
Alone with Others: An Existential Approach to Buddhism
What the Buddha Taught: Revised and Expanded Edition with Texts from Suttas and Dhammapada
Buddhism Plain and Simple
The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching

ASIN: 1573226564

Amazon.com

As in all the major religions, there is a wisdom behind the theology of Buddhism that informs the believer in daily life. Stephen Batchelor would argue that the difference with Buddhism is that the wisdom is in fact independent of the theology and is not informative to believers only, but to everyone. In Buddhism Without Beliefs Batchelor lays out the major tenets of Buddhist wisdom, commenting on their relevance to modern life. The Buddha said that seekers must find the Truth for themselves, and Batchelor offers this book as a roadmap.

Book Description

Those with an interest in Buddhism will welcome this new book by Stephen Batchelor, former monk and author of Alone With Others and The Awakening of the West. But those who are just discovering this increasingly popular practice will have much to gain as well-for Buddhism Without Beliefs serves as a solid, straightforward introduction that demystifies Buddhism and explains simply and plainly how its practice can enrich our lives. Avoiding jargon and theory, Batchelor concentrates on the concrete, making Buddhism accessible and compelling and showing how anyone can embark on this path-regardless of their religious background.

Customer Reviews:

The greatest book for a prospective western Buddhist that I've ever come across........2007-06-20

Too often I've found books aimed at newcomers to be attempts at forcing them into aping the behavior of another culture. Buddhism is difficult enough without the added hurdle of learning both it and the customs of another country and culture! Batchelor manages to strip thousands of years worth of speculation, baggage, and dogma, to present a Buddhist seed perfect for planting into the cultural context of any individual practitioner.

Good Book.......2007-06-15

This was a very interesting take on buddhism that I found very refreshing. I just didn't like the shift that seemed to occur with all the stories of "S." I realize the were meant to be real world examples but for me they just didn't fit very well with the initial flow of the book.

A realistic and logical explanation for being comfortable with one's self........2007-06-05

I like this book so much that I've purchased several copies and given them to friends. Unlike other books on Buddhist thought processes, this one recognizes that Buddhism is not a religion requiring faith and suspension of logic, but rather the very process of logical self-examination itself. I find myself frequently thinking back to some of the very simple lessons in this book whenever I am having trouble relating to others. Highly recommended.

Great Book.......2007-05-31

The book focuses primarily on the concepts and paradigms associated with the practice of Buddhism, instead of beliefs, faith, ideology, and the nightmarishly complicated minutia of the philosophy of Buddhism.

I strongly recommend the book. It is short, and yet challenging, because the writer is extremely articulate. However, he uses practical English vocabulary, and not Buddhist or other religious jargon. His writing and approach is outstanding.

This book might not for the highly experienced and knowledgeable Buddhist. It is for the rest of us, who think Buddhism sounds great, but then when we read about it or listen to recorded books, we are utterly baffled by the type and level of philosophy involved.

I have seen other books, including one by the Dali Llama, I believe, which claim to be the most simple and fundamental overview of Buddhism ever made, and yet when you listen to it or read it, the unimaginable layers of complexity and philosophy involved can leave on baffled after just a few pages or minutes. This book is not like that at all, and yet it is still very thought provoking.

The section that I found to be of greatest interest and use is the section on anguish/suffering. This book will make you laugh at the absurdity of the typical human approach to reacting to suffering.

Beliefs vs Truth.......2007-02-14

Honey is sweet, we love the taste / Medicine is bitter and hard to swallow

Beliefs are the honey and Truth is the medicine... isn't it convenient that we accept a belief for Truth...?

Fine book...!

Anatomy of the Sacred: An Introduction to Religion (5th Edition)

Average customer rating:

Great Service

Anatomy of the Sacred: An Introduction to Religion (5th Edition)
James C. Livingston
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0131835645

Customer Reviews:

Great Service.......2005-09-20

Thank you so much for your service and quick respond. Best regards. Elena

Average customer rating:

Good intro...
Passionate Introduction to Zen
Inspired, readable introduction to Japanese Zen
Practical Spirituality
All's Well that Ends Well. Still a useful introduction.

An Introduction to Zen Buddhism
D.T. Suzuki
Manufacturer: Grove Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Zen | Buddhism | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0802130550

Customer Reviews:

Good intro..........2007-05-14

As my first book and intro to Zen Buddhism I chose this book, so take the 3 stars w a grain of salt.
I am 3/4s through the book and it feels authentic and you can feel the passion. Well written (with a few translation snaffus).

An easy read which I think, so far, a good intro.

Passionate Introduction to Zen.......2006-10-10

The stoic nature of the Japanese culture is well known but reading this introduction to Zen by D.T. Suzuki you can feel the passion in every word. This book is exactly what the title says, an introduction, designed to dispel common misconceptions (such as the charge of nihilism) and whet the reader's appetite for more with hilarious stories of the old Ch'an masters and give the briefest glimpse of what it might be like to experience satori (enlightenment). Can't recommend this book enough for anyone interested in Zen. Yes, he has some unkind words for Therevada Buddhism which is odd considering Zen seems to rely on one's own willpower more than other forms of Mahayana, but you must also consider that he may be talking about how those sects are practised in the modern era which can be and often is quite far from the ancient and venerated philosophies on which they are based.

Inspired, readable introduction to Japanese Zen .......2006-02-15

D.T. Suzuki was quite possibly born to write this book in particular, as enthusiasm and inspiration are his memorable talents as a writer on Japanese Zen. Suzuki is known as the designated guide to the modern West on the subject since the 1950's American love affair with all things Japanese.

When I first read this (I won't count the years now), I was blown away and felt like I had been somehow cheated not to have known about this book before. I didn't know how to incorporate Suzuki's lofty Japanese aesthetic of Zen into my own life, so I made my own authentic adaptation without fully realizing it. Yet, this is a kind of a blueprint for the optimium Zen experience, written with the aesthetic and the intellectual specifically in mind, but by no means pandering to either. See Suzuki's own Zen and Japanese Culture for a more aesthetically oriented take on Japanese Zen as a purely cultural phenomenonm but this is the introduction of all introductions to the true spirit and values of Japanese Zen.

Practical Spirituality.......2005-10-21

This book feels authentic and does not burden the reader with dogma or moral code. It is a simple look at a simple life practice, the art of zen. Suzuki is easy to understand without being overly simplistic. A good introduction to Zen.

All's Well that Ends Well. Still a useful introduction........2005-07-14

I'm inclined to write this review, because it was sad to hear the criticism heaped upon Suzuki's 'Intro' by one particular reader ("Much Ado About Nothing ").

It may well be that Suzuki occasionally gave the impression that he was down on Indian Buddhism and saving his praise for Zen. But remember, this man gave us the 'Lankavatara Sutra' (and a supplementary volume to go with it - 'Studies in the Lankavatara Sutra.').He also gave us a translation of Asvagosha's 'Mahayana Sraddhotpada Shastra' (The Awakening of Faith in the Mahayana).' The latter was presented in 1900, when English translations of Mahayana sources were scarce. The Lanka text was presented in 1934 and to date, it remains our only full length translation of this sutra. These were not the labours of a man down on Indian Buddhism.

Another point. The same reviewer who accused Suzuki of being down on Indian Buddhism, also averred that Suzuki's 'Intro' manifests a bias toward Rinzai Zen. This is a commonly held misconception about Suzuki's work. In fact, Suzuki's 'intro' contains material relating to masters who were not in the Rinzai school -e.g. Fa-yen, Tanka, Wan-shi, Chi-sha Daishi, Yoka, Te-shan,Yueh-shan etc. Suzuki certainly trained in Rinzai temples - and was without doubt the first Asian Buddhist to put 'Rinzai Zen' on the map.'

However, it might be noted that the text Suzuki favoured drawing on for his Zen anecdotes - the 'Dentoroku' (Chuan Teng Lu) predated the rather 'black and white' distinctions made about 'Zen lineages in some of the later (Sung and post-Sung)sources. There is considerable over-lap between the teachings of the respective masters whose records appear in the Dentoroku or 'Transmission of the Lamp.' As such, it cannot be read as a kind of Rinzai 'manifesto' - and, Suzuki's translations reflected this open-ended quality. In this respect, Suzuki's translations had a freshness about them which was, in many ways, a much healthier medium for introducing Zen to Westerners, than the hybridly narrow accounts informing some of our budding 'Zen orthodoxies' today. Allied with Jung's perceptive observations - in the foreword specially written for this book, stressing the 'complete lack of presupposition' required - to find our way into the terrain opened up by Zen, this little book has life in it yet.

Introduction to Tantra : The Transformation of Desire

Average customer rating:

Incredibly insightful book
Lives up to its title
Great Tantra Introduction book
An amazing book and probably the best introduction to tantra available!
on death and after death

Introduction to Tantra : The Transformation of Desire
Lama Yeshe , Jonathan Landaw , and Philip Glass
Manufacturer: Wisdom Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0861711629

Book Description

No one has ever talked about tantra with such clarity, coherence and simplicity. Religious Studies Review

Customer Reviews:

Incredibly insightful book.......2007-04-08

I've read two and a half chapters in this book and it's given me so much vital information.

I highly suggest it to anyone looking into buddhism.

Lives up to its title.......2007-03-27

This is a very good book for learning what Tantra is and what tantric practices and visualizations are, but it should be understood - and probably is by many or most - that this is not a substitute for real study under a qualified teacher. Lama Yeshe makes this clear from chapter to chapter. My only caution is that readers should not expect to read this book and feel as though they are completing some kind of introductory-level "training" in Tantra, or that they will accomplish "Transformation of Desire." It is an introduction and overview for outsiders looking in (taught by a highly qualified and respected insider), not a "manual" for beginning practitioners to achieve readiness for intermediate or advanced tantric instruction. Insofar as this is understood, Lama Yeshe does a very good job describing and explaining Tantra and its practices, and I learned quite a lot about it.

Great Tantra Introduction book.......2007-01-09

I recently started to learn Tantra and my teacher recommended me to buy this book and start reading and learning from it. I'm about 1/2 way thru the book and it is well written and has a great wisdom in it. I would recommend this book to get inner look on what is Tantra about!

An amazing book and probably the best introduction to tantra available!.......2006-05-25

Tibetan Buddhism is a very complex and difficult topic to explain to anyone, especially people from the West. Lama Yeshe had a rare gift to take difficult concepts, present them logically and concisely, in a way that brings the essence of tantra to life.

What this book is not about, is "tantric sexual practices" as they are so often presented out of contex in the West. Rather, it is about the tantrayana (resultant) path of harnessing all of your energies and realizing your true nature in the present moment, which is love, compassion and wisdom. This is in contrast to the sutrayana (causal) path, which is the more gradual path of cleansing the mind and replacing conditioned responses in a slow and systematic way with more beneficial responses characterized by love and wisdom.

In a nutshell, tantrayana is the fast path. This book explains this complicated system very well in approximately 168 pages. For people looking for more in-depth explanations and lots of history, try "Secret of the Vajra World" by Reginald Ray. However, I would still get Lama Yeshe's book as a roadmap or excellent short summary presented in a different style.

Lastly, Lama Yeshe has a gift for words. While the many of the concepts of tantra are presented in other reputable works, there is something about Lama Yeshe's presentation that carries a combination of depth and simplicity that sinks in deeply and touches the heart.

on death and after death.......2006-04-27

This is primarily a non-sexual exploration of Tantra. Al particularly liked the section on the subject of death and after death.

Introduction to Buddhism: An Explanation of the Buddhist Way of Life

Average customer rating:

Good primer for Tibetan Buddhism
THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE INTRODUCTION TO BUDDHISM OUT THERE!
Quite a good guide for basic buddhism but....erm...
Beautiful Introduction to Buddhism. 10 Stars!
start here with this author's works

Introduction to Buddhism: An Explanation of the Buddhist Way of Life
Kelsang Gyatso
Manufacturer: Tharpa Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0948006714

Book Description

We all have the potential for self-transformation, and a limitless capacity for the growth of good qualities, but to fulfill this potential we need to know what to do along every stage of our spiritual journey. With this book, Geshe Kelsang Gyatso offers us step-by-step guidance on the meditation practices that will lead us to lasting inner peace and happiness. With extraordinary clarity, he presents all Buddha’s teachings in the order in which they are to be practiced, enriching his explanation with stories and illuminating analogies. Following these practical instructions, we shall come to experience for ourselves the joy that arises from making progress on a clear and structured path that leads to full enlightenment.

Customer Reviews:

Good primer for Tibetan Buddhism.......2007-01-04

Read very concisely and clearly, this is a good introduction to the basics of Mahayana Buddhism - and Buddhism in general. While lacking the congeniality of, say, Jack Kornfield, this intro thoroughly covers many aspects of the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, etc. Recommended for beginners serious about exploring the Buddhist path.

THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE INTRODUCTION TO BUDDHISM OUT THERE!.......2006-07-06

Geshe Kelsang Gyasto's book An Introduction to Buddhism, distills all the basic, essential components of Buddhist thought and philosophy into a short, concise, clear, easy to read text that leaves the reader wanting to find out more about these beautiful teachings!

The importance of meditation can never be emphasized enough and Geshe Kelsang writes WHY meditation is ESSENTIAL to be able to experience true happiness. He also explains clearly why we experience so much mental suffering and how we can reduce the stress in our life and be proactive in our lives rather than always reacting, many times in negative ways. This information is so important, especially in this day and age when our lives seem more busy and more complicated than ever!

I have read this book many times and am constantly amazed at how each time I read it, the teachings impact me in a different way. I believe this is because Geshe Kelsang Gyatso writes in such a manner that beginners get a strong foundation of the basic principles of Buddhist thought and philosophy, and more advanced practitioners get a deeper insight into the inner workings of some of the more challenging aspects of the philosophy like the ultimate nature of reality, the true nature of suffering, karma, and the function of the mind and the role it plays in our experience of the world.

I recommend this book both to beginners and those who have more experience studying Buddhist thought and philosophy. It is a precious text that is extremely helpful in improving our meditation practice and our daily lives.

Quite a good guide for basic buddhism but....erm..........2006-03-02

Do take note that the author, Kelsang Gyatso was apparently kicked out of the Sera Monastery for insulting the Dalai Lama and persisting doing an unorthodox practise that is not in line with the mainstream buddhism. Even so, the first few chapters of basic buddhism are correct and it's very easy to understand.

Beautiful Introduction to Buddhism. 10 Stars!.......2004-04-28

Geshe Kelsang Gyatso always writes with such wonderful compassion, and shares in his joy to reach and awaken humanity. "Buddha" means "awakened" and that is just what this wonderful book will guide you towards on your path, and bring you closer to the loving compassion and right mindfulness that will clear up and clarify so much for you.

I take the teachings into my heart, mind and soul where true "AHA" moments of newfound enlightenment transform prior suffering into a state of being "awakened." Just as each drop in a bucket will fill that bucket, each drop of heartfelt right thought and action, detachment, and compassion for oneself and all of humanity will transform your life.

Gyatso's teachings are genuine, and you will find yourself coming that much closer to being awakened when you allow your heart to open fully, and give understanding and compassion.
The teachings are simple and profound. They are pure and potent. They are eternal and everlasting in their truth, and in the positive impact they bring to humanity by bringing genuine heartfelt understandings of exactly HOW Buddha became "awakened."
I HIGHLY recommend this book, along with "Transform Your Life: A Blissful Journey" "The New Meditation Handbook" and "Universal Compassion" all by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.
I hope they have the immeasurable impact on your life that they have had on mine.

start here with this author's works.......2004-02-26

I have four books by this author. He writes in a soothing manner and explains Tibetan Buddhism practices thoroughly. However, the other books I have did not make sense until I read this one. This one puts the basics down pat. Once I absorbed this easy read, the other texts begin to make more sense. This one is written in a flowing easy style, explaining things. It makes reference to his other books for more specifics about practice, which is why I gave it 4 stars. You will read about an overview of practice in this book and get interested in the specifics to read further see such and such book for more details. This is definitely the place for a beginner in the Tibetan approach to begin.

An Introduction to Shi`i Islam: The History and Doctrines of Twelver Shi`ism

Average customer rating:

Excellent resource for beginners
One of the best books I've ever read on Shia Islam
Classic introduction to Shiism
FANTASTIC - a must for anyone studying Shia Islam
A tough read

An Introduction to Shi`i Islam: The History and Doctrines of Twelver Shi`ism
Moojan Momen
Manufacturer: Yale University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0300035314

Customer Reviews:

Excellent resource for beginners.......2007-03-18

A good place to begin the study of Shi'ism. Very readable. Well referenced. Lacks in detail though. Particularly useful are the chapters related to contemporary marjaes and the Iranian revolution.

One of the best books I've ever read on Shia Islam.......2007-01-04

I would recommend this book to anyone, but especially to Shia parents wishing to explain Shia Islam to their children. The book is easy enough for a high-schooler and up to read. As someone who grew up in a relatively small Shia community in the United States, this book was especially helpful in educating me over the years. Recently, many of my friends (who are of the college and professional school age) and who have not necessarily grown up in a household that stresses Shia Islam but who want to learn more about the area, have also turned to this book for understanding.

Classic introduction to Shiism.......2006-10-23

I got this book when it first came out almost 20 years ago. it has helped me to understand the religious underpinnings of the feelings of people in iran and the shiites of iraq as well as the shiite minorities of pakistan and arabia. The author assumes no knowledge of islamic history or religion, so it is just what it says-- an "introduction" for the non muslim to shiite history and theology. A highly recommendedbook for someone just starting their studies of iran or middle east nations with shi'a minorities. And contrary to what an earlier reviewer said, it is an easy read for anyone with an eight grade education.

FANTASTIC - a must for anyone studying Shia Islam.......2006-08-09

Dr. Momen provides a comprehensive and objective overview of Shia history and beliefs. It doesnt matter if you are new to learning of Islam, or an advanced scholar, you can get a wealth of information from this book.

I have sometimes heard that this book by Dr. Momen was the catalyst for Shia Islam being taken seriously as subject in theological studies in the west.

Any question that I had while reading, Dr. Momen did not leave unanswered. With that, it was organized appropriatly for easy reference. I never have to dig for the information im looking for.

Most interesting to me was his study of the changing role of the ulema. I had always wondered how the Shia community evolved from having an Imam at the head of things, to an Ayatollah, and Dr. Momen covers the gradual shifts in full.

I havent seen a better book on the subject to date.

A tough read.......2006-01-29

I recently bought this book after reading the excellent reviews about it, but unfortunately, I couldn't go beyond the first two chapters. It starts off nicely but loses the focus soon and becomes extremly boring.

Average customer rating:

Living Religions: A Brief Introduction
Mary Pat Fisher
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0130618098

God Speaks Again: An Introduction to the Baha'i Faith

Average customer rating:

Worth a read or two or three
A Wonderful Introduction...
Wow
Stunning
An Engaging Book

God Speaks Again: An Introduction to the Baha'i Faith
Kenneth E. Bowers
Manufacturer: Baha'i Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1931847126

Book Description

The Bahá'í Faith is a recognized independent world religion attracting increasing attention--and followers--in the U.S. and around the globe as people from all walks of life search for practical spiritual direction and meaning in these deeply troubled times. Founded nearly 160 years ago, the Bahá'í Faith is today among the fastest-growing of world religions. With more than six million followers in 236 countries and territories, it has already become the second-most widespread faith, surpassing every religion but Christianity in its geographic reach.

The history and teachings of the Bahá'í Faith center around the inspiring person of its Founder, Bahá'u'lláh (1817-1892). The character traits He displayed throughout the course of a long and turbulent life, His voluminous and comprehensive body of written works, and impact He has already had in the world undeniably qualify Him as a major figure in world religious history.

Customer Reviews:

Worth a read or two or three.......2006-07-19

I have read this book a few times, not because it is hard to understand, but because it is so very exciting. If you want to understand how God interacts with humanity, how all religions have the same foundation, and why we who live now are extraordinarily blessed, pick up this book and savor it.

A Wonderful Introduction..........2006-06-05

This book is a wonderful introduction to the Baha'i Faith. I enjoyed the detailed history of the faith in the beginning chapters very much. Kenneth Bowers did an amazing job on what I believe is his first book!

Wow.......2006-01-31

This book was beyond insightfull!!! I couldn't put it down for days. Mr.Bowers truly did an amazing job!

Stunning.......2004-12-21

This is an outstanding introduction to the Baha'i Faith, for the followers of all religions or no religion. The book is eminently readable. The assertion from "Publishers Weekly" that "God Speaks Again" is "...at times becomes proselytizing, even preachy-quotes from Baha'i writings are sometimes whole pages in length..." is at best misleading and at worst a misrepresenation of what the author wants to convey. Would it be considered "proselytizing" (i.e., being needlessly pushy) for a book on Christianity to quote the Bible, or for one on Hinduism to quote the Bhagavad Gita, for example? The Baha'i Faith is an emerging global religion, and Bowers only seeks to acquaint us with the vast respository of original writings from Baha'u'allah.

Furthermore, at the end of the book, the author clearly states that "in the end, each of us must decide for ourselves whether Baha'u'allah's claims are true." How can such a statement be considered "preachy?"

An Engaging Book.......2004-05-15

From the moment I read the first sentence I was captivated by the Ken Bower's style of writing and the material he presented in his new book, God Speaks Again. In a simple, engaging style he presents the Baha'i Faith in a way that people who have never heard of the Faith or people who have been Baha'is for a long time will learn something new and find, perhaps, answers needed for living in the world today. Unlike many books on religion Ken Bowers lets the subject speak for itself, he doesn't preach, he doesn't attempt to convert the reader. The historical information and facts that he wove into his narrative, added to enjoyment of the book. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in religion or who is interested in learning about the Baha'i Faith.

DSST Introduction to World Religions (DANTES series, # 74) (Dantes Ser No 24)

Average customer rating:

Very Informitive
DSST preparation for the Introduction To World Religions
Now I'm learning a hundred new definitions
Passed the Dantes World Religions test

DSST Introduction to World Religions (DANTES series, # 74) (Dantes Ser No 24)
Jack Rudman
Manufacturer: National Learning Corp
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Plastic Comb

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ASIN: 0837366747

Customer Reviews:

Very Informitive .......2007-04-03

This book was a huge help in the test preperation. It was up to date and test ready.

DSST preparation for the Introduction To World Religions.......2002-08-15

There is some good information in this book, but your time would be much better spent on the actual reference materials listed on the Chauncey official website e.g. Religions of the World, Hopfe. I took the test today and it is fresh in my mind. The practice tests in this book quizes on information that will be usefull if one ends up on Jeopardy someday, but my advice would be to stick to the actual reference material. Good luck!

Now I'm learning a hundred new definitions.......2001-06-06

I recommend this book. Even if you feel that you're ready for the test, this book will have you doing much more research and backtracking. The questions are very detailed and a little tricky so it enables you to get a better understanding of the subject. I haven't taken the test yet. When I took the practice tests in this book I rescheduled it for a later date. I want a few more weeks to study.

Passed the Dantes World Religions test.......2000-07-26

I bought this to help me prepare for the Intro. to World Religions test. I thought the test would be fairly easy because I know a good bit about other religions. The fact is that the test was hard but I passed. The book has about 20 different tests with the answers in the back of each. Every test has about 25 questions. They are really hard and obscure questions. The questions on the real Dantes test were not exactly like the ones in this book (although they were similar), but by studying these, I managed to pass.

An Introduction to Buddhist Ethics: Foundations, Values and Issues (Introduction to Religion)

Average customer rating:

Generally, a useful study.
Excellent intro to Buddhist Ethics, a rare standard.
A good introduction... though it has its faults....
Right and wrong

An Introduction to Buddhist Ethics: Foundations, Values and Issues (Introduction to Religion)
Peter Harvey
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0521556406

Book Description

This systematic introduction to Buddhist ethics is aimed at anyone interested in Buddhism, including students, scholars and general readers. Peter Harvey is the author of the acclaimed Introduction to Buddhism (Cambridge, 1990), and his new book is written in a clear style, assuming no prior knowledge. At the same time it develops a careful, probing analysis of the nature and practical dynamics of Buddhist ethics in both its unifying themes and in the particularities of different Buddhist traditions. The book applies Buddhist ethics to a range of issues of contemporary concern: humanity’s relationship with the rest of nature; economics; war and peace; euthanasia; abortion; the status of women; and homosexuality. Professor Harvey draws on texts of the main Buddhist traditions, and on historical and contemporary accounts of the behaviour of Buddhists, to describe existing Buddhist ethics, to assess different views within it, and to extend its application into new areas.

Customer Reviews:

Generally, a useful study........2005-07-05

People who wish to learn more about 'Buddhist Ethics' will find this book useful. Along with Damien Keown's books, Peter Harvey's study will be invaluable for those who have neither the time nor the resources to explore primary sources for themselves.

Why only 'four stars' then? Like other reviewers, I'm not so sure that Buddhist Ethics can be reduced to 'natural ethics' - or regarded as analogous to natural ethics, on the assumption that as no 'God' is involved, we are safely outside 'theistic' considerations. In the wish to distance themselves from theocentric ethics, some Buddhists have tried to present Buddhism as 'natural' religion. But in actual fact, the terminology involved - either way, reflects Western categories of thinking.

Consider some of the problems here. Neo-pagans, the followers of 'Wicca' etc.- might well define themselves as adherents of 'natural' religion. Are we to conclude, then, that they are Buddhists - by another name?

Admittedly, much that we would define as 'ethical' - in Buddhism, is safely rooted in empirical experience. But on further examination, notions like 'karma' and karmic retribution cannot be 'explained' along purely naturalistic lines at all. Indeed, taken at face value, one could argue that nature per se, provides little evidence to support the idea of karma, which is quite important to the ethical world view of the Buddhists. I'm not questioning karma - in its proper context, I'm just stating that when push comes to shove, Buddhists do not attempt to account for karma in crude 'naturalistic' terms. Rather, it is part of an essentially spiritual world-view.

Hence, if not informed by 'theocentric' considerations, Buddhist ethics are - at their upper end, as it were, informed by assumptions of a 'transcendental' nature. I make this observation, because it is all too easy to approach Buddhism from the outside, believing that it is all neatly packaged, without any of the complications found in theocentric ethics.
This is not a criticism of Buddhism, just a reminder that it cannot be confined to 'natural' ethics, and may not be the simple, strictly 'rational' creed we once imagined.

For the most part, the ethical world view of the Buddhists is marked by impartiality, cool detachment, nothing fevered. Such detachment is evidently derived from something deeper than mere 'natural' religion.

Excellent intro to Buddhist Ethics, a rare standard........2002-09-29

Peter Harvey, Professor of Buddhist Studies at the University of Sunderland, has a lot of experience in the field of Buddhist Studies and it shows. Starting with the `Shared Foundations of Buddhist Ethics', he goes on with key `Buddhist Values.' Then he covers the `Mahayana emphases and adaptations,' after which he deals with the practicalities of Buddhist ethics: the Natural world, economic ethics, war and peace, suicide and euthanasia, abortion and contraception, sexual equality, and homosexuality and other forms of `queerness.' It is amazing how he managed to gather so much information on this area, not to mention his impressing knowledge of the texts of most traditions. This sometimes leads to too many traditions cited per chapter, making it hard for the reader to distinguish between them (unless, of course, you are familar with the sources cited.) It can be used most fruitfully when critically taught.

A good introduction... though it has its faults...........2000-11-28

This is a really good introduction for people who a) are knowledgable about Western ethical theories and want to see things from a different perspective of b) people getting into Buddhism who want a good general introduction into what people have thought about what people have thought that Siddhartha Gotama thought and taught. This book is divided into sections first which illustrate bases of Buddhist ethical practices and then how these practices have effected different issue-areas (the environment, homosexuality, etc.) Thus far, this is a remarkable book.... I like it a lot....

The problems that I have with this book are but a few. First, in the first chapter outlining bases for Buddhist ethics, the author cites a few suttras almost exclusively when others could make the points that he is trying to make better. (Don't worry, reader-- I'm not going to belabor this point....) The Asokavedanta (Life story of Asoka, the, I believe, second to last Mauryan Emporer in India) which is revered in Sri Lanka being foremost of these those I thought of off the top of my head... Another is that he occasionally cites Western sources when the primary texts would do.... These little thinks irked me, but I suppose that the author had a reason for them, and they don't really detract from the strength of the whole of the book....

As to the last reviewer saying that this book provides a good insight into non-theistic ethics... I'm not so sure about that. Off the top of my head, I can think of no titles.... but this book deals with Buddhist ethics... which is a broad enough field.... and not EXACTLY non-theistic (although generally so...)

I'd recommend this book to about anyone though especially to the two groups of people I mentioned at the opening of this review....

Right and wrong.......2000-10-05

This is an easy to understand account of the basis and content of ethical teachings in Buddhism as a global tradition.

Starting with the foundations of Buddhist ethics, Harvey then describes the major precepts in turn as they apply to ordinary practitioners.

He then looks at the implications of these ethics from the social and historical context in many countries from Sri Lanka to Japan. He gives special treatment to topics like Enviromentalism, Feminist issues, Economics and Homosexuality in a Buddhist context and gives an overview of many accounts expressed on these topics. The treatment is sometimes academic, always balanced and frequently too objective.

It is an important book for people who are interested in Natural Justice and the role of Human Rights vs Human Responsibilities in the context of human legal codes and religion. It is also a must for anyone who wants to know the difference between right and wrong and why from a non Theistic position.

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