Books with title Why I Am Not a Buddhist

A provocative essay challenging the idea of Buddhist exceptionalism, from one of the world’s most widely respected philosophers and writers on Buddhism and science Buddhism has become a uniquely favored religion in our modern age. A burgeoning number of books extol the scientifically proven benefits of meditation and mindfulness for everything ranging from business to romance. There are conferences, courses, and celebrities promoting the notion that Buddhism is spirituality for the rational; compatible with cutting-edge science; indeed, “a science of the mind.” In this provocative book, Evan Thompson argues that this representation of Buddhism is false. In lucid and entertaining prose, Thompson dives deep into both Western and Buddhist philosophy to explain how the goals of science and religion are fundamentally different. Efforts to seek their unification are wrongheaded and promote mistaken ideas of both. He suggests cosmopolitanism instead, a worldview with deep roots in both Eastern and Western traditions. Smart, sympathetic, and intellectually ambitious, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in Buddhism’s place in our world today.

A provocative essay challenging the idea of Buddhist exceptionalism, from one of the world’s most widely respected philosophers and writers on Buddhism and science Buddhism has become a uniquely favored religion in our modern age. A burgeoning number of books extol the scientifically proven benefits of meditation and mindfulness for everything ranging from business to romance. There are conferences, courses, and celebrities promoting the notion that Buddhism is spirituality for the rational; compatible with cutting-edge science; indeed, “a science of the mind.” In this provocative book, Evan Thompson argues that this representation of Buddhism is false. In lucid and entertaining prose, Thompson dives deep into both Western and Buddhist philosophy to explain how the goals of science and religion are fundamentally different. Efforts to seek their unification are wrongheaded and promote mistaken ideas of both. He suggests cosmopolitanism instead, a worldview with deep roots in both Eastern and Western traditions. Smart, sympathetic, and intellectually ambitious, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in Buddhism’s place in our world today.

Albert Einstein once said that Buddhism has all the markings of a cosmic religion. This engaging little audiobook paints Buddhism as the way of the world to come but yet explains patiently why it is all right to fail at trying to become a Buddhist. With lucid style and characteristic wit, Ms. Fields deftly interweaves the past, the present and the future, science and spirituality, the East and the West, earth and space, and prose and poetry to produce a rich tapestry studded not only with gems of stupefying similes and mesmerising metaphors, but also drenched with the distilled wisdom of the ages infused with original inspirational insight. Buddhism is a religion for wealthy intellectuals, according to Fields. But listen to this beautifully crafted audiobook to find out just who might be one.

Albert Einstein once said that Buddhism has all the markings of a cosmic religion. This engaging little book paints Buddhism as the way of the world to come but yet explains patiently why it is all right to fail at trying to become a Buddhist.With lucid style and characteristic wit, Ms Fields deftly interweaves the past, the present and the future, science and spirituality, the East and the West, earth and space, and prose and poetry to produce a rich tapestry studded not only with gems of stupefying similes and mesmerising metaphors, but also drenched with the distilled wisdom of the ages infused with original inspirational insight.Buddhism is a religion for wealthy intellectuals, according to Fields. But read this beautifully crafted book to find out just who might be one.

Many books in recent years have made the case for Buddhism. What makes this one fresh and exciting is Stephen Asma's iconoclasm, irreverence, and hard-headed approach to the subject. He is distressed that much of what passes for Buddhism is really little more than 'New Age mush'. He asserts that it is time to 'take the California out of Buddhism'. He presents a spiritual practice that does not require a belief in creeds or dogma - a practice that is psychologically sound, intellectually credible and aesthetically appealing. It is a practice that does not require a diet of brown rice, burning incense, and putting both your mind and your culture in deep storage. In seven chapters, Asma builds the case for a spiritual discipline that is authentic and inclusive. This is Buddhism for everyone, especially for people who are uncomfortable with religion but yearn for a spiritual compass. The author writes: 'I try to apply the Buddha's teachings to our current Western life-style, including the challenges of work-life, love-life, consumerism, and the search for meaning.'

Albert Einstein once said that Buddhism has all the markings of a cosmic religion. This engaging little book paints Buddhism as the way of the world to come but yet explains patiently why it is all right to fail at trying to become a Buddhist. With lucid style and characteristic wit, Ms Fields deftly interweaves the past, the present and the future, science and spirituality, the East and the West, earth and space, and prose and poetry to produce a rich tapestry studded not only with gems of stupefying similes and mesmerising metaphors, but also drenched with the distilled wisdom of the ages infused with original inspirational insight. Buddhism is a religion for wealthy intellectuals, according to Fields. But read this beautifully crafted book to find out just who might be one.