Customer Reviews

The Buddha in a Box (Buddhism)

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a beautiful presentation of a leading world religion: the box, the buddha, and the book--a beautifully done combination. The book includes a basic introduction to the life of Buddha and his teachings (89 pages hardback). 36 of the 89 pages contain breathtaking prints from classical Buddhist art. The table of contents includes:

Introduction 7; The Legend of an Awakening Buddha 11; The Way of the Master 27; The Psychology of the Buddhas 39; The Sutras [i.e., the words of the Buddha] 45; Prayers, Blessings and Mantras 61; Bibliographical References 85; Further Reading 86; Acknowledgments 87.

The book gives Buddha's birth at 586 BC; the standard long chronology puts his dates at 566-486 BC, with other options being 624-544 BC (as held in Sri Lanka and South East Asia) or 448-368 BC (as held by many Japanese scholars). The book gives a standard life of Buddha from tradition, but does not mention that the earliest surviving written sources date from the first century AD. The book tries to give a mainstream presentation of Buddhism without discussing the differing traditions within Buddhism. The long chapter on Prayers, Blessings and Mantras is taken almost exclusively from Tibetan Buddhism. The very important Therevada Buddhist tradition is omitted in the book altogether. But the recommendations for further reading are very helpful in providing resources for the various other traditions that make up Buddhism.

Highly recommended--as a concise introduction to Buddhism, as an attractive presentation of a major form of human spirituality...and as an attractive addition to a desk or bookcase.

To have this Book and Buddah in a box is more of an experience, than one would think. The serenity you feel as soon as you embrace the book is near the serenity you see in the words. Truely wise, and simple. If only everyone had one of these sitting on their desk at work, or by their computer, they would be compelled by the enlightenment offered by just reading, and then the embodiment of the meaning.

The simplistic beauty of Buddhist truth is touched upon within this wonderful gift set. The book itself is worth more than its words for it brings the reader to a point like that of a sleeping baby about to be awakened by a gentle mothers kiss.

The presentation is truly beautiful, with the tiny Buddha statue and the book tucked into the back of the box, but I feel that those who support Tibet might want to know that this lovely piece was made in China.

Buddha in a Box is a delightful gift item. The title itself - "Buddha in a Box" has humor that would not be lost on the Master. Aside from that, it really is an excellent package, lovingly & respectfully designed, & is in no way a cash-in on New Age merchandising. The enclosed book is beautiful. When the box is opened & placed on desk or table it creates a peaceful & meditative space. Many thanks to Manuela Dunn Mascetti.

Bob Rixon

This book does a pretty good job of introducing Buddhism. My only complaint is that there is no mention of Pure Land practice (which the same author does mention in her Kwan Yin Box set). But the included statue and shrine-box are a nice addition for those interested in Buddhism but who don't have a lot of money to spend on images, etc. All things considered, if you are new to Buddhism, I strongly recommend that you get this set, but also buy a good introductory book on the branch of Buddhism that you are interested in as well.

It was a really short book but for me thats good because I have so many other things that I need to read. But this was a amazing introduction to bhuddism and I am going to investigate more and maybe convert over to that because it seems like a sort of strict religion but one that deffinintly improves your life.

The omission of Theravade Buddhism is very severe indeed. Theravada Buddhism is the single surviving line of the Hinayana tradition that dates to the earliest semblences of Buddhism. Ignoring that teaches the reader little.

I give this book 3 stars for the pictures and the figure. But if you want to read some real educational material on Buddhism then don't buy this book.