Buddhism Without Beliefs [Paperback]

Stephen Batchelor (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1998

Demystifies Buddhism by explaining, without jargon or obscure terminology, what awakening is and how to practise it.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

A former Buddhist monk, Stephen Batchelor has written several books attempting to make Buddhist accessible and understandable to the Western reader. These books include The Awakening of the West: The Encounter of Buddhist and Western Culture, and Buddhism Without Beliefs: A Contemporary Guide to Awakening. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From AudioFile

These eight sessions introduce the fundamental ideas and practice of Buddhism with insight and precision. The author places the origins of Buddhism in historical context, then explicates core terms at length, drawing out semantic implications and symbolic meanings. This gives listeners the conceptual tools needed to follow the instructional sessions, which draw on all major schools of Buddhism. Stephen Batchelor delivers subtle guidance in meditation in clear prose, augmented by wit and common sense. The lectures conclude by reflecting on how Buddhist concepts of spiritual freedom fit with Western concepts of political freedom and by sketching the political agenda that Buddhist compassion might lead to. G.T.B. © AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Bloomsbury (June 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0747538433
• ISBN-13: 978-0747538431
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 4.6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #818,417 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Stephen Batchelor is a former monk in the Tibetan and Zen traditions. He has translated Shantideva's A Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life and is the author of Alone with Others, The Faith to Doubt, The Tibet Guide, The Awakening of the West, Buddhism without Beliefs, and Verses from the Center. He is a contributing editor of Tricycle magazine, a guiding teacher at Gaia House Retreat Centre, and cofounder of Sharpham College for Buddhist Studies and Contemporary Inquiry in Devon, England. He lives in southwest France and lectures and conducts meditation retreats worldwide.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The cassette is not a verbatim reading of the book., June 28, 2001

By 

Andrew E Billek (Bayonne, NJ USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Buddhism Without Beliefs (Audio Cassette)

Loving the book as much as I do I was initially dismayed to find the cassette version was different. However, I came to realize this difference is an addition to, rather than a repitition of, the book. Hence, we get an expansion of Batchelor's ideas. Perhaps the author chose this occasion to add to and expand what he said in print. While the book tops my list of explications of understanable Buddhist thought I find the cassette version to be a different, but contiguous, expression of the same ideas. It is as if Batchelor took this opportunity in making a tape version of the book to add what he left out of the printed version. For those of us who experienced wonder and satisfaction at reading the book and dismay that it had to end I strongly recommend the audio version. Plus, hearing Batchelor's voice, through which his intelligence and commitment come through, lends an added air of familiarity and fulfillment to his insights.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Life Changing Read- If you want it to be., July 19, 2010

By 

Steiner62 - See all my reviews

This review is from: Buddhism Without Beliefs (Paperback)

Since I first came across this short & sweet volume in 1998 it has become a dog-earred constant in my life. It's simple yet profound message constantly challenges me to slow down & stop running, to simplify my life. To open my heart & mind to the profound poignancy of the present moment. I could not recommend it more highly. It might not float your particular spiritual boat, but it's my constant reference point as I try to make sense of, & find a little peace in, this Vale of Tears...

4.0 out of 5 stars OK . Glad they had the book, November 10, 2011

By 

R. Gable - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Buddhism Without Beliefs (Paperback)

The book was listed as "good," as I recall. It came in a little worse condtion than I expected (i.e., maybe a dozen bent pages all together at the top. But I am not familiar with the rating system, so perhaps it was correct. I was glad to find the book, and the price was right. All in all, I'm pleased.