Customer Reviews

Buddhism Without Beliefs

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

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...

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.

This is a good place to start if you're interested in Buddhism. Like the title suggests, it can be read by those with no prior knowledge of Buddhism and those who follow other faiths, but wish to learn more. Not only that, it provides a source of real wisdom for those who wish to lead a better life, but without saying they are Buddhist (or even any faith at all). Not the deepest book, but a perfect introduction for that reason.

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... then, i started on this, to get even a clearer idea.
i think this book needs constant concentration, you can't leave one paragraph without focus, or you will find yourself at the end without knowing what the book was talking about. But then, Buddhism requires you be here, so you should be.
i was very interested in the 'death' chapter, the philosophy of death in Buddhism is questionable, but worth the thoughts.