Customer Reviews

Complete Idiot's Guide to Eastern Philosophy

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Yes, you may feel like an "idiot" toting this book around (somehow 'idiot's guide' and 'eastern philosophy don't jibe.) But this book is an amazingly thought provoking umbrella symposium on Eastern philosophies and religions. Since many Eastern texts require a guide to read along with, this book is extremely useful even for more serious readers. Where esle can you get the subtle differences between Taoist factions outined in half a page--udnerstandably? It's a fascinating book, and could (in fact, should) be used as a textbook at Universities around the country.

excellent place for a beginner to understand the sometimes very confusing world of Eastern thought. A first step that will take you on your personal path of enlightenment.

This book would have been better named 'Idiots Guide to THE HISTORY of Eastern Philosophy, as it focuses much more on the origins and history of eastern philosophy and religion more than teaching the actual beliefs that go along with those philosophy's and religions.

This book covers a great amount of material in a an easy-to-read fashion (even when the concepts are contradictory). The problem is that every topic has to have titles and headings that are puns. The use of "cute" and "clever" are so extreme that I was unable to finsh reading. It became too much. The above average content was ruined by ameteurish titles.

If you don't mind two (or more) puns per page, this book covers the topic well.

This book is a great overview of eastern religions for someone who knows next to nothing before reading it. It lays out the differences and similarities, discusses any crossover philosophies and was a great jumping off point to delve further into the various specific religions and philosophies.

this is an excellent summary of Eastern Philosophy, and covers all the basic schools of thought in a clear and concise fashion Highly recommended to anyone with an interest in understanding the similarities and differences between Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, etc.

Great overview of eastern philosophy. The author strikes a perfect balance between covering a large amount of complex subject material while keeping it easy to read. Very well organized and maintains a sense of humor throughout while still showing respect for the material. No complaints, a great way the whet your appetite for further reading on the subject.

I was actually surprised that this book is so good. It is really meant to be a beginners book. Many books on eastern philosophy are took complex for the novice. You won't find enlightenment by reading this book but at least when you progress to something more difficult.