Customer Reviews

Faith to Doubt: Glimpses of Buddhist Uncertainty

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Its title alone is a deep meditation. For me, the central significance of this book is that it tries to show how easily the path can lead into the trap of dogma. It also brings us to consider how culture and language obscure that which is already known to all of us. Stephen Batchelor has endeavoured to show that teachings are at their very best only a rough guide to enlightenment, and that we have to avoid using them as a specific map. As soon as we think a certain teaching or method is 'the right way', we limit our chances of awakening. We have to anticipate awakening without the limitations of knowledge and expectation, even without anticipation!

If you are a struggling on your own, then you should read this book. But it is also a challenge for established paths.

While my reviews almost never make it on to amazon.com (I don't know why, to my knowledge I've never used an obscenity in one!)I suppose hope springs eternal and I will try again.

This is a wonderful book. Mr. Batchelor is a seriously good writer on the psychological and spiritual aspects of buddhist practice, and this book is no exception. One story in this collection is particularly riveting - "Light in Your Eyes" is the story of Batchelor's experience in a Korean monastery concurrent with the death of its most influential monk. Extremely evocative and well done. Highly recommended!

Its title alone is a deep meditation. For me, the central significance of this book is that it tries to show how easily the path can lead into the trap of dogma. It also brings us to consider how culture and language obscure that which is already known to all of us. Stephen Batchelor has endeavoured to show that teachings are at their very best only a rough guide to enlightenment, and that we have to avoid using them as a specific map. As soon as we think a certain teaching or method is 'the right way', we limit our chances of awakening. We have to anticipate awakening without the limitations of knowledge and expectation, even without anticipation!

If you are a lone struggler, then you should read this book. But it is also a challenge for established paths.