Customer Reviews

Light on Enlightenment

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

 

 

I enjoyed studying this book. As a new student to Buddhism, I found the topics interesting and easy to understand. I especially found Mr.Titmuss' Noble Eightfold Path essays useful.

My complaint is this, the book has many typos. I found the lack of proof reading and editing disappointing as a reader. As a former journalist, I would have hoped Mr. Titmuss would have been more diligent in having his work proof read.

The typos do not take away from the overall content, however, instead of 5 stars, I have to give this book 4.

Christopher Titmuss is a well-respected expert, but more than that, he's a friend on the Path, and this book shows it. I just can't convey how useful and clear this transmission is; I recommend it without reservation for all those who care about what they're doing in this world.

...everything the Dharma isn't.
This may not be a fair review: I quit reading at about page 80, where the "shoulds", "ought to"s, "have to"s and "musts" had pretty well established themselves. By then I had had enough of what appeared to me to be the author's negativity. I paraphrase: "Inspiration from books doesn't last." "There's only one way to walk the path - mine."
This was only my impression, of course. Much of what I read used the vehicle of first person plural, so much so that I began to feel I was being delivered a disguised sermon.
If you're looking for a book that gives inspiration to practice the Dharma, uplifts and supports the seeker to continue his inquiry for truth, please try another book from which I'll violate the publisher's copyright directive and give you a direct quote:

"Do not become attached to the idea that there is only one right way or technique of practicing the Dharma. Freedom and compassion are the reference points for all practice. Everything else is skillful means. There are many experiences along the way. As soon as we take a stand any place at all, thinking 'this is it,' we have already overshot the great jewel of emptiness, creating yet another sectarian view."

"Insight Meditation" by Joseph Goldstein