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Socrates and the Enlightenment Path

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Society has often divided the history of philosophy into Eastern and Western thought. However, in "Socrates and the Enlightenment Path," William Bodri presents a convincing argument that Socrates was one of the rare people to have blended the two genres. Bodri systematically analyzes writings about Socrates and the writings of Eastern philosophy (including those about the Buddha and Confucius) in an attempt to determine whether or not Socrates achieved the highest levels of Eastern philosophy's enlightenment.
Yet, this text is not exclusively about Socrates and his ideas. Rather, it is an informative text on philosophy in general and mankind's search for clarity. Bodri searches many different texts and disciplines to determine that the truly great thinkers of our world have defied the boundaries of East and West to discover the oneness of true reality.

Bodri does an excellent job of discussing Eastern ideas in a way that is easy for Westerners to accept and understand. He uses the case of Socrates as a jumping point into a whole array of Eastern/Buddhist themes, including no-self and emptiness (dependent origination), impermanence, meditation (Samadhi), wisdom (Prajna), and enlightenment. While Bodri is not unique in discussing these topics, his discussion of them is the most useful and appropriate to a western audience. As Bodri points out, there are fundamental differences between the eastern and western approaches; ironically, Bodri takes a western, intellectual approach in criticizing western traditions, and pulls it off quite well. I found Bodri's writing to be much more attuned to my (western) mode of thinking. Bodri is much more understandable, and thus more useful, to the mainstream western audience. Granted, as Bodri would probably admit, intellectualizing about the differences between East and West, as Bodri does, cannot actually lead to wisdom. As he writes, "words are words until they are crystallized into actions." However, by showing the inadequacy of words themselves, Bodri more effectively inspires the reader to take the next step towards enlightenment than any other author I've read.

William Bodri does a good job in comparing Eastern vs Western thought/practices in the human science of gaining freedom, peace, liberation, enlightenment or the several other names of this experiential state. He talks about Samadhi and explains that it is just not seculor to practioners in Indian and China. The myths and dogmas that have kept humans in check have also turned us from the internal truths. This is an excellent book and doesn't step on anyone's toes. Williams' straight forward writing style is only second to his keen eye and roaring heart. Anyone interested in cultivation should read this book.

Bodri brings a unique perspective to Socrates. I have always felt that Socrates stood separate from western philosophy even though he is often referred to as the 'father of philosophy'. The education that he provides about the "enlightenment path" is very in-depth and serves as convincing evidence for his case. There is much information about Buddhism in this as well. Socrates as a natural-grown Zen master is fairly convincing and an enjoyable read. Certainly not your typical philosopher biography.

The Author goes to the root of the western civilization and brings out its long lost jewel - that the truth is NOT "out there", but in our heart. (The same thing can be said for the devil, that is if you believe he exists :) After reading this book, you will see that the original western philosophers and the eastern sages are not that different 2500 years ago. The vast difference we see today is a result of both westerners and easterners losing their roots and getting caught in the dazzling modern civilization. This book also contains insights into religion, philosophy and science. Highly recommended for anyone, no matter where you are from and what you do.