This is a well written book that attempts to harmonize (and is mostly successful) traditional Buddhism with modern life, from the perspective of a Shambhala Buddhist. Nichtern uses a "commuter" metaphor to describe a sentient beings path along samsara towards enlightenment. He clearly explains and relates fundamental Buddhist concepts such as "Emptiness" and "afflictions" to modern urban relationships. The book also goes further in describing Shambhala concepts such as "windhorse"-the positive energy of emotions and "drala"-the energy of places. At times, the attempt to modernize Buddhist concepts goes a little too far.
With the five precepts, Nichtern alters the prohibition on killing to "promoting life" and the prohibition on using "intoxicating substances" to responsible use. While Nichtern's rationale is that the prohibitions are too negative and they need to portrayed in a positive light, to me, it just goes a little too Episcopalian or Presbyterian on Buddhism. The main goal of Buddhism is to promote a path by which all sentient beings can be liberated from suffering and find happiness. A major part of that is to meaningfully reflect upon the consequences of our actions. The rewording of the precepts, in my opinion, dilutes the seriousness of their significance.
However, overall, this is an excellent book and helps to bridge the gap between theory and meaningful practice. I highly recommend this book.
- File Size: 733 KB
- Print Length: 290 pages
- Publisher: North Point Press (April 21, 2015)
- Publication Date: April 21, 2015
- Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
- Language: English
- ASIN: B00O0FZ7WC
- Text-to-Speech:
Enabled
- Word Wise: Enabled
- Lending: Not Enabled
- Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #182,130 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)
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