The Best Buddhist Writing 2007

by Melvin McLeod (Editor)

Containing writings that are variously wise, witty, heartfelt, and profound, this is the fourth volume in an annual series that brings together the year’s most notable literature inspired by Buddhist philosophy and practice. Selected by the editors of the Shambhala Sun , North America’s leading Buddhist-inspired magazine, the pieces in this anthology offer an entertaining mix of writing styles and reflect on a wide range of issues from a Buddhist point of view. The collection includes writings by the Dalai Lama, Matthieu Ricard, Dzongsar Khyentse, Diana Mukpo, Thich Nhat Hanh, Charles Johnson, Susan Piver, bell hooks, John Tarrant, Natalie Goldberg, Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso, Thinley Norbu, Karen Maezen Miller, Pema Chödrön, and Norman Fischer, among others.

Genres: Buddhism, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Spirituality

336 pages, Paperback

First published October 9, 2007

Reviews

[Suzanne Arcand · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some g0od, some interesting, some mondane. I didn't like it all that much for the same reason that I don't usually enjoy short stories. I would have liked more of some texts. Would have like to go deeper. Find myself yawning at some others.

Just get the books from which those extracts were taken. You will get more out of it.

It did made me want to renew my faith in buddhism so it wasn't totally lost.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible, very readable and thought-provoking collection of essays from the top writers, scholars and thinkers from Buddhism. You don't have to be a Buddhist to find this book... enlightening.

[Phil Calandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The Best Buddhist Writing 2007" is a compendium of essays from a diverse group of scholars and teachers into the philosophy of Buddhism. Also, in terms of a practice, the reader is presented with the opportunity to choose from those writings that most reflect and convey the benefit of Buddhism to their individual lives.

[Tashi Dendup · Rating 4 out of 5]

What you wear will not determines whether you are buddhist or not.

To be buddhist you must believe that
1. All compounded things are impermanent
2. All emotions are pain
3. All things have no inherent existence
4. Nirvana is beyond concept

[Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

one of the best bhuddist collections out there

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be a rich and pleasingly varied collection spanning many levels of study and engagement with Buddhist thought and practice. While the most recognized spiritual leaders are represented, my favorites essays are those crafted by writers I would not have immediately associated with Buddhist teaching and practice, such as journalist Daniel Goleman's study on our natural disposition toward altruism and Jarvis Jay Masters' description of a situation he encountered as a death row inmate that brought into question the strength of his Buddhist practice. Please contact me if you're interested in exploring a certain aspect of Buddhism -- I may be able to offer a recommendation on an essay in this book or another book that would address your question(s).

[Rev. Sharon Wylie · Rating 4 out of 5]

My partner brought this book home from the library for me (unsolicited). Reading about Buddhism makes my head hurt, but since I'm learning that pain does not inherently exist, I feel okay about it.

UPDATE: We had to return this to the library before I could finish it, but I really liked having contemporary writing on Buddhism distilled into one volume. (And I had no idea bell hooks is Buddhist.)

[Mikal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Filled with essays from teachers and scholars, with diverse approaches to life. Each essay is 7 to 20 pages, it's so perfect for reading just before bed, informs one's dreams in the best way.
2007 includes: Thich Nhat Hanh, HH Dalai Lama, bell hooks, Alice Walker, Pema Chodron, Leonard Cohen....
Great to get some teachings in small doses.

[Marc Geffen · Rating 2 out of 5]

A collection of short essays on Buddhism and Buddhist themes. I was mostly uninspired. Despite the title, there are much better Buddhist oriented writings out there (see, e.g., anything written by Thich Nhat Hahn, Gil Fronsdal, Joseph Goldstein, Ezra Bayda or Jack Kornfield).

[Ginster]

Carried with me to Nepal. Didn't have much free time.

[Greg · Rating 1 out of 5]

Don't be fooled by the name. There are only a few good essays in here - the rest are not worth reading. One notable exception is the essay "Pitbull" by a prison inmate Jarvis Jay Masters.

[Gita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful essays that make Buddhism a little more accessible to spiritual seekers like myself :)

[Alicia Vogl Saenz]

I just bought this book and read the first essay by Dzongsar Khyentse- very interesting.