The Elements of Buddhism

by John Snelling

Book by Snelling, John

Genres: Buddhism, Religion, Spirituality

Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

Reviews

[Anthony · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this is a nice general introduction to Buddhism. The best part for me was the explanation of the major ideas of Buddhism. It gets a little bogged down towards the end.

[Lucas Miracca · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading a fee books on Buddhism, this was a great insight on the history and varieties of this ancient religion. Also a great book for learning about Buddhism from an external perspective.
Short and concise.

[Conall · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a great idea reading a book on Buddhism was just before my birthday. I got not one but two bonsai trees, a book about a monkey who chills himself out, and some bath stuff. Clearly I'm seen as an enlightened man by those around me (the only reason I read it anyway).

[Derek Baldwin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad book by any means, and I found the final chapter particularly helpful, but there are some serious flaws. I don't see how a book that presents Elements Of Buddhism can get away with just one passing reference to the Noble Eightfold Path. No understanding of the subject can possibly be gained without a grasp of this, I feel. So that was a fatal flaw.

There are a number of signs of slack editing and/or negligent proofreading, which are annoying and, more seriously, these create misleading pronouncements which weaken the text seriously. In a relatively short book it's inevitable, of course, that some subjects have to be glossed over. But to try and cover sunna (sunyata/emptiness) in two paragraphs? Seriously negligent...better not to have attempted the topic at all. (It's no accident, I feel, that to explain sunyata poorly is regarded as contrary to boddhisattva vows.)