Buddhist Inspirations: Essential Philosophy, Truth and Enlightenment

by Tom Lowenstein

This book offers a superb distillation of Buddhist belief, practice and art.  The book presents a fascinating kaleidoscope of all aspects of Buddhism, including Tantra, Zen and the Pure Land beliefs of Japan.  The emphasis throughout is on the wisdom, healing power and beauty of Buddhism and on its relevance to those who seek an alternative to secular materialism.

Buddhism has given immeasurable riches to the West—a collection of profound and life-enhancing ideas, a host of beautiful works of art (from statues of the Buddha to Zen gardens) and a repetoire of spiritual practices from mantras to mindfulness that can change all our lives for the better.

Genres: Philosophy, Spirituality, Nonfiction

160 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Tom Lowenstein was an English poet, ethnographer, teacher, cultural historian and translator. Beginning his working life as a school teacher, he visited Alaska in 1973 and went on to become particularly noted for his work on Inupiaq (north Alaskan Eskimo) ethnography, conducting research in Point Hope, Alaska, between 1973 and 1988. His writing also encompasses several collections of poetry, as well as books related to Buddhism. Since 1986, Lowenstein lived and continued teaching in London.

Reviews

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a beautiful book... an accurate history, easy to read and follow. The book itself was gorgeous. Each page was decorated in beautiful art work. Has a handy glossary in the back for further reference. I had the feeling I was reading something sacred, but it made sense - unlike so many other books about religion wherein you get lost in the words... I savoured reading it over time... hated to finish it... Surely I will reread.

[Han Le · Rating 3 out of 5]

Trình bày ngắn gọn, khoa học.
Lịch sử & sự phát triển của đạo phật được tóm gọn trong hơn 100 trang sách khá là vi diệu.
Tuy nhiên thông tin còn hơi chung chung & ít để lại ấn tượng.

[Nancy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Une étoile pour les illustrations magnifiques. Ce livre présente des légendes comme la réalité et manque de nuances. Seule la version idyllique est présentée.

[Carlee Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the art in the book and it’s nice to pick up and read random pages from time to time

[Jamie Rodriguez · Rating 2 out of 5]

A short introduction to Buddhism that is an easy and understandable read.

[Gonzalo Espina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Libro didáctico, breve y simple que permite al iniciado conocer los conceptos budistas más esenciales así como un pequeño esquema de la vida de Siddhartha Gautama y de sus sutras o enseñanzas.

[Deborah Schuff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book appeared to be one of a series of Christmas gift books, so I wasn't expecting any much beyond it's being beautiful. It is that and much more. It's a very good beginner's guide to the complex diversity that is Buddhism. Much of this I had already known, but some of this was new to me. I liked that it included a short glossary and a couple of pages of other book recommendations. I would certainly suggest this book to anyone interested in learning a bit of what Buddhism is about.

[Jediraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book. I read this when I was searching for the right belief, and it really opened my mind to Buddhism. It is a simple, easy to read introduction to the ideas and philosophies of Buddhism so that you can grasp the concept without getting confused. It sparked interest in Eastern religion for me.

[dancingbuddha · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a book I received as a gift. It has lovely images from different Buddhist traditions, and is a good introductory book to Buddhism showing methods and practices from various sects; I appreciated the inclusion of chants in Pali, since most Buddhist texts in English often leave this out of the work.

[Claire De Luna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ein reich bebilderter Band über Geschichte und Gegenwart des Buddhismus, über die Anfänge dieser grossen Weltreligion im alten Indien und China,Japan.Mehr als 200 farbige Abbildungen veranschaulichen die Lehren des Religionsstifters Siddharta Gautam, alte Legenden u.Östliche Weisheit.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

True to it's title, this book is very inspiring and enlightening. It is beautifully illustrated and I enjoyed reading it very much. It included a collection of mantras and mindfulness that can change our life for the better.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book itself was a good summary. I had no idea Buddhism was so complex. And it is certainly represented here as a religion, not a philosophy. How are you to be enlightened by not learning? And the chanting and dieties? And apparently yoga has nothing to do with it at all.

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really good introduction content wise and beautifully presented visually. A lovely gift book.

[Maggie Che · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good entry level book to understand Buddhism. I love the notion of excess attachment most. People living in modern life should learn to detach from desire.

[Rubber Duck Ry · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple, easy to read introduction to the ideas, history and philosophies of Buddhism.

[Mariana Contreras · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful