Evolving Dharma: Meditation, Buddhism, and the Next Generation of Enlightenment

by Jay Michaelson

A no-nonsense guide to the evolution of meditation, mindfulness, and enlightenment in modern-day society—from their religious origins in the East to their more secular incarnations in the West

Evolving Dharma  is the definitive guide to the meditation revolution. Fearless, unorthodox, and irreverent scholar and activist Jay Michaelson shows how meditation and mindfulness have moved from ashrams and self-help groups to classrooms and hospitals, and offers unusually straight talk about the “Big E”— enlightenment. Michaelson introduces us to maverick brain hackers, postmodern Buddhist monks, and cutting-edge neuroscientists and shares his own stories of months-long silent retreats, powerful mystical experiences, and many pitfalls along the way.  Evolving Dharma  is a must-read for the next-generation meditator, the spiritually cynical, and the curious adventurer in all of us.

Genres: Buddhism, Meditation, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Religion, Self Help

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Rabbi Dr. Jay Michaelson is the author of ten books, most recently "The Heresy of Jacob Frank: From Jewish Messianism to Esoteric Myth." He is an affiliated assistant professor at Chicago Theological Seminary and holds a Ph.D in Jewish Thought from Hebrew University and a J.D. from Yale Law School.

Dr. Michaelson is also a regular contributor to New York, Rolling Stone, The Daily Beast, and other publications. His journalistic work primarily focuses on the Supreme Court, religion, law, and sexuality. And he is a senior editor and podcast host at Ten Percent Happier, a meditation startup.

Reviews

[Carol Horton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be an exceptionally interesting, enjoyable, and informative book. "Evolving Dharma" is different from other books on contemporary Buddhism, mindfulness, etc. that I've read in that the author doesn't try to craft a smooth set of "teachings." Rather, he tries to explain why he's become devoted to meditation practice; how it fits into his spiritual, political, and personal lives; and how he understands his experience in light of what he knows about the contemporary and historical manifestations of the Buddhist Dharma in different cultures and lineages. (In this sense, the book very much reminded me of my own "Yoga PhD," which follows the same basic formula of combining personal reflections and social analysis.) Michaelson strives to be accessible, honest, straightforward and original in his writing, and in my opinion, he succeeds beautifully.

The only reason that I didn't give the book five stars was that it frustrated me that he glossed over certain crucial conceptual considerations. In particular, I felt that the two following questions needed to be better addressed: 1) Just how elastic can the boundaries of "the Dharma" be without the term becoming meaningless? Michaelson uses it to refer to such different manifestations of Buddhist learning that it often seems contradictory.

2) If "enlightenment" is really so partial in terms of developing the range of human capacities to their fullest and best, then doesn't the value of the state of consciousness it describes need to be radically reassessed? (In light of guru scandals as well as less dramatic examples of "enlightened" misconduct, Michaelson asserts that one can be enlightened and "still be an a-hole.") Particularly given that "brain hacking" is how the beginning stages of the meditative path of attainment is described, it's a confusing jump to working with references to "enlightenment" as a pinnacle state of human consciousness, rather than a particular way of refining certain capacities of mind.

Piling on top of these issues is the author's lovely and evocative, yet also intellectually underdeveloped description of how he understands his own position as both a devoted Jew and serious Buddhist meditation teacher/practitioner.

All that said, this is the most thorough, honest, accessible, and heartfelt account of the current state of "convert Buddhism" that I've ever read - I found it incredibly engaging and am grateful to the author for taking the time and energy to produce such an excellent book. Highly recommended!

[Frank Jude · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michaelson has offered an important service in writing this book at this time. I found myself largely in agreement with much that he has to say, while at times moving between feeling he's too accommodating to some the what I feel are the excesses of the mainstreaming of mindfulness and feeling he offers an overly optimistic perspective to the trajectory of western contemporary buddhism.

Overall, he presents an important survey of the various conditions at play and presents various arguments for and against the mainstreaming we see happening -- all to often with very little foresight.

Things are not what they seem and are not what they ever were. Where they are going is up for grabs. This book helps put into perspective some possibilities and for the most part dispenses with the transcendent promises of the tradition, offering some real world scenarios for what living an awakening life might look like.

For anyone interested in creating and living a relevant dharmic life, this is a must-read.

[Donald]

We're reading this book for our Buddhist Book Club (BBC) selection for the year. I have been pushing for a more "Western" approach, a less religious, Asian slant on Buddhism, one that would more closely address the problems that Postmodern, secularized aspirants might find more relevant. I have been decidedly unsuccessful in those attempts, sensing a hesitance bordering on spiritual bypassing to be prevalent in our group. When all of a sudden a window seemed to open allowing a breath of fresh air into our stagnant meditation group. I was not familiar with Jay Michaelson and couldn't imagine what had come over us when his book was nominated and approved with an overwhelming embrace. As a consequence, I have read the book a year ahead of schedule (we don't overtax ourselves, taking a year to read the book, a chapter a session but, we get a lot of traction and mileage in discussion) and I love it and highly recommend it as a fresh, timely, educated slant on a Buddhism that is evolving, as we speak. Which way the Dharma Wheel will turn is open to speculation, but the author makes it clear that if it is mainstreamed and watered down like so much is trivialized in our culture, it will still be of benefit to those who see mindfulness and meditation as stress reduction. For those who are securely on the path, it may clarify our efforts, making it more relevant to the Western Buddhist mind..

[Ellen Keener · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the very best books on Buddhism I have read. Couldn't put it down. Practical intelligent guide to meditation practice and a fascinating overview of western Buddhism.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

A deeply interesting overview of the ways meditation and Buddhism have evolved, especially since coming to the West. Mixes in a good bit of nueroscience to the discussion, and how science is contributing to the extraction of mindfulness and meditation from its historical contemplative context.

[Cody · Rating 4 out of 5]

Toward the end of Evolving Dharma, Jay Michaelson proudly dubs himself a champion for ambivalence, claiming that it is a crucial component in remaining open to the complex and ever-changing nature of things. Contemporary Buddhism is nothing if not varied and rapidly shifting, and this dogged ambivalence of Michaelson's—along with a large helping of smarts and enthusiasm—allows him to traverse such vast, varied, and mutable terrain. The scope of Evolving Dharma is dizzying, yet, by examining his unique and personal journey, Michaelson shows that the opportunities afforded by our access to wide ranging resources, teachings, and communities can allow us to move beyond the trappings of traditional religion.

Of course, this new world of iSpirituality comes with its own set of challenges and shortcomings, many of which Michaleson address head-on—notably commercialization and the issues that can arise when you divorce mindfulness and meditation from their Buddhist roots. Thus, the jury is still out in regards to a solid verdict for the future, but Michaelson ultimately allows his optimism to win out, arguing that mindfulness taking root in the mainstream, even if watered down, is still an unprecedented opportunity for the dharma to take root in whole new ways. This message is not only encouraging but, I think, much needed, as the potential in the present moment does appear limitless if only we are receptive and dedicated, critical but also compassionate.

[Chanelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was able to finish (and deeply understand) in one sitting... the first book I've done that with in a while! What a wonderfully written, honest, and thoughtful book. Michaelson gives a thorough (but not too deep, as he notes there are plenty of other books that get deeper into the subjects) overview of the Dharma, specifically focusing on meditation and mindfulness. His inclusion of personal stories was helpful in illustrating what the path * might * look like. I especially appreciated the final section's discussion of contemplative practice in "real life".

[Juergen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good look at the continuing evolution of the Dharma in our western (North American) culture. It's an open question what the next few years will look like for contemplative practices in our world. An entire society about to burst with 'mindfulness,' hardcore practitioners seeking 'stream entry' and beyond, mindhacking and the impending advent of physical brain hacking to induce enlightenment... All possible outcomes; a mix of which is very likely.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

More like a 3.3. Feels a bit dashed-off. More of an overview, doesn't go deep or grapple with complicated questions. Which is mostly fine but it leads to misrepresentations of controversies (e.g., Daniel Ingram's arahat claim is not, IME, controversial because people don't believe he's attained the perceptual shifts he's reported; he's controversial because he took a term from Buddhism with a clear meaning, radically redefined it and then applied it to himself. Michaelson notes elsewhere in his book that certain Western Buddhist attitudes towards Eastern Buddhists are tinged with ethnocentrism and condescension, but doesn't pick up on the cultural imperialism inherent in what Ingram has done, because--it seems to me--Michaelson is positively disposed to pragmatic dharma and hence uncritical of it).

I thought the chapter on activism was good, as was his treatment of sex scandals in American zen and Tibetan communities.

If you hang around on-line Buddhist communities, none of this stuff will be particularly new.

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best overview I have yet found regarding the modern Western popularizing of Eastern practices, from a writer with considerable background, wonderfully broad insight, and an enjoyably informative command of the difficult art of conveying sublime phenomena into written language both formal and colloquial. Jay Michaelson expertly and artfully points out what can and likely will go wrong, and what can and likely will change the world for the better. He also doesn't waste the opportunity to go into what various meditative states really are, what they aren't and the open end to what they can be, offering valuable glimpses from an engagingly sympathetic, well-schooled and well-traveled perspective. An outstanding volume that is vital to the current climate and which will very likely be an important one to revisit in the future.

[Chris Hyde · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jay Michaelson has written a great book that gives insight into how Buddhism has grown in the West. In this book, he shares how Mindfulness and other meditation practices have become so popular in recent years and how Buddhism has become much more secular in the process. He shares stories of his own experiences with meditation (his deeper experiences with meditation are quite fascinating), and he gives critiques of the direction that the movements seem to be heading. He also shared personally how meditation practice has affected him and intersected with his identities as a queer, Jewish, introverted man.

I found this book to be quite interesting and recommend it to anyone with an interest in meditation and Buddhism in the current culture.

[Luke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a well rounded tour of Buddhism, balanced with the author's personal experience. I appreciate with how much candor he speaks about his sexuality and its effect on his identity. His humble take on meditative development is down to earth and inspiring. In comparison to most popular Buddhist writers who don't mind coming off as intimidating in their excellence, his writing is relatable.

[Steven Blake · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the ideal blend of theory and personal practice from a man who has ventured into Buddhism in a deep yet uncharacteristic way. the slight political detours in this book ultimately inform the message.

[Michael Fine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book on the current state and future of Buddhism in the west. Only thing it lacked for me is a chapter about psychedelic Buddhism.

[Heather Sinclair · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book started out weak, and finished strong. And by that, I mean that the first two chapters were unbelievably boring, and the author dropped names like his life depended on it (names that I didn't know, so I was both unimpressed and annoyed).

But then it got better. A lot better, and although there was still name dropping, I really enjoyed reading the book. After the first two chapters (a history of Buddhism in the U.S.), the author gets into his personal experiences, which I could finally relate to.

Well, I couldn't *really* relate, but I could *imagine* anyways (I'm a beginning meditator, not a zen master). The writing also got less condescending, more self-deprecating, and generally a lot more interesting.

I recommend this book for people who are interested in studying, practicing, or incorporating Buddhism in their lives. It gave a fresh look to something that seems shrouded in mystery, confined to mountaintop monasteries, and related it to the modern person of today (probably you, if you're reading this).

Not recommended for people who can't put up with any boring writing (because there is some) or anyone who isn't inclined to see any benefits of meditation (you'll just think the whole book in bunk).

A great read: I learned a lot, laughed a little, and have a better attitude towards meditation in general.

[David Welsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://thebuddhistcentre.com/westernb...

[Daniel Scharpenburg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely amazing. I couldn't put it down. If you have any interest in Buddhism, you should read it.

[Tim Hirtle · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are interested in meditation, this is a good book on the history & future of the practice.

[Ben]

I really liked listening to the author on a podcast so will give his book a try. He did month long monastic retreats and achieved stream entry