The Road Home: A Contemporary Exploration of the Buddhist Path

by Ethan Nichtern, Sharon Salzberg (Foreword)

Do you feel at home right now? Or do you sense a hovering anxiety or uncertainty, an underlying unease that makes you feel just a bit uncomfortable, a bit distracted and disconnected from those around you?

In The Road Home, Ethan Nichtern, a senior teacher in the Shambhala Buddhist tradition, investigates the journey each of us takes to find where we belong. Drawing from contemporary research on meditation and mindfulness and his experience as a Buddhist teacher and practitioner, Nichtern describes in fresh and deeply resonant terms the basic existential experience that gives rise to spiritual seeking—and also to its potentially dangerous counterpart, spiritual materialism. He reveals how our individual quests for self-awareness ripple forward into relationships, communities, and society at large. And he explains exactly how, by turning our awareness to what's happening around us and inside us, we become able to enhance our sense of connection with others and, at the same time, change for the better our individual and collective patterns of greed, apathy, and inattention.

In this wise and witty invitation to Buddhist meditation, Nichtern shows how, in order to create a truly compassionate and enlightened society, we must start with ourselves. And this means beginning by working with our own minds—in whatever state we find them in.

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

288 pages, Hardcover

First published March 5, 2015

About the author

Ethan Nichtern is a senior Buddhist teacher. He is the author of The Road Home: A Contemporary Exploration of the Buddhist Path (FSG Books, North Point, 2015) and One City: A Declaration of Interdependence (Wisdom Publications, 2007). He is also the founder and former director of The Interdependence Project, an organization dedicated to Buddhist-inspired meditation and psychology, transformational activism, mindful arts, and meaningful media. He teaches and lectures around the world and is based in New York City.

Reviews

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Because my Buddhism includes the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, Jedis and unicorns.

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

An accessible, clear, funny and intelligent introduction to some of the key concepts in Buddhism. The book blends traditional Buddhist thought with modern day neuroscience, ethics and social justice concepts to really contextualise ancient teachings into the modern day. I cannot recommend this book enough.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

More of the same Buddhist content but watered down Buddhism-lite for millennials. At least the author references the masters. He can practice Buddhism his own way, but whatever he believes, he is inconsequential and wrong- it is in fact a religion. This book represents true western spiritual materialism to claim a cultural practice as ethics or philosophy. This is pretty gutsy from a 3rd generation practitioner. I perceive his renaming classic Buddhist terms (awake-ism for Buddhism and heartmind for awareness) as arrogant. His own interpretation is Buddhism as a purely secular practice but he fails to acknowledge that it is practiced very differently outside the Shambhala system. Little more than cultural appropriation.

[Jerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this book. If you have even a passing interesting interest in mindfulness or meditation and how these map onto your modern life, give this a read. Incredible insights and highly relatable writing. "True friendship and intimacy take shape only when we are present enough to experience more than just one narrative, as well as to participate in our shared human experiences."

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great and very accessible introduction to and overview of a version of Tibetan Buddhism as practiced in America. I love the way Ethan illustrates the various concepts - he is a master at descriptive metaphor. This book really covers it all - great read.

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ethan has done it again! A wonderful read. The book takes you on a contemporary journey through Buddhist concepts, meditation options and ways to find balance, sanity, homeostasis and value in one's life. The book reflects Ethan's own personal style: kind, compassionate, accessible, knowledgeable, insightful and skillful. Bringing to light the importance of personal responsibility and interdependence, along with embracing the world as part of our practice, are spot on if we want to live our lives as "not for profit humans". The only thing better than this book, is reading it, and then seeing Ethan Nichtern in person, discussing it!

[Rob Hermanowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ethan Nichtern has written a wonderful book that will greatly appeal to anyone interested in the increasingly popular exploration of mindfulness, meditation, and Buddhist philosophy and psychology. He strikes just the right balance of practicality and scholarship. Nichtern's chapter called "Religion, Secularism, and a Sacred Path" is perhaps the best discussion of how modern Buddhist practices fall on the secular to spiritual continuum. The author quite competently reads his own audiobook, but I was so impressed that I subsequently bought the hardcover edition as well, for future reference. Very highly recommended!

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re curious about Buddhism and meditation, but find the language of spiritual books too woo woo or impenetrable, this book is for you. In this smart, funny and very accessible guide to contemporary Buddhism, Ethan Nichtern breaks down Buddhist concepts like karma and The Four Noble Truths in clear, contemporary language—and with a few Star Wars images. More important, he offers a helpful guide to anyone who is feeling ill at ease in the world. Whether or not it makes you a Buddhist, THE ROAD HOME will provide a clear-sighted path through of the confusion of modern life.

[Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good primer on meditation and the Shambhala Buddhist tradition. I found the central metaphor - of how to "rest in the gap" between feeling and reacting - compelling, and, potentially, quite useful. Thanks, R.R.!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear and concise, full of humorous and touching vignettes. A broad yet highly accessible overview of the Buddhist teachings and how to apply them to be a little more present for your life.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some interesting and valuable points; however the breakdown/structure and long winded sentence fillers made it very difficult to follow for long in one sitting. (Hence the start-finish dates!)

2.5/5

[Brad McKenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's so much I can say about this book. But I think that, like Buddhism says, you shouldn't take my word for it you should try it yourself. That said, here are three quotes to give you an idea of what you'll be trying.

“There is no Buddhist teaching, for example, on the appropriate use of internet porn.” (85)

This is a deceptively profound example of how Buddhist teachings need to be (and are) adapted to the present day. It shows not only how Buddhism changes as it moves from place to place (India to China to The West, etc) but also how it changes at it moves through time. Yet how it remains a great guide for life. Note that he's saying "appropriate use". Interesting, no?


“When we make everything about black and white, friend and foe, right and wrong, we turn our ideas into concrete prisons that cannot adequately prepare us for the fluidity of life.” (143)

This ties into two opinions I've developed over the years. First, the middle path (aka moderation) is more beneficial than extremes (aka seeing everything in black and white). Second, It's far too easy to blame a person, to condemn them for an action, even a deplorable one. I feel its more beneficial to everyone if we focus on the action. Don't hate the person, hate the action. Don't hate the player hate the game. Actually you probably shouldn't hate anything but don't be disappointed in the player be disappointed in the game don't have the same ring to it...

“..it is only when we take pride in what we have to offer that we can become truly generous; if we don’t value ourselves, then we have nothing to offer others.” (212)

This one resonated deeply. I'm always putting others first. That's really not a humble brag either. I find myself worn out by giving too much of myself. It was nearly mind blowing to read that being selfish at times can actually be a selfless act.

Anyway, those are my three highlights. If you want to know more of my thoughts, message me and I'll share more.

[Geoffrey Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provides an approachable introduction to the Shambhala tradition of Buddhism and useful advice on how to be a practicing Buddhist in 21st Century Western societies. I particularly like that Nichtern is a socially engaged Buddhist, and he provides a structural analysis of how interlocking systems of racial, sexist, classist, and other types of oppression stem from greed, ignorance, and delusion at a social level. Too many Western Buddhist authors shy away from linking Buddhist teachings on emptiness, interdependence, and compassion to the broader social and political context, weakening the power of their message. If there's one thing that I would have liked to have seen in the book, it would be a deeper discussion of how to adapt Buddhist beliefs and practices to a Western cultural context without reproducing the very hierarchies he criticizes, particularly when it comes to race and gender. The alienation people of color (including but not limited to many Asian-Americans who come from Buddhist family backgrounds) feel within white Buddhist communities, the revelations of sexual impropriety in the Shambhala community (admittedly these didn't come out until after the book was released, but it's not as though the teacher-student relationship couldn't create predictable problems), and the difficulties of accessing Buddhist communities for people who lack financial resources required to attend retreats are some of the problems that Western Buddhists need to confront if they are going to take their teachings seriously.

That being said, I found this an enjoyable, quick read, and I'm excited to learn more about the Shambhala lineage and tantra as a result of Nichtern's introduction.

[Lauren Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is definitely not a beginners guide to Buddhist philosophy. I felt very out of my depth as someone with no background in Buddhism. That being said, there was SO MUCH great info that Im rereading it to absorb more. I listened to the audio version... I didnt care for his narration as I felt it lacked inflection, but it did make it easy to go back and relisten instead of feeling trapped rereading the same paragraph as often happens with dense books. The author does NOT view Buddhism from a religious viewpoint, and this is a great read as part of a moral philosophy journey. I also think he conveys understanding that people are starting from very different points, and is compassionate in his narrative towards all different people.

[Joshua Lawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Road Home is a thoroughly engaging introduction to the Buddhist path in terms that are familiar to Western readers. The author, Ethan Nichtern, captured my attention right away with an apt description of life as most people experience it: As one long, lonely commute throughout which we rarely penetrate the surface of human existence. Spiritual seekers who come to this book with an open mind will find much to guide them along the way to a deeper state of being in the world, one that begins with a new self-awareness and proceeds to a mindful transformation of all their human relationships.

[Karl Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I've been practicing Buddhism for four years now and have heard a lot of the topics discussed in the book several times, but there were still elements I took away from the book and topics I now have a better grasp of. I'd recommend it to friends and family who wanted to understand how traditional Buddhism and meditation applies to contemporary times and our culture. I liked specifically his discussion around the three practices of personal, interpersonal and cultural/systematic awareness and awakening. This was also a great critique of our capitalistic, consumer culture from an interconnected and Buddhist perspective of the world.

[Stephen Dages · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall decent book! I think it was a strong start but became a little tiresome and repetitive. Definitely a unique perspective and I appreciate Ethan’s attempt to “contemporize” Buddhism and reconcile the tradition to western culture. To be honest though, it felt quite unrealistic at times given the drastic difference between these two ethos. I do appreciate the focus on social action and connecting Buddhist principles to justice - this was a relatively new idea to me and quieted some reservations I previously had about the Buddhist philosophy of detachment and how this can lead to complicity.

[Myles · Rating 3 out of 5]

An insightful, secular, vivid, and relatively broad overview of Buddhism in action. A highlight: Nichtern analogizes our imagination muscle to a movie theater projector. Accordingly, often unbeknownst to present awareness, our "unconscious" mind or "monkey mind" repeats narratives which are unquestioned, unchallenged, and self-limiting. Remedy: Tantric Buddhist visualization practices. An emphasis on the quotidian is adroit.

Unfortunately, the inclusion of practical, procedural knowledge or resources is mostly absent.

An excellent introductory text.

[Adam Zuwerink · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed how this book was written in a different style and focus than most of the other philosophical Buddhist books I have read. You won't find in-depth discussions of things like 8-fold paths or 5 paramitas, but you will find a well-argued defense of how Buddhist thoughts can shape our minute by minute interactions with the modern Western world.

With much less of a focus on the "how" or "when" to practice, it is a brilliant attempt to explain how a Buddhist worldview springs forth from our inner lives into our personal relationships, and then into societal interconnectedness.

[James Crouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Generally, a very good book on the Buddhist path. I deducted a star because of a long rant about the importance of not calling Buddhism a religion. I don't think it's important or bad to call Buddhism a religion. It's a matter of semantics. The author maintains that it can only lead to dogmatic and inflexible thinking. Calling Buddhism "Buddhism" can lead to dogmatism. Any label can do that but it doesn't have to.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I kept my pencil handy every time I picked up this book, and realized each time that I wanted to underline EVERY sentence!! Ethan writes for the modern mind, making often hard-to-teach principles accessible and interesting. He bring levity and a soft sense of humor to the material. I don't usually re-read books, but I have a feeling this will be the exception. A must read for anyone interested in Buddhism or just waking up!

[Bennett Barouch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear, modern, very approchable

This book bridges the gap between ancient teachings and modern living much better than most. The authors is simultaneously an expert and a humble and self-deprecating human being. Nothing dry and esoteric here. Nothing preachy or unrealistic or out of step with life in the real world. Helpful ideas about more fully connecting with self and with community.

[John Lau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ethan Nichtern is one of my favourite buddhism author and this book provides his insight to the buddhist path.

I personally enjoyed the read as it pointed out a lot of my blindspots. Although Buddhism doesn't necessarily guarantee happy life, it always gives me a sense of satisfaction knowing that there are always choices in life.

[Jen Hitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for people who don't know that much about Buddhism. The author does a great job of making the concepts understandable. The book address popular issues and "myths" about issues current to Buddhism in the USA.

[Sonia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is very honest. A great practical guide to anyone interested in meditation and mindfulness. One star off for continuously dismissing economics as a way of thinking (being connected and spreading positivity can enter your utility too!), but then I’m an economist :)

[Bruce Pywell · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books on modern buddhism I've read. Insightful, encompassing and does a great job of relating the practice to our role in wider society. Something I have found missing in many other books in this area.

[Val · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirerende en hedendaagse kijk op het boeddhisme met heerlijke inzichten in de beoefening van de kunst van het leven en ons verbindende mens-zijn. Ontwapenend, hoofd- en hartopenend en doorweven met enkel praktische richtlijnen waarmee je zeker verder kunt én wilt.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously, this is the BEST book on Buddhism I've ever read, and one of the best nonfiction books I've read as well. It inspired me to start meditating again.

[Christianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical and inspirational look at Buddhism for the 21st Century.

[Ross Cohen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thoughtful and heartfelt vision for Buddhism in America.