Buddhism is a Religion: You Can Believe It

by David Brazier

The Buddha is still speaking to us from thousands of years ago. How can we best hear his message? How can we take his teachings to heart and live more contented, wholesome and meaningful lives? In this book, David Brazier warns that we are in danger of gravely misunderstanding the Buddha. In minimising or overlooking the metaphysical, religious foundation of his teachings, we are reducing his message to mere techniques. Through themes such as worship, belief and emptiness, Brazier shows us the vital importance of understanding Buddhism as a Religion. This book tells us that the most important thing Buddhism has to offer is lost when we reject its religious heart.

204 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 17, 2014

About the author

authority on Buddhist psychology, spiritual teacher, Buddhist priest, commentator, author, poet, psychotherapist, traveller, President of Instituto terrapin Zen internacional (ITZI), Head of the Amida Order, co-ordinator of the Eleusis centre in France, patron of the Tathagata Trust in India, has written nine books and many chapters, papers and articles.

Reviews

[Martin Mistry-Ratcliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very relevant today, and is very brave and bold in challenging the fashionable idea that buddhism isn't a religion. In doing so, he clears the way for an vision of buddhism that is open minded and big hearted and stimulates and engages the emotions and imagination. The writer does this in while showing empathy and understanding towards modern trends.

It's a wonderful balance to, say, the work of Stephen Batchelor, who is popular for suggesting that true dharma practice is not a religion.

I think it's an interesting debate and this book will provide much stimulation.

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It cleared up some misconceptions I had about Buddhism, like it being mainly about meditation, self-powered practices, and even physicalism. Many people in the West arrogantly look down on all those millions of Asian Buddhists who practice devotions, go to temples, pray. We think that our pared down, self-effort form of Buddhism is the true one, and that the former is just superstitions. David Brazier in this book shows that this notion just isn't correct.