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Buddhism: A Way of Life & Thought
Explains the origins, development and basic principles of the religion followed by nearly one-quarter of the people on earth.
223 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 1980
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
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May 10, 2013This book was assigned by my college Professor to read as part of a class on religions of Asia and Japan. I hadn't read much until I needed to use it for a report, but I'm glad I did; it was interesting and enjoyable!
It's certainly a good introduction to Buddhism, though it doesn't cover every branch in-depth (Pure Land, Nichiren, etc.) like we discussed in the classroom. The book's main focus is upon Theravada/Hinayana (Mahayana is mentioned, but given no dedicated chapter), Tibetan, and Zen Buddhism. Other forms (Nichiren, Pure Land) are mentioned, but there are no dedicated chapters to these specific branches. For me, this is the only real downside of the book; I would have liked to see more about these various branches.
I would recommend this piece as more of a companion book than an introductory book because of that mentioned above; by time I was reading it, I had already been introduced to and recognized these branches in class, but it did certainly help to better shape my understanding or misconceptions of those schools of Buddhism discussed (one relatively strong point, as it would sometimes correct my incorrect perception of an idea as I read).
Pictures are also occasionally included.
Therefore, I can't review this as an absolute novice of Buddhism, but I would still recommend it. For westerners, especially, it may be interesting in that the book was written by a former Christian who became a Buddhist; this offers, as readers will see, an interesting point of view when discussing Buddhism (on the occasions when the author speaks of more personal opinion or experience). In this way, it is approached from the view of not a purely objective or scientific approach, but more so that of one who wishes to convey better understanding of the concepts.
So, if you're looking for a relatively small, enjoyable book which will introduce to you (or better yet, compliment your novice studies of) the basic concepts of Buddhism, I'd recommend this book!
It's certainly a good introduction to Buddhism, though it doesn't cover every branch in-depth (Pure Land, Nichiren, etc.) like we discussed in the classroom. The book's main focus is upon Theravada/Hinayana (Mahayana is mentioned, but given no dedicated chapter), Tibetan, and Zen Buddhism. Other forms (Nichiren, Pure Land) are mentioned, but there are no dedicated chapters to these specific branches. For me, this is the only real downside of the book; I would have liked to see more about these various branches.
I would recommend this piece as more of a companion book than an introductory book because of that mentioned above; by time I was reading it, I had already been introduced to and recognized these branches in class, but it did certainly help to better shape my understanding or misconceptions of those schools of Buddhism discussed (one relatively strong point, as it would sometimes correct my incorrect perception of an idea as I read).
Pictures are also occasionally included.
Therefore, I can't review this as an absolute novice of Buddhism, but I would still recommend it. For westerners, especially, it may be interesting in that the book was written by a former Christian who became a Buddhist; this offers, as readers will see, an interesting point of view when discussing Buddhism (on the occasions when the author speaks of more personal opinion or experience). In this way, it is approached from the view of not a purely objective or scientific approach, but more so that of one who wishes to convey better understanding of the concepts.
So, if you're looking for a relatively small, enjoyable book which will introduce to you (or better yet, compliment your novice studies of) the basic concepts of Buddhism, I'd recommend this book!
August 21, 2012
An amazingly insightful and brief introduction to one of the world's greatest systems of thought. It treats it's subject with real love, yet has the perspective to not get lost in the details or the superfluous. I found a particular strength of the book in the measured way that it compared and contrasted Buddhist thought with the Christianity that I'm more familiar with. In other words, read this.
November 12, 2016
This was an interesting read filled with history as well as theory and practice of the religion.
April 28, 2010
An excellent overview of Buddhism, in all its many rich traditions and cultures. It explains the basic philosophy in a very straightforward way, followed by an extensive focus of the three most common forms encountered by Westerners: Theravada, Tibetan, and Zen. The first and third of these I found to be thorough and easy to follow, but I found its explanation of Tibetan Buddhism to be confusing. I'm not sure if that's because Tibetan Buddhism is so mysterious, or if it's just this author's explanation of it. I was also turned off by the author's obvious belief in claims of superhuman feats by Tibetan Buddhists, such as the ability to float in mid-air, or to open ones own skull. Otherwise, it was a great book, and it explained a lot of things about Buddhism that had always confused me.
February 26, 2008
I appreciated this book in its simplicity, and for the ground covered. It's not a history of Buddhism, but goes into detail describing each "brand" of the religion and how it is interpreted in different parts of the world. I now understand much more about its overarching tenets, versus the tenets of each branch.
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February 5, 2013It gives you a basic understanding of Buddhism and the different types. If you're interested in knowing the thought or philosophy behind Buddhism; then this book is a good place to start.
June 26, 2013
This is a grand read, very interesting and well written.
November 25, 2017
Informative and interesting. If you would like to learn more about the history of Buddhism this book is a great place to start.
July 24, 2025
Informative
October 26, 2021
The first book on Buddhism I read, long ago, describing the Buddha’s life, general precepts of Buddhism, and three of its branches – Hinayana, Tibetan, and Zen. It’s illustrated and I found it to be a great introduction then, and a great refresher now.
Quotes:
On death, quoting Evans-Wentz:
“To die in a hospital, probably while under the mind-benumbing influence of some opiate, or else under the stimulation of some drug injected into the body to enable the dying to cling to life as long as possible, cannot but be productive of a very undesirable death, as undesirable as that of a shell-shocked soldier on a battlefield.”
On enlightenment, and the symbol of the yab-yum (actually quoting Fosco Maraini):
“What fantastic imagination, what metaphysical daring, to represent the most abstract possible concept, a concept definable only by negatives, like mathematical infinity, by the most concrete, the most carnal picture that it is possible to imagine; to symbolize that which is without beginning and without end by that which is par excellence ephemeral and fugitive; to identify extreme serenity with extreme passion, the crystal light of the stars with the fire of love, the invisible and the intangible with the intoxication of the senses; and to recall the oneness of the universe, to awareness of which the mind only rarely attains, as a result of supreme effort, in a flash of illumination, by a representation of the moment in which all thought is lost in the most complete annihilation.”
On nature:
“..in the annals of Chinese Zen, the anecdote of the Ch’an Master Huen Sha, who was about to begin a talk to his pupils when a bird on a nearby bough burst into song. After listening raptly to the bird until it flew away, Huen Sha dutifully ascended his dais, only to descend again with the dry remark that the sermon for the day had already been given.”
On opinions:
“Emptiness is a positive rather than a negative concept. The early stages of Zen training stress ‘Empty the Mind.’ Sometimes the aspirant is advised to ‘Take as thought the thought of No-thought.’ Or it may be suggested that he not seek so hard after the ‘truth,’ but simply begin by ‘ceasing to cherish opinions.’” Damn, such profound words, and so hard to practice.
Quotes:
On death, quoting Evans-Wentz:
“To die in a hospital, probably while under the mind-benumbing influence of some opiate, or else under the stimulation of some drug injected into the body to enable the dying to cling to life as long as possible, cannot but be productive of a very undesirable death, as undesirable as that of a shell-shocked soldier on a battlefield.”
On enlightenment, and the symbol of the yab-yum (actually quoting Fosco Maraini):
“What fantastic imagination, what metaphysical daring, to represent the most abstract possible concept, a concept definable only by negatives, like mathematical infinity, by the most concrete, the most carnal picture that it is possible to imagine; to symbolize that which is without beginning and without end by that which is par excellence ephemeral and fugitive; to identify extreme serenity with extreme passion, the crystal light of the stars with the fire of love, the invisible and the intangible with the intoxication of the senses; and to recall the oneness of the universe, to awareness of which the mind only rarely attains, as a result of supreme effort, in a flash of illumination, by a representation of the moment in which all thought is lost in the most complete annihilation.”
On nature:
“..in the annals of Chinese Zen, the anecdote of the Ch’an Master Huen Sha, who was about to begin a talk to his pupils when a bird on a nearby bough burst into song. After listening raptly to the bird until it flew away, Huen Sha dutifully ascended his dais, only to descend again with the dry remark that the sermon for the day had already been given.”
On opinions:
“Emptiness is a positive rather than a negative concept. The early stages of Zen training stress ‘Empty the Mind.’ Sometimes the aspirant is advised to ‘Take as thought the thought of No-thought.’ Or it may be suggested that he not seek so hard after the ‘truth,’ but simply begin by ‘ceasing to cherish opinions.’” Damn, such profound words, and so hard to practice.
March 1, 2023
Nancy Wilson Ross offers a comprehensive introduction to the history, practices, and concepts of Buddhism.
The first chapter goes over the story of Siddhartha, as well as a general introduction to Buddhism. The last three chapters go over three different branches of Buddhism (Theravada, Mahayana, and Zen Buddhism) along with their geographical intricacies.
Ross seems to present Buddhism faithfully to the so called Western reader. She is constantly bringing up Wester thinkers, philosophers, as well as religious and examples, as a counterpoint to contrast with Buddhism. As someone who study’s philosophy, I really enjoyed when she compared Buddhist thought to figures like David Hume among others.
It’s difficult for me to say how faithful or accurate her representation is. She seems very careful to not simplify Buddhism. She rightly treats Buddhism as a Religion and Philosophy, without sacrificing Buddhism’s regional mystical aspects. Sometimes she borders on treating Buddhism and Buddhist figures as ‘too’ peaceful, which could be problematic. However, she constantly treats the topic with the respect and research it deserves.
The first chapter goes over the story of Siddhartha, as well as a general introduction to Buddhism. The last three chapters go over three different branches of Buddhism (Theravada, Mahayana, and Zen Buddhism) along with their geographical intricacies.
Ross seems to present Buddhism faithfully to the so called Western reader. She is constantly bringing up Wester thinkers, philosophers, as well as religious and examples, as a counterpoint to contrast with Buddhism. As someone who study’s philosophy, I really enjoyed when she compared Buddhist thought to figures like David Hume among others.
It’s difficult for me to say how faithful or accurate her representation is. She seems very careful to not simplify Buddhism. She rightly treats Buddhism as a Religion and Philosophy, without sacrificing Buddhism’s regional mystical aspects. Sometimes she borders on treating Buddhism and Buddhist figures as ‘too’ peaceful, which could be problematic. However, she constantly treats the topic with the respect and research it deserves.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews