Mindful Politics: A Buddhist Guide to Making the World a Better Place

by Melvin McLeod (Editor)

"I've studied politics my entire life. It's been because of my time working on this book that I've finally learned what's really important in politics." So says Melvin McLeod, editor of Mindful Politics , a book that transcends Right and Left, progressive and conservative, to get to the heart of what how we can all make a positive difference in our complex political world.

This is not your typical political book. It's not written at a fever pitch, it doesn't use a good/bad binary, and it doesn't tout partisan policies. Instead, this timely collection addresses the less-discussed but more important questions about What insight does religion have to offer politics? How can we as concerned citizens move beyond the particulars of legislation and party affiliation, and take direct action? How, amid divisive and challenging times, can personal growth and effective advocacy take place together?

In short, Mindful Politics offers the perspectives of 34 important authors and thinkers on how each of us, right now, can make the world a better place.

McLeod includes essays and insights from some of the brightest, and most controversial, lights of Buddhism - and beyond.

Included

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, Religion, Buddhism, Philosophy, Spirituality

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Sher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book when George Bush Jr was president, and I read it this past week. Timely still. Covers Buddhist perspectives on social justice, politics, and how to engage in civic action from a Buddhist viewpoint. It helps if you already are familiar with the basics of Buddhist teachings- Theravadin, Mahayana, and Tibetan writers contribute. I highly recommend this book, if you are yearning for an understanding beyond "us" versus "them," and if you are looking for a way to respond to the current incredible divisions in this country. Want to go beyond Republican and Democrat, try this book for other ways of dealing with the current political and social crises in America. p.s. it's a series of essays divided by View, Practice, and Action. Well known writers such as Thich Nhat Hanh , The Dalai Lama, and Thanissaro Bhikku, and western Buddhists such as Joseph Goldstein. Comforting, though provoking, and helps you continue on in your civic engagement with an Eastern outlook.

[Tristan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I doubt the kind of person who would feel compelled to read this would actually benefit from it. Only a few of the essays were worthwhile; most seemed naive or too adjective-laden with buzzword Buddhist clichés to land with me. I should have used my time meditating instead.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted to hear both sides this election year - this book helped.

[T · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This book is a collection of essays that are wildly inconsistent in their quality. I’d say 13 out of the 29 are worth reading. Perhaps 3-4 are deeply insightful. The rest feels like your basic Buddhist 101 introductory remarks but with token references to world politics. In other words, there is a lot of overlap and filler.

I give this book credit however for including feminist and race-conscious perspectives. This book was my first exposure to the notion that, despite a deep attention to suffering in an individual level, Buddhists tend to overlook *institutional* suffering (e.g. racism in the criminal justice system or white/male privilege) and the path to its cessation. That exposure has broadened the scope of how I apply my mindfulness.

I wish there had been a greater representation of Theravada perspectives. The book has one essay by Thanissaro Bhikkhu, which was worthwhile. Sam Harris’s fantastic article was - to my eye - an analysis in the vein of Bhuddadasa Bhikkhu. That’s basically it; only 7% of the book.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will have to reread this book annually to absorb all its wisdom.

[Mike · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too Eurocentric for my taste, LOL

[Erin]

I skipped around from essay to essay. I suppose it is not mindful reading. I enjoyed the parts that I read and it would be worth reading and considering for anyone. I'd like to pick it up again when I am not distracted by other books. The subject matter deserves my full attention.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this more and more the farther I got into it. My favorite essays were No Color, All Colors and Killing the Buddha. I don't know if the first essays were just more theoretical or if I just got better tuned into the ideas. Maybe I became more mindful.