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Engaged Buddhist Reader
The Engaged Buddhist Reader is a collection of the most prominent voices of engaged Buddhism.
264 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 1999
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
June 12, 2019
Some authors were interesting and entertaining at the same time, others were less. It's kind of difficult to assess the book from this point of view. I am glad I read it, it reminded me of some basic aspects of buddhism I forgot. I'm more of a zenbuddhist to say, so perhaps others liked the book more.
March 2, 2016
A good example of this book's approach to activism, from Thich Nhat Hanh: "Smiling is very important. It is not by going out for a demonstration that we can bring about peace. It is with our capacity of smiling, breathing, and being peace that we make peace."
Throughout these essays by mindfulness and Buddhist teachers, one learns a different angle on the kinds of political, social, and environmental actions and activism that are possible in this world. The book calls on Buddhism's foremost practitioners, with contributors ranging from the Dalai Lama to Jack Korfield, from Gary Snyder to Robert Aitkin to Shunryu Suzuki. There is a truly vast wealth of wisdom packed into this book, and every essay applies it to the project of acting on behalf of life on earth.
As Gary Snyder says so forcefully in his essay, we can no longer afford to ignore what goes on in our world; each of us must find a way to contribute something. Over and over, the essays stress compassion as the chief ingredient to mindful activism, and there is good food here for inspiration on that path.
This book works great as a point of departure to deeper engagement with the world, and it points to this deeper engagement in as many different ways as there are essayists. There are so many ways to bring a mindfulness practice out into the world for life-affirming change. I recommend this to any practitioner who either wants to engage more, or who is already in full swing. It will bring affirmation and perspective.
Throughout these essays by mindfulness and Buddhist teachers, one learns a different angle on the kinds of political, social, and environmental actions and activism that are possible in this world. The book calls on Buddhism's foremost practitioners, with contributors ranging from the Dalai Lama to Jack Korfield, from Gary Snyder to Robert Aitkin to Shunryu Suzuki. There is a truly vast wealth of wisdom packed into this book, and every essay applies it to the project of acting on behalf of life on earth.
As Gary Snyder says so forcefully in his essay, we can no longer afford to ignore what goes on in our world; each of us must find a way to contribute something. Over and over, the essays stress compassion as the chief ingredient to mindful activism, and there is good food here for inspiration on that path.
This book works great as a point of departure to deeper engagement with the world, and it points to this deeper engagement in as many different ways as there are essayists. There are so many ways to bring a mindfulness practice out into the world for life-affirming change. I recommend this to any practitioner who either wants to engage more, or who is already in full swing. It will bring affirmation and perspective.
August 3, 2015
An excellent read for those interested in Buddhism applying to the "real" world. There are fun and playful insights into the condition of our society, but also giving serious consideration to the common thread of Buddhism regardless of what sect/branch one may be interested in.
July 20, 2008
They should really call it engaged optimism.
November 2, 2011
Great passages by various authors
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews