I’ve been a self-described Buddhist since I was 19 years old. In my late teens I began devouring books on religion and mythology, but upon reading Huston Smith’s The Religions of Man (now The World’s Religions) I knew I was a Buddhist. After college I struck out for Asia, and spent a total of eight years living in Japan, Sri Lanka and South Korea, often in the most way out and obscure of places (including a cave and a thatched hut). For most of the past decade and a half, though, I managed to distract myself with other pursuits, but of late life has been leading me back to a more intense and—I hope—mature interest in Dharma. This time I’d like it if someone else benefitted from my experiences, and so I’ve launched this blog as a platform from which I can share whatever knowledge I glean from my readings. If only one or two sentient beings benefit from this, that will be enough.
I’ve got a long reading list to work through. The books reviewed here will be about Buddhism and related topics such as yoga, non-dual philosophy, the scientific study of meditation and consciousness, and other fun stuff. I’ll be posting my reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, too. Enjoy!
Craig S. Shoemake
Hi Craig,
I’m enjoying your reviews, and would like to suggest to review this book I found interesting — “Difficult Points in Buddhism”
(http://www.amazon.com/Difficult-Points-In-Buddhism-ebook/dp/B0065R3P0Y/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_t_2)
Thanks,
Nigel
Hi Nigel,
Glad you’re enjoying the blog. This is actually the first time anyone has asked me to review a specific book. I followed the link you provided but I am not familiar with either the book or the author. I’m not presently planning to read this one, but if you want to find out more about it you might want to email the person who already did a review on Amazon. They gave it five stars, but as I’m sure you’re aware that can mean virtually anything. It all depends on what you’re looking for–introductory, advanced, scholarly, practical, or something in between. In general though I would, especially if you’re new to the field, stick with better known authors who have a solid background in Buddhism. (I’m not sure how the fact that the author “loves to party” is a recommendation….but who knows?) Anyway, good luck on your Buddhist research!
Craig
P.S. If you let me know what you’re looking for and what level you’re at, I may be able to suggest some books for you. Up to you…
Your blog is superficial twaddle and smacks of existentialist crypto-nihilism. In short, you’re a materialistic demon
I’m leaving this post here for its entertainment value. This is, I have no doubt, the work of Aryasattvan, a sort of neo-fascist so-called Buddhist non-Buddhist whose chief work in life (or at least on the web) is running around trashing other people. I am, for the second time now, the honored recipient of his vile and invective. See my (very popular!) post “Outing an Ideological Vandal” at http://buddhistbooksblog.wordpress.com/2011/11/25/outing-an-ideological-vandal/ to get the full, juicy scoop on this rather sad, strange person.