Every year; children and adults alike take to the streets dressed as witches; demons; animals; celebrities; and more. They carve pumpkins and play pranks; and the braver ones watch scary movies and go on ghost tours. There are parades; fireworks displays; cornfield mazes; and haunted houses—and; most important; copious amounts of bite-sized candy. The popularity of Halloween has spread around the globe to places as diverse as Russia; China; and Japan; but its association with death and the supernatural and its inevitable commercialization has made it one of our most misunderstood holidays. How did it become what it is today?
#2228650 in Books 2016-01-26Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.25 x .75 x 6.00l; .0 #File Name: 1634502892208 pages
Review
24 of 25 people found the following review helpful. Enlightened read! Informative and thorough. Fantastic book!By Emerson TaylorI've read a lot of books on Buddhism but never one that I felt was this good at explaining Buddhism to a non-Buddhist. I feel this is the perfect Buddhist book that has been sorely lacking in our American literature and culture. Clearly the author seems to be a very well informed and deeply spiritual person but also practical and extremely engaged in trying to help the reader understand the differences in 3 popular sects of Buddhism in America. I really love that I can feel both the passion and compassion in this writing.I loved the introduction where the author really showed us his human side and let us get an inside view into his introduction into Buddhism. I think anyone who has a self-effacing attitude and can be real is always a gem - so kudos to the author for that! It was also very refreshing that the author; Jeff Ourvan; who practices Nichiren Buddhism seems able to impartially view the different practices and allow the reader to come to their own conclusions. He states his reasonings for practicing the Buddhism he has chosen but does so in a very informative and respectful manner. Again; what a satisfyingly refreshing and enlightened read.I really appreciated the explanation of the mentor disciple relationship in Buddhism as that has always confused me. The author's own explanation of his experience in selecting a mentor was helpful. I also am always very interested in what kind of person wrote this book; being a fledging writer myself; and I really like how he ended it by saying "I now live with my new wife; our three children; and; in my heart; my mentor on our mundane and exquisitely ordinary own little island of dharma." And then he goes on to say how he is able to strive for his own happiness daily through his Buddhist chanting. Very cool!The only other review on here was written by a Dave Balschum that is a very strange review of the book. It seems he got offended by the book; which is weird to me because I perceived the book to be very balanced. This reader; Dave; seems to have an agenda and it is unfortunate he; who is a Buddhist? maybe; has such harsh judgement; it seems personal? To me this seems to be the antithesis of Buddhism from what I understand of it. Also; this reader didn't really review the book. Enough on that but was worth mentioning since it is the only other review on here so far.All and all I would highly and enthusiastically recommend this book to anyone who is even remotely interested in understanding Buddhism in America. I have already ordered a couple to send as gifts. I would like to say "Kudos" to the publisher for publishing this type of book. And I commend the author for personal; insightful; informative and very human heart to heart writing.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Friendly But ForthrightBy A. C. KerrJeff Ourvan does a nice job of presenting a friendly but forthright picture of Buddhism in the US; in a kind of whirlwind view of three kinds of Buddhism that have taken hold here. The portrayal is sympathetic; but never shies away from scandals or controversies that some apologists have scanted. As a member of SGI I appreciated his in-depth look at Nichiren Buddhism; which sometimes gets short shrift in surveys of Buddhist America. As a former practitioner of Theravada/Vipassana; though; I was a little disappointed to see that part of the Buddhist-American picture given only a passing footnote. I was under the impression that it had also grown deep roots in America -- but that might be my skewed perspective. All-in-all; a good read for curious outsiders; Buddhist newbies; and old-timers alike.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A Unique; Important and Entertaining Read. Enjoyed it so much!By LorrieGay MarlowIt was the witty cover art that first got my attention. But it was the galvanizing read and the totally fair-minded and enlightening writing that kept me highlighting; writing in and dog-earing this book. Having practiced Nichiren Buddhism for decades; I had to admit I still had only the most cursory knowledge of how these three most familiar variations of Buddhism in America varied; making me less than able to answer questions. It was fascinating and very encouraging to see both the important differences and the many commonalities. The author has arranged the material really cleanly. A series of topics and then each of the three explained in terms of THAT topic alone. What I loved is that he NEVER pits them against each other; simply and entertainingly lays out the background and tenets of each so the reader can form their own views and - if they want - their own comparisons. JUST - SO - GOOOOOD!
