Does Buddhism require faith? Can an atheist or agnostic follow the Buddha’s teachings without believing in reincarnation or organized religion? This is one man’s confession. In his classic Buddhism Without Beliefs; Stephen Batchelor offered a profound; secular approach to the teachings of the Buddha that struck an emotional chord with Western readers. Now; with the same brilliance and boldness of thought; he paints a groundbreaking portrait of the historical Buddha—told from the author’s unique perspective as a former Buddhist monk and modern seeker. Drawing from the original Pali Canon; the seminal collection of Buddhist discourses compiled after the Buddha’s death by his followers; Batchelor shows us the Buddha as a flesh-and-blood man who looked at life in a radically new way. Batchelor also reveals the everyday challenges and doubts of his own devotional journey—from meeting the Dalai Lama in India; to training as a Zen monk in Korea; to finding his path as a lay teacher of Buddhism living in France. Both controversial and deeply personal; Stephen Batchelor’s refreshingly doctrine-free; life-informed account is essential reading for anyone interested in Buddhism.
#1095927 in Books Peter D Epiro Mary Desmond Pinkowish 1998-12-01 1998-12-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 7.80 x 1.50 x 5.10l; 1.28 #File Name: 0385490623560 pagesWhat Are the Seven Wonders of the World And 100 Other Great Cultural Lists Fully Explicated
Review
22 of 23 people found the following review helpful. fun and informative book of cultural listsBy audrey francesThis fun book contains a hundred and one lists organized by number. For example; the chapter known as "Four" includes the following: What are the four voyages of Lemuel Gulliver? What are the four conic sections? What are the four sections of a symphony orchestra? etc.Chapters are: Three; Four; Five; Six; Seven; Eight; Nine; Ten; Eleven; Twelve; Thirteen; Fourteen; Fifteen; Eighteen; Twenty and Twenty-Four. What makes the book more than just a quiz generator is the lengthy explanatory text; anywhere from three to eighteen pages. These pithy essays entertain and inform; and add greatly to the volume's enjoyment. Some questions are really obscure -- what were the five rivers of the classical underworld; anyway? -- but even the easier ones can leave you scratching your head and cursing your memory. Didn't I used to know all this stuff? Then; after you knock yourself on the head and shout "Of course!"; you will have the pleasure of reading a well-written essay by a co-author or one of a small number of contributors.There is also a fourteen page suggested reading list; organized by subject; that includes music and URLs. Rounded out with a good index; this is very nicely done and lots of fun.7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Fun overview of significant cultural and historical lists.By M. E. VolmarThis informative; fascinating and entertaining volume presents; in a question-and-answer format; a compendium of 101 easy-to-memorize lists from the fields of history; mythology; religion; literature; art; music; mathematics and science; which are considered to be of great significance for our culture.Each question is well-organized according to the number of items in its answer; which can vary from three (Who where the 3 Magi; and what gifts did they bring?) to twenty-four (What are the 24 letter of the ancient Greek alphabet?).Each precise answer; instead of giving a mere list; is accompanied by an engrossing essay that places the list in its cultural and historical context and details some well-researched facts about it that aid our understanding of its meaning.As a bonus; for those interested in doing further research in a specific topic; the book offers a list of suggested reading; which includes books as well as Web site addresses. A very thorough index is also offered for those interested in looking for a particular subject.Overall; this is a practical; charming and pleasurable reference to either consult or flip through; recommended for readers of all ages eager to explore our culture's most captivating lists; series and hierarchies.--Reviewed by M. E. Volmar0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. I love this book!By PingoI currently own 3 copies so I can always have one on hand. Excellent choice for learned league; quizbowl; or trivia aficionados! Trivia geeks; rejoice!
