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Unmasking Buddhism
UNMASKING BUDDHISM Can we talk of Buddhism as a unified religion or are there many Buddhisms? Is Buddhism a religion of tolerance and pacifism as many people think? Is Buddhism a religion without god(s)? Or is it more of a philosophy than a religion? Renowned Buddhist scholar Bernard Faure answers these and other questions about the basic history, beliefs and nature of Buddhism in easy-to-understand language. It is an ideal introduction for anyone who has unanswered questions about one of the world’s largest and most popular religions.
170 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 5, 2018
This book looks at the history & practice of Buddhism in order to try to reveal what Buddhists actually think and believe. It also examines the many Western myths around the religion and tries to determine the true picture.
As nice as it is to believe that Buddhism is a non-religious religion and provides the tools to allow anyone to live a 'spiritual' life, this is not necessarily true, at least not for millions of practicing Buddhists, mainly in Asia, for whom it is a living religions with a pantheon of gods and demons. 'Neo-Buddhism' of the West may indeed be able to help people with its use of mindfulness, meditation and other practices, but the rationalistic interpretation is relatively modern and would be unrecognisable to many practising Buddhists.
This is a fascinating book on a complex topic and has given much food for thought, whilst puncturing many of my (unthinking) preconceptions of this religion.
As nice as it is to believe that Buddhism is a non-religious religion and provides the tools to allow anyone to live a 'spiritual' life, this is not necessarily true, at least not for millions of practicing Buddhists, mainly in Asia, for whom it is a living religions with a pantheon of gods and demons. 'Neo-Buddhism' of the West may indeed be able to help people with its use of mindfulness, meditation and other practices, but the rationalistic interpretation is relatively modern and would be unrecognisable to many practising Buddhists.
This is a fascinating book on a complex topic and has given much food for thought, whilst puncturing many of my (unthinking) preconceptions of this religion.
April 16, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. Buddhism is often presented in very simplistic terms, without a knowledge of its history and complexities, including by people who are themselves Buddhist.
In Unmasking Buddhism, Bernard Faure looks into ideas which are taken to be true about Buddhism and weighs up the evidence. His answers reveal often unexpected and not always comfortable answers on the nature of Buddhist societies, including violence and views incompatible with modern science such as a belief in gods and spirits.
I would recommend this to all practicing Buddhists who want to have a clearer picture of how Buddhism is and has been over the centuries, rather than be presented with a palatable version for modern consumption.
In trying to answer any question about Buddhism, the response often given by Zen teacher Shunryu Suzuki is probably most accurate here - not always so.
In Unmasking Buddhism, Bernard Faure looks into ideas which are taken to be true about Buddhism and weighs up the evidence. His answers reveal often unexpected and not always comfortable answers on the nature of Buddhist societies, including violence and views incompatible with modern science such as a belief in gods and spirits.
I would recommend this to all practicing Buddhists who want to have a clearer picture of how Buddhism is and has been over the centuries, rather than be presented with a palatable version for modern consumption.
In trying to answer any question about Buddhism, the response often given by Zen teacher Shunryu Suzuki is probably most accurate here - not always so.
August 15, 2017
After reading this book, I gotta ask- what is Buddism? Is it a religion? A cult? or trend?
Buddhism is a growing fashion with some in the West these days, but how many really understand it? Faure puts Buddhism under the microscope, exposing various misconceptions people have, and contradictions within Buddhism itself. Many people don't realize that Siddharta Gautama, the Buddha, was not a historical person.
The writer did take sides on this issue, only saying such a Buddha is a model or ideal to be followed. He shows us Buddhism doesn't believe in a separate self but believes in rebirth. What entity is reborn? An `intermediary being' between existences is invented to paper over the contradiction. Again the writer says, denial of the self-undermines the concept of karma. Traditional Buddhism is world denying. Faure states, `The world is said to be like a house on fire, a dangerous place we need to escape from as quickly as possible.' Tantric Buddhism differs by seeking liberation in this world. He wrote, `the reasons for bending the principle of non-violence have never been wanting. He cites wars by Buddhists from Japan, Mongolia, Sri Lanka and Tibet. In theory, Buddhism may affirm we are all equal, but this is not always so in practice. Misogyny has been prevalent in Buddhism, though is under challenge today. Nuns were never given full ordination, and it was held that only men could achieve liberation. Faure, with this penetrating analysis, offers Westerners the opportunity to remove their rose coloured glasses and view Buddhism in a more objective manner.
Buddhism is a growing fashion with some in the West these days, but how many really understand it? Faure puts Buddhism under the microscope, exposing various misconceptions people have, and contradictions within Buddhism itself. Many people don't realize that Siddharta Gautama, the Buddha, was not a historical person.
The writer did take sides on this issue, only saying such a Buddha is a model or ideal to be followed. He shows us Buddhism doesn't believe in a separate self but believes in rebirth. What entity is reborn? An `intermediary being' between existences is invented to paper over the contradiction. Again the writer says, denial of the self-undermines the concept of karma. Traditional Buddhism is world denying. Faure states, `The world is said to be like a house on fire, a dangerous place we need to escape from as quickly as possible.' Tantric Buddhism differs by seeking liberation in this world. He wrote, `the reasons for bending the principle of non-violence have never been wanting. He cites wars by Buddhists from Japan, Mongolia, Sri Lanka and Tibet. In theory, Buddhism may affirm we are all equal, but this is not always so in practice. Misogyny has been prevalent in Buddhism, though is under challenge today. Nuns were never given full ordination, and it was held that only men could achieve liberation. Faure, with this penetrating analysis, offers Westerners the opportunity to remove their rose coloured glasses and view Buddhism in a more objective manner.
March 24, 2020
excellent book.
February 6, 2022
A rather boring book that doesn't add much to what I already knew.
June 19, 2022
Grave intéressant le bouddhisme mais j'ai pas tout compris
January 28, 2015
Engaging critical introduction to many elements of Buddhism that have been obscured by "Buddhist modernism." There are some strange assertions which are not entirely covered: for example, "tantric Theravada" which I suppose is "Theravadan esoteric knowledge" which is not the same thing as "tantric." There are several elements where the "counter-factual" is slightly overstated: "Buddhist atheism" being a prime example. While there is nothing in this book that would surprise anyone with a strong scholarly background in Buddhism or even a history in the religious texts beyond popular introductions, it is very recommended for laypersons interested in the subject and whose prior exposure has been largely apologetic works.
September 14, 2010
A short but comprehensive look at the way Buddhism is perceived in the West and how it has actually operated for the past 2500 years. The author also discusses the distinctions between Greater and Lesser Vehicle sects, between Buddhism in India, Tibet, China, Japan, and East Asia, and some of the contradictions in literature about Buddhism.
This should not be your first book on Buddhism. Mild understanding of the historical nature of Buddhism is required, or helps a lot.
This should not be your first book on Buddhism. Mild understanding of the historical nature of Buddhism is required, or helps a lot.
August 8, 2018
I think everyone that thinks Buddhism is a "philosophy" should read this.
I read it for my exam of East Asian Religions and found it very enlightning, because everything we westerner believe of buddhism is actual a well crafted construct, and Buddhism is a religion exactly as the others.
I read it for my exam of East Asian Religions and found it very enlightning, because everything we westerner believe of buddhism is actual a well crafted construct, and Buddhism is a religion exactly as the others.
April 15, 2009
Phenomenal! Faure breaks downs the misconceptions and writes clearly about some of the confusing aspects of Buddhism.
June 2, 2015
One of the easiest books about Buddhism fundamentals
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews