In The Brothers Karamazov (which I read for the first time during a pandemic book group), a young woman has lost her faith and she seeks counsel from a monk. He doesn’t speak to her of God. He just tells her to go home and practice loving with those with whom she has contact. He assures her, “This way is tried. This way is certain.” A mystical, loving way of life. That’s it. Buddha didn’t teach Buddhism—but a way of life. Jesus too.
