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Why Buddhism Is True: The Science and Philosophy of Meditation and Enlightenment,
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Isobel Atkins
I read this book because I really enjoyed Nonzero, a book the author wrote a while ago. At first I was disappointed he was writing about Buddhism because it wasn’t a subject I was interested in. I had meditated before in yoga classes, it was kind of boring. I really enjoyed the book and it has convinced me to give meditation another try. A meditation retreat may even be somewhere in my distant future and if I do ever end up going I would need to credit the influence of this book.
Berislav Jozic
Starts with interesting comparison of conclusions of psychology and teachings of buddhism (modular theory of the mind, conscious mind as an "observer" and not "driver"...) and around two thirds of the book are very interesting analysis of similarities and joint messages that can be taken as confirmed in such a modern-ancient and scientific-religious way. Nothing truly new as most of the ideas I have read or heard already, but nicely told.
However, third part of the book is a tiring discussion of the author with himself on some buddhistic theses, peppered with memories from his experiences at meditational retreats which to me where completely uninteresting (probably would be interesting to someone deeply knowledgeable in buddhism).
Generally am happy to have read it, but would prefer to have stopped at two thirds as the last part was (for me) completely wasted time.
However, third part of the book is a tiring discussion of the author with himself on some buddhistic theses, peppered with memories from his experiences at meditational retreats which to me where completely uninteresting (probably would be interesting to someone deeply knowledgeable in buddhism).
Generally am happy to have read it, but would prefer to have stopped at two thirds as the last part was (for me) completely wasted time.
Robert K.
As a reader I found it fascinating, as a student of insight meditation I had to put it down. Now, months later, I feel secure enough in my meditation practice to pick it up again. Paradoxically, a book that should have encouraged my meditation practice did this opposite...but not through any fault of Wright's per se.
But enough about me! Wright's central thesis is that evolution modeled the human brain not to make us happy, but to survive long enough to pass on our genes; and as a corollary, our brain doesn't give us an accurate read of the world, rather a read that will keep us alive. And keeping us alive oftentimes means giving us an overly negative, fearful view of our world.
Well researched and written. Like great non-fiction, educates and entertains.
But enough about me! Wright's central thesis is that evolution modeled the human brain not to make us happy, but to survive long enough to pass on our genes; and as a corollary, our brain doesn't give us an accurate read of the world, rather a read that will keep us alive. And keeping us alive oftentimes means giving us an overly negative, fearful view of our world.
Well researched and written. Like great non-fiction, educates and entertains.
V.O. Diedlaff
This book only partially addresses Buddhism - specifically what the author calls, "Western Buddhism." While the author shows how modern neuropsychology illustrates how our experience can be illusory as Buddha claims, as well how meditation is beneficial, other Buddhist doctrines are unaddressed. Among non-Western Buddhists I've known, the cultivation and practice of compassion toward others is just as important, if not more so, than the practice of meditation.
Will Wigmore
I appreciate the one star reviews. I have had my share of sessins and vipasana retreats.....yes sitting quietly for extensive periods of time (sensory deprivation?) is really perhaps beneficial for many. For me I find that i am "relaxing as hard as I can" However i like the book well enough to finish it. Why do Western bdists change to japanese names. Is someone in Thailand renamed "Jack" ....probably so....
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Apr 11, 2018 03:27PM · flag