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Interesting mostly as an academic overview

Revisado: 04-12-21

I did learn quite a bit of Buddhist theory from this book. However, there is not much in the way of practical knowledge or advice. Buddhism really shines when practiced in the thick of real life, say, in one's family or at one's job. Therefore, unless one is academically inclined, I would recommend other books on Buddhist practice that provide tools directly applicable to the actual human experience as most of us know it.

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Good overview but a bit simplistic

Revisado: 08-19-20

Great introduction to the subject for newbie Westerners as well as for those of us who feel the need to be reminded of the basics of the path. Appears to be a very authentic narration of the author's actual journey with Zen and meditation. I loved the directness and the abundance of humor.

I really wish he didn't get into talking dismissively about other paths, traditions and authors. The human experience is quite diverse and denying the validity of other takes on life just does not appear wise. The teachers I learn the most from focus on the good in their path, not the bad in other paths. There is just too much of contrarianism in this book- something we need to leave behind at a certain stage in our lives in order to grow.

I still feel that I benefitted from the clarity and directness of this writing. It is helpful for cutting through the unnecessary mental and emotional complications we all have.

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Inspiring and educational

Revisado: 08-07-20

Excellent reading performance.

The book is uplifting and inspires the right attitude to do well in life. I also learned quite a bit about Native American culture.

I only wish the author didn't venture into alternative takes ob history (e.g. suggesting that ancient Hebrews travelled to America). Spiritual teachers are known for doing that, which hurts their credibility and therefore their otherwise important message.

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Fascinating dive into Buddhism and it's history

Revisado: 07-06-20

The author did a very thorough study of what is in the original Buddhist writings and how it may have come about. The intertwining of teaching and political strife of the day was a heavy doze of realism that I feel we badly lack when it comes to talking and thinking about anything religious.

He also explains very well what Buddhist practice is from a rational and secular perspective. As a practitioner I found a lot of the book helpful to my own spirituality. Listening to it added good fuel to how I approach it.

At the same time I believe that some of the book was based on not much more than speculation. Bachelor is obviously trying to build a foundation for his world view, which is liberal, secular and purely rational, devoid of any mystery or the Divine. He constructs multiple arguments for why the passages in the ancient texts that do not fit that worldview are to be neglected or interpreted differently than they appear. In that sense the book functions as apologetics.

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