Why Buddhism?: Westerners in Search of Wisdom

by Vicki Mackenzie

Book Overview

A fascinating look at why Westerners are turning to Buddhism in record numbers, featuring world-renowned Buddhists such as composer Philip Glass and Professor Bob Thurman. Why is Buddhism the fastest... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0007131461
• Release Date: January 2002
• Publisher: Thorsons Pub
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 1.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.3" x 1.0" x 6.3"

Customer Reviews

Doesn't Get Enough Attention

Beyond the Breath: Extraordinary Mindfulness Through Whole-Body Vipassana Meditation I'm not sure why Vicki M's book hasn't gotten more traction [read sales]. Why Buddhism offers intimate portraits of mostly very serious Buddhist practitioners. It's inspirational for those of us who do take our Buddhist practice seriously and are interested to know more about other traditions. If I could be immodest for a moment, the book I wrote--Beyond the Breath: Extraordinary Mindfulness Through Full-Body Vipassana Meditation (Tuttle Publishing)--is also likely to be of interest to anyone who is seriously interested in Buddhism. It's focus is on sensation-based vipassana meditation [as taught by SN Goenka], but will also be very helpful for anyone who wants to know WHY Buddhist practice works so well. Such insight isn't just an intellectual exercise; greater understanding leads to greater confidence in the practice.

A book must read....

If you are sincerely want to step into the path of Buddha. I will recommend you, "Read it first." If you've already practiced for years, but still have lots of struggles and confusions, I will recommend you, "Read it now." If you think you are a great Buddhist, but actually lack of mercy to others, I will recommend you, "Read it ASAP."

It's touched my heart.

A book which gives you an idea and understanding about dharma.

Excellent For Anyone interested in Buddhism

Before I read this I was curious about Buddhism. After reading this book I was compelled to take my interest further. Through a series of interviews with reasonably well known and successful Buddhists Vicki MacKenzie's book shows us the many different ways we can choose to follow Buddhism. Some of the interviewees told of their trips to Nepal and their long retreats. Others told us how they balance buddhism living in a material world while still holding on to some of their western religious beliefs. Each interviewee also gives us a quick lesson on Buddhist philosophy and what they had gained form the practice. I came away from reading this book with a good knowledge of the basics of Buddhist philosophy and the belief that whatever way I choose to follow Buddhism whether it be as a monk or a family man, it can help me to become a better person.

Not another bandwagon!

Uma Thurman's dad, Philip Glass, Sharon Salzberg represent the nexus of a coterie of eccentric, intelligent, thoughtful and highly sensitive beings that Mackenzie has chosen to portray through a series of colourful interviews as to Why Buddhism?, what's in it?, and something of how it goes. It is of course also a good look in to the minds of a few of these extremely interesting individuals and what makes them tick.The book smiles, is optimistic and the lessons in it bring hope and happiness. Not because Buddhism is spreading - globally it isn't and the slower it grows the better according to one teacher. But because some people have aspired to the highest goodness they can muster based on their own efforts, common sense and intelligence. These people are either very happy, very succesful, very content or have come to terms with their problems. We enjoin in their lives and empathise with their progress and perils.This book is like a flower one picks up during the exhaustive walk of life.