This is an excellent introduction to the doctrines of Hwa Yen Buddhism. The author does a good job of distinguishing that school from other schools ofThis is an excellent introduction to the doctrines of Hwa Yen Buddhism. The author does a good job of distinguishing that school from other schools of Chinese and Japanese Buddhism. One thing that the author stresses is that although there is a large doctrinal literature, really what the doctrine is meant to do is not build philosophical systems, but rather to explain the experiences that practitioners have while meditating - i.e., enlightenment....more
This is an excellent translation prepared by the gifted and prolific translator Norman Waddell. Hakuin was a Zen master who was extremely sarcastic anThis is an excellent translation prepared by the gifted and prolific translator Norman Waddell. Hakuin was a Zen master who was extremely sarcastic and irreverent (although motivated by compassion). The book includes Hakuin's commentary and the text of the Heart Sutra....more
This is a classic translation and part of a series of translations of Tibetan Buddhist texts published by W.Y. Evans-Wentz. The selection of texts preThis is a classic translation and part of a series of translations of Tibetan Buddhist texts published by W.Y. Evans-Wentz. The selection of texts present a coherent body of theoretical and practical aspects of religious praxis, especially the last third of the book which collects a number of tantric ritual texts....more
This book suffers three failings, one which may be irrelevant relative to the reader, the other two are absolute, not relative.
The one that is recoveThis book suffers three failings, one which may be irrelevant relative to the reader, the other two are absolute, not relative.
The one that is recoverable, is that the author is pretty far off the reservation with respect to Judaism. The book will be most interesting for the Bu-Jew reader, somebody who is looking for Jewish ritual infused with Buddhist meaning.
The second failing is that the book is poorly organized. It is composed from material over many years given as lectures at retreats and sermons and it reads like it. There is a lack of structure. Another reviewer called the book "loose," which is an apt description. The book goes from one Buddhist midrash on scripture to another without any real guiding principle other than the author's continual use of "I".
That incessant resort to biography is the final nail in the coffin. One is left thinking that the author is either a pathological narcissist or just misguided that his own personal life is the only guide to right-living....more
This is a pair of foundation texts for Ch'an (Zen) Buddhism. The Diamond Sutra and the Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch (Hui Neng). The translatiThis is a pair of foundation texts for Ch'an (Zen) Buddhism. The Diamond Sutra and the Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch (Hui Neng). The translation of the Diamond Sutra is good and has some useful explanatory notes. The translation of the Platform Sutra (Sutra of Hui Neng) leaves a lot to be desired. It is jargon-laden and the language is clumsy (the translation having been prepared by a non-native English speaker). The translation of the Platform Sutra by Philip Yamplosky is much better for the general reader. This particular translation is only useful to the Buddhist practitioner studying under a master, who can explain the text....more
This is a translation of a specific version of the Platform Sutra. The version translated is earlier than the one typically used for the other popularThis is a translation of a specific version of the Platform Sutra. The version translated is earlier than the one typically used for the other popular translations. It therefore it may seem unfamiliar to some readers. On the other hand, it is probably closer to the doctrine of 8th century Ch'an than the 16th century version usually used for preparing translations. It is copiously footnoted and includes the author's reconstructed Chinese. The introductory material is strictly academic about the transmission of the documents and the different Ch'an schools of the 8th century. The translation is literal yet flows well....more
I really appreciate the accuracy of S. Radhakrishnan's translations. His translation of the Upanishads is excellent as is his translation of the Gita.I really appreciate the accuracy of S. Radhakrishnan's translations. His translation of the Upanishads is excellent as is his translation of the Gita. This particular volume is an excellent rendition of the Dhammapada. As a philosopher, he wrote a lengthy introduction to the doctrines of Therevada Buddhism. He also deals with some of the problems related to the historical Buddha.
This volume also provides not just an accurate translation, but also the transliterated Pali text. It is helpful for the advanced student of buddhism for checking up on some of the key concepts.
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