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Buddhist Catechism (2011)

by Henry Steel Olcott(Favorite Author)

3.41 of 5 Votes: 3

ISBN

0012340790 (ISBN13: 2940012340795)

languge

English

genre

History & Biography

publisher

Classic Century Works

review 1: From a non-Buddhist: This is a great introduction to Buddhist philosophy. I now have elemental understandings of some phrases and names that have emerged from Buddhism. I can see why some people find similarities within Hinduism and Christianity, among other religions. Though I have not studied Indian languages and it gave me pause at every name and phrase in Indian, I was still able to follow the ideas and concepts presented. It is also a short read, available free on the Kindle.
review 2: As I knew little about Buddhism, I would say this book was a good resource. That being said, I do not agree with the religion having understood what was presented. It appears to be a religion founded on the sole urge to overcome ignorance, which in itself is good, but ... morenot logical. Not everyone is capable of that. The part I had the most issue with would be that one reaches Nirvana by reaching heightened enlightenment by basically being good, yet you can't be good on purpose otherwise it doesn't count. Reminded me of the episode of Friends where Phoebe tries to do a good deed without feeling good about it. Obviously, this was impossible. I also know that those who are disabled are seen as presenting this upon themselves based on a previous life. Yet the book says character changes from life to life. What would a disabled person be able to do in this life to better him/herself for the next life? Having spent a lot of time around handicapped individuals, I can a) not see how anyone could "deserve" being handicapped and b) how one would earn enough credits in this life to be reincarnated as something better.The religion is illogical in several senses. But again, I would recommend the book if you want a basic understanding of Buddhism, which this achieved whether I agree with the beliefs or not. :) less

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