Land of No Buddha : Reflections of a Sceptical Buddhist

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 196 pages
• Published by: Windhorse Publications January 1, 1999
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 1899579125
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-1899579129
• Book Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches
• Weighs: 1 pounds

Product Description
Witty, honest and thought provoking, Richard Hayes casts a critical eye over modern society and the teachings of Buddhism as they flow into the West. Written from the perspective that comes from more that twenty years of study and practice, Land of No Buddha looks at the pitfalls awaiting those who search for the truth. A sceptical Buddhist, Hayes nevertheless proposes the radical path of the Buddha-becoming free from self-indulgent passions and delusions-to those seeking genuine wisdom, not just slogans to stick on the bumpers of their cars.

"Richard Hayes offers a heartfelt critique of traditional Buddhist beliefs while opening the door to an illuminating way of understanding and practising the Dharma today."-Stephen Batchelor, author of Buddhism Without Beliefs

Reader Reviews
For half of a century, many persons in the West have been drawn to the religion and philosophy of Buddhism, whose worldview is sophisticated and liberating, and broadly encompassing of other systems of thought and belief, including science and mysticism. Dr. Hayes' book, however, goes beyond the ordinary allure of Buddhism and boldly critiques not only some of the more common misconceptions of the West about Buddhism, but also uncovers, through remarkable linguistic and historical insights, some of Buddhism's own historical apostasies, the ways in which some of its Eastern followers themselves, have lost sight of its true wisdom, the same way that followers of ALL religions do sooner or later. Dr. Hayes goal is, I believe, to make Buddhism relevant and palatable to a Western world which generally-for example, linguistically-often cannot understand it in the way it was originally set forth. For those persons who have abandoned their interest in Buddhism precisely because they are so tired of watching an endless stream of half-baked Buddhists embrace it without discipline or understanding, this book is a refreshing re-introduction to a wonderful way of living. I commend Dr. Hayes for his vast scholarship and his wonderfully readable writing style. I recommend it highly.