Reviews

Buddhism: A Concise Introduction by Philip Novak, Huston Smith

aang3lv's review against another edition

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challenging informative reflective medium-paced
first part was studious second part😵‍💫

staubina's review against another edition

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4.0



A concise, thorough overview of the history and current state of Buddhism throughout the world. The writing was clear and the author did a great job explaining many of the aspects of the religion that I have found unclear in the past. This book also contained the most thorough explanation of the different sects of Buddhism I have seen so far.

aitchell's review against another edition

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4.0

As the title states, this is a concise introduction to Buddhism in its' many forms. The appendices discuss movements like Pure Land and Zen. It is easy to read and comprehend, with an extensive bibliography should you want to delve further.

rohand0's review against another edition

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3.0

If you're reading this as basic introduction into the tenets of the main forms of Buddhism, the author of the first half is fairly well written. He is an obvious admirer of Buddhism and the way he discusses the tenets are obviously from a focus on the Western approach but it's well done.

The second half of the book is miserable assortment of names, books, and facts that is just downright boring. Just skip it. If you're looking for how Buddhism entered the West don't even try to read this book for that reason.

snowblu3's review against another edition

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3.0

Okay book, I guess. It was assigned reading for the worst class I have ever taken so that's clouding my view of it.

schwimfan's review against another edition

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informative reflective relaxing medium-paced

4.5

rebjam's review against another edition

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3.0

Helpful in explaining the variant forms of this philsophy/religion.

finnspace's review against another edition

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3.0

Good overview but a bit tedious at times. Lots of information on additional resources.
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