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davidareyzaga's review
5.0
Why should you buy this book? To learn something unique about Japanese culture from the perspective of Buddhism, and perhaps gain a new perspective on how to lead a good life and to value it, while also remembering that death is always lurking around, and that happiness is ephemeral.
Also to get a low-key introductory course to Buddhism if you're so inclined to try it.
If that's not your kind of thing, move on.
The beauty of this edition lies in the apparent contrast between Hōjōki's sense of isolation, and Essays in Idleness's advice on leading a satisfactory life in community. However, the latter in many ways encourages intellectual isolation and disregard for materialism, which are some of the precepts of Buddhism.
Worry not, this book will not convert you into a Buddhist, unless you're willing, but it certainly does a great job tantalizing you with the idea, especially Essays in Idleness that imparts wisdom with ease. One thing I did take from this book is a great deal of teachings that are relevant in today's social landscape, and I hope to apply at least half of them.
Reading this reminded me a lot of how people seek guidance in the Bible, and while I have many problems with that book and the damage it has brought about to the world, at least this book offers guidance without implicitly promoting hatred, and it's way shorter and less preachy since it does not pretend to offer any truths about the world, just about the human condition and that we will certainly die.
Also to get a low-key introductory course to Buddhism if you're so inclined to try it.
If that's not your kind of thing, move on.
The beauty of this edition lies in the apparent contrast between Hōjōki's sense of isolation, and Essays in Idleness's advice on leading a satisfactory life in community. However, the latter in many ways encourages intellectual isolation and disregard for materialism, which are some of the precepts of Buddhism.
Worry not, this book will not convert you into a Buddhist, unless you're willing, but it certainly does a great job tantalizing you with the idea, especially Essays in Idleness that imparts wisdom with ease. One thing I did take from this book is a great deal of teachings that are relevant in today's social landscape, and I hope to apply at least half of them.
Reading this reminded me a lot of how people seek guidance in the Bible, and while I have many problems with that book and the damage it has brought about to the world, at least this book offers guidance without implicitly promoting hatred, and it's way shorter and less preachy since it does not pretend to offer any truths about the world, just about the human condition and that we will certainly die.
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