This is a book for anyone who has been interested in Buddhism as a philosophy or guiding principle for life but has subsequently been 'put off' by the religious and/or faith connotations. Batchelor explains how Buddhism can be 'used' as something other than a religious belief, preferring to talk about Dharma Practice, the active using of the Buddha's teachings, than Buddhism, as in just another 'ism' or belief.
A talented thinker and writer, Batchelor helps the reader understand how being unable or unwilling to accept things on faith alone is actually a central tenet of Buddhism rather than being a hurdle, and proposes strategies for understanding Buddhism and incorporating it into a modern, secular life. He also does a good job of explaining how issues such as rebirth can be understood by someone who wants to reconcile Buddhism with modern scientific agnostic ways of thinking.
This is the book modern Buddhism in 'the West' has needed - it is not some sappy self-help book using Buddhism, nor is it an attempt to draw 'Westerners' into an 'Eastern' faith. Rather it is a clear and rational explanation of Buddhism for those who want to live it rather than worship within it. ( )

I agree with the premise to be an agnostic buddhist. This makes perfect sense as when you try to answer the question "is there a god?", you find yourself not able to satisfactorily answer yes, or no, which is not a bad thing. It does not mean you do not care, it just means you honestly cannot answer and for that matter do not really care either. Life as the book explains is in the here, and now, not in a time after you are dead. So enjoy life this moment and the next. Follow the path and help others along the way. Give of yourself and expect nothing in return and you will find a satisfied and fulfilled life. ( )

http://johnmiedema.ca/2008/07/27/budd... ( )

In this beautiful book, Batchelor shows that the Buddha was agnostic in the true sense of the word. Batchelor points out that "agnostic", coined by Huxley, means simply "to take reason as far as it will go." When you do that you can become a strong atheist and still practice Buddhist dharma in that light, exactly as the Buddha intended. The Buddha rejected all theory about objective, external reality. That's not what his teachings are about. He merely allowed that you could include supernatural beliefs if you needed to. Those who bring in notions of a previous life are doing that as their own choice, not the Buddha's choice. ( )

One of my three favorite books about Buddhism. Clear, accessible, and wonderfully rational. Not a breath of sentimentality, but great breadth of genuine sentiment. ( )