Going Buddhist: Panic and Emptiness, the Buddha and Me

I am going to do this review a little different to my usual ones. Instead of saying what I think about the style of writing I am going to look more at the content. The main reason for this is that its non-fiction and although I have read about Buddhism extensively I am no expert. I should also add that this is the second time I have read this, I'm not sure why I decided to pick it off the bookcase, it just jumped out at me.

I will start off by saying that I really dislike the fact that in the synopsis this is labelled as a self-help book. I have nothing against self-help books, I have read a few and they all have raised some good point with me. However, as far as my experience goes, slef help books are set out in a way that it tell you show more what steps to take. I always think these are set up like manuals for life because at the end of the day thats what they aim to be.

This book however is more about Conradi's thoughts on how Buddhism applies to western life along with some history of the Shambhala lineage. It also contains information about how to meditate and certain aspects of Buddhist life but at no point did I find it at all preachy. I also find the mention in the synopsis that he embarks on a 'new life journey' a bit misleading with regards the content. There is no denying that his decision and luck in deciding to enquire has had a huge effect on his life. However, it does not contain 'I was rich and unhappy, I found Buddha and now everything amazing' which is what I think it is pointing towards.

I really liked the book, it lays some facts down that are often mis-understood with regards to Buddhism and also explores some of the difference in the sects. This isn't a theoretical exercise but just covers a few main differences between the differing regions without imposing what is the correct approach.

Also mixed in along the way are stories about Iris Murdoch, an author and Buddhism who became his mentor along the way. The tales he tell about her and their discussions remind me a lot of the stories about Buddhist masters and their students even though she wasn't a 'master'. The relationship is an interesting one, there is obvious mutual respect but its clear that her speech is carefully measured and she challenges him along the way. In a lot of respects he does the same to her, sometime on purpose, other times by complete accident.

The only reason I haven't given the book 5/5 is that at times Conradi's approach is a bit wordy. I don't think that this is intentional, I just think that he has a better education and grasp of the psychology of the mind. At no point is it over the top and I would say 99% of it I understood without having to consult a dictionary to confirm the meaing of certain words. I would recommend this book as the 2nd to read for anyone interested in looking at a western approach to Buddhism. The 1st I would recommend is Buddhism Without Beliefs by Stephen Batchelor which is a fantastic introdution and a book I have read many times. show less