Buddhish: A Guide to the 20 Most Important Buddhist Ideas for the Curious and Skeptical

Salguero (A Global History of Buddhism and Medicine), professor of Asian history and religious studies at Pennsylvania State University, offers an informative, skeptic-friendly introduction to 20 fundamental Buddhist concepts. In accessible language, Salguero covers topics such as awakening, suffering, karma, non-self, mindfulness, and more, raising questions that stimulate critical thinking without condescending to provide definitive answers: “Only you can say whether or not this perspective helps you.” The author states upfront that he identifies as “Buddhish” and disagrees with many of Buddhism’s philosophies, despite his experience as a monk and academic interest in the religion. As such, his evenhanded approach empathizes without tempering critique as he tackles devotional rituals, misogyny and patriarchy, and the social implications of karma. Salguero exercises remarkable facility and care in faithfully capturing an unromanticized Buddhism as a living tradition while encouraging readers to draw their own conclusions, offering up a balanced and broad overview of the faith. Those new to Buddhism will find this a nuanced and approachable explanation of its essential concepts. (Mar.)