The Feeling Buddha

Whenever I come across an interpretation of spiritual teachings that claims to have gotten it right, I always get very suspicious. I realize, I'll have to take what I like and leave the rest. Since this persons opinion may not be any more correct than my own interpretation. Unfortunately I did not pick up the original teaching of the Buddha. And even those original teachings have gone through centuries of oral tradition and interpretation, each other adding their own historical, cultural context to the translation.

This book is no different. A more modern interpretation of interpretations. This was my first book with Buddhism as the central subject. I'm not entirely sure if this is the best approach to learning Buddhism. If I wanted to learn Shaolin Kung Fu, would I go to some watered down American school, or, if I had the opportunity, would I go straight to a Shaolin temple that teaches Kung Fu? The latter would seem logical.

This book, may have been just that. A watered down interpretation of spiritual text. It could have been that I've been exposed to enough books, concepts and ideas that I've formed my own opinions and am less open to some other person's opinion (I need to be aware of that. This will close off my ability to learn from teachers that come and go in my life.)

That was the biggest turn off. This was an opinion book. Somebodies attempt to explain and interpret the Buddha's teachings. I sound very critical. Only because, opinions and lessons don't mean much unless that can be made concrete through real life, personal experiences. There were some stories of people the author have met and their experiences of working through Suffering and Affliction. The author even shared his own experiences of enlightenment which seemed self promoting and a bit arrogant. Was envy my reaction? Or was it and objective assessment.

The book had some good insights. But, I didn't come across too much compelling text. I usually find some great quotes in most books, but for some reason, I wasn't compelled to write down quotes from this book. Maybe it's a reflection of my own close mindedness or overly critical attitude towards this book.

It's a good book and it was worth reading.