Discussions

I loved pankaj mishra's book. An End of Suffering: The Buddha in the world

this book is long. Its part autobiographical. Being an indian author and as i've spent a bit of time in india i thought it would be an interesting take on the buddha's story. I liked it and found a couple of chapters around his enlightenment particularly inspiring. I liked the way he weaved in thought and events from other parts in the world.

It may not be everyone's cup of tea (because it was accused of being a bit rambling) but it was great for me. I didn't at all mind the forays into wider territory.

I reckon its worth reading a few books not just one.

I also enjoyed Karen ARmstrong's Buddha the first time i read it. I reread this year and although rereading it was no problem, now that i know more about buddhism, i found it a bit less illuminating.

Next one i want to try to read is by nanamoli thera but i do'nt know when i will get around to that. I think this one may be on stephen batchelor's recommended book list.

The first two authors try to take a clear eyed view and given that they were nor steeped in buddhism, i think you've nothing to fear. I really loved mishra's book. I would like to think that others might also find it worthwhile.

He did ultimately become a buddhist too i should mention though interestingly its not where he started out from.