Review of "The Buddha’s Golden Path: The Classic Introduction to Zen Buddhism," by Dwight Goddard

 Review of

The Buddha’s Golden Path: The Classic Introduction to Zen Buddhism, by Dwight Goddard ISBN 9780757000232

 Five out of five stars

 Solid primer on Zen

 In reading this book it is clear that Buddhism is not a religion in the normal sense of the word. There is no active creator/supreme being watching over your every action that may or may not intervene in your life depending on the circumstances and the intensity of your request. Buddhism is more a combination of a philosophy and an associated code of conduct for the individual. The fundamental tenets of Buddhism all have the form “right ####”, for example Goddard lists the eight stages of the first adventure:

 *) Right ideas

*) Right resolution

*) Right speech

*) Right behavior

*) Right vocation

*) Right effort

*) Right mindfulness

*) Right concentration

 In reading this description of Zen Buddhism it is easy to understand the appeal that it has. With no supreme being, there can be no argument over the name that s/he should be called. There is room for Buddhism to adapt to scientific advancement as the principles lack the rigidity of those of many other religions and the ideals of all but the most unusual of religions can be found in the Buddhist way. In a world where wars are still fought over religious differences, this is a comforting thought.

 This book is suitable to be used as a textbook in courses covering religion as well as to satisfy the curiosity of one engaged in self-study. Some teachers of philosophy will also find content that they can use.