eely225's review against another edition
4.0
It's important to know what this book is and what it isn't. It is trying to find common denominators between monastic practice in the Christian and Buddhist worlds, with occasional mentions of other practices like Jainism or Bon. As such, he does not delve deeply into the daily life of monastics on either side. And though the author alludes to distinctions between various sects, you will not find a detailed breakdown of the difference between Franciscan and Dominican practice, for example.
That said, it does do what it sets out to do. I come away with a greater understanding of how monastic practice began and transformed over time, what core elements are compelling to those living the lifestyle, and some of the overlaps and distinctions between Christian and Buddhist practice. Like any VSI, the book is as much a starting point for further reading as anything else. It equips you with some familiarity with terms and concepts so that you, the reader, can delve more deeply into what interests you from there. With the aims it has in mind, it is a quality read overall.
That said, it does do what it sets out to do. I come away with a greater understanding of how monastic practice began and transformed over time, what core elements are compelling to those living the lifestyle, and some of the overlaps and distinctions between Christian and Buddhist practice. Like any VSI, the book is as much a starting point for further reading as anything else. It equips you with some familiarity with terms and concepts so that you, the reader, can delve more deeply into what interests you from there. With the aims it has in mind, it is a quality read overall.
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