One Dharma: The Emerging Western Buddhism

If some books seem too esoteric regarding Buddhism, or beyond one's spiritual understanding, then Joseph's book is for you. His clear way of explaining the various paths to awakening not only are easily understood, but explain in simple terms how all paths converge. Joseph Goldstein is a gift to the western world. What he has brought back from his studies and travels in the east are a gift.

Joseph Goldstein has the ability to explain the essence of Buddhism and it's core teachings in a very understandable and condensed format. If you are confused by the different Buddhist sects and dogmas, or are interested in the basics of Buddhist practice, then this book is for you. Goldstein has the background and insight to be a believable expert and teacher.

I was knocked out by One Dharma. Mostly, as a relatively fledgling Buddhist, I was thankful to have a book that explained, in The-Precisely-Right Language, what the Dharma was and why it might be so important to me - so that this could be explained to my loved ones, and also, reiterated for myself! This quality of the book made the it immensely useful for going deeper into certain concepts with my Buddhist-curious (and very supportive) wife, and it was also a joy to read - beautifully rendered, and often very funny. The book helped my wife to understand key Buddhist concepts, and it helped me too, by putting elements of my practice into terms that made me engage them with a new clarity and focus. It's been my experience that it's rare for a book to speak so clearly to a self-identified Buddhist and also to someone who is not. 'One Dharma' does just that. Also: I have mentioned the book's clarity and humor - I want to mention, too, the writing, which is flows with incredible ease. This is a VERY enjoyable read!

To respect and understand this book, one needs to understand something of the author. Since the 1960's Joseph Goldstein has been practicing Buddhist meditation. His goal with the Dharma is alleviate suffering in himself and in others. He does not believe he will write the seminal book on Buddhist theory or the perfect koan or answer everyone's questions about the Dharma. However, if you are a serious seeker and are attempting to understand something about this wonderful phenomenon Buddhism, which is growing so rapidly in the United States, this book will help you a lot. It is a beginner book. Yet, it is also a book which will give long time practioners a chance to reflect about the meaning of their practice and the nature of the Dharma.Over ten years ago, I, suffering from a deeply painful and debilitating bone disease, came to Joseph to find a way to live with severe physical pain. Joseph helped me with compassion, with joy, and with humility. He will always remain my core teacher.Reading the other reviews, I can say, you will get what you look for. If you are look for scintillating Zen wit, try Genpo Merzel Roshi (a living zen master), for philosophical wisdom, try Trungpa Rinpoche. If you are looking for a teacher who will give you a framework from which to work while you sit on the pillow, you can not do better than Joseph Goldstein.Good luck, and, please, persevere. The world needs the merit of your meditation practice.

This is actually one of my favorite books written by Joesph Goldstein. This book is about "blending together" the traditions of the East, and "sprouting forth" this new seed in the West. He pours over such conecpts, well for instance: say we have 3 teachers from 3 traditions saying 3 seemingly contradictory things. We can deduct that one is right, and two are wrong; or that all 3 are wrong. Or we can acknowledge that perhaps all 3 have already gone BEYOND that realm of right and wrong. Basically, every street takes you somewhere- does this mean the roads are contradicting eachother? Not at all, they simply go somewhere. So relax in life.We in America are in my opinion lucky there is a Joseph-this book is for beginners and adepts alike. And it is of really no significance what tradition or sector of Buddhism you yourself hail from, this book transmigrates those lines. I believe that you will enjoy this book.

The one objection I have to any teaching of a spiritual nature is the presence of exclusivity: "mine is the right way, yours is wrong," or even "mine is the best way, yours is not as good." One Dharma has nothing to do with exclusion. It is all about how an inclusive approach can strengthen spiritual practice. Joseph Goldstein's focus is Buddhism, but the lessons are universal. This book will benefit anyone interested in practical guidance for a spiritual practice in the real world.- Thom Rutledge, author of Embracing Fear