Entering the Stream

By: Bercholz, Samuel

Book Overview

The grandeur, simplicity, and freshness of the 2,500-year-old tradition of Buddhism are reflected in this collection of writings intended as a primer for newcomers to the subject as well as a... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0877739811
• ISBN13: 9780877739814
• Release Date: December 1993
• Publisher: Shambhala
• Length: 334 Pages
• Weight: 1.27 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Something for everyone...

This book was intended as a companion for the Bertolucci film Little Buddha, a sweet tale that verges on saccharine--but which offers a beautiful dramatization of the story of the Buddha and his enlightenment. Also: Keanu Reeves doing an Indian accent and trying to look enlightened--can't go wrong with that! As an introduction to Buddhism, it is neither systematic nor comprehensive. What it does offer the reader is a chance to delve into the different strands of Buddhist spirituality and philosophy, which are represented pretty well here. It's a great book for somebody who only knows a little about the Buddha and Buddhism, and wants to know more without getting a biased or ax-grinding introduction from someone who definitely identifies with one school, tradition, or vehicle within Buddhism. It also contains enough gems--some really good essays and texts here--to satisfy readers who know about Buddhism and maybe even practice it, but are still seeking nourishment and knowledge. All in all, a fine, well-stocked, somewhat eclectic book o' Buddhism.

A new edition available as: THE BUDDHA AND HIS TEACHINGS

The publisher has reissued this book in the Shambhala Classics series under the title: THE BUDDHA AND HIS TEACHINGS.

Great but not for the first-timer

This is an excellent collection of writings aimed at clearing up confusion one may have about basic buddhist doctorines and the different buddhist schools. It is not a good place to start for the total beginner, since this book seems to be aimed at those who have some knowledge of buddhism and wish to advance their understanding of it. It is not as cut and dry as some of the other buddhist primers available today. One gets a variety of writers with varied insights into the Buddha Dharma. Highly reccommended!!!

Come on in, the water's fine!

This is an excellent introduction and intermediate level book on Buddhism. How can it be both? As an introduction, one would read each chapter through to gain an initial impression of the various key teachings and tenets of Buddhism. As one reads the book for the second or third time, one learns more and sees interconnectedness among topics, chapters, and ideas. Just as the teachers would have you do in their zendos, centers, and temples. If you are looking for a "what are the various types of Buddhism" book, then check out Nancy Wilson Ross' "Buddhism: A Way of Life and Thought." This book is more about the different teachings.

Excellent anthologized introduction to all forms of Buddhism

Entering the Stream is an excellent and unique introduction to Buddhism. Bercholz has put together writings from a variety of teachers representing the main types of Buddhism popular in the west. What makes this book so good is how well the varying writings are put together to form an ongoing narrative on the main principles of Buddhism--each represented by a teacher of the school that best expresses that particular principal. The result is outstanding as it offers not only factual information, but the "voice" of each particular tradition. Most of the pieces are excerpted from published books and it provides a good jumping off place for further reading