Comments on: A Very Impressive Gentleman

By: carl

carl — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 13:07:55 +0000

In thinking abut it more and having listened to a talk of his at a retreat where he seems to dismiss the idea of Budda nature or anything beyond what I would call a witness awareness, I felt he had perhaps just decided that for him being Buddhist minimalist was all he could do. It was interesting that he mentioned St Augustine and his Confession ns a positive way. I have read some of that and it seems to be filled with the kind of spirituality that Bachelor arbors. Constant expressions of guilt and alienation form God.

By: carl

carl — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 01:58:00 +0000

I have read a part of the book and have appreciated his description of his experience. I have also read some of his interviews. I am puzzled that he seems to think existentialism and other western philosophies and theologies as going beyond Buddhism. My experience has been just the opposite. I felt those philosophies are only now catching up to Buddhism. Also I was not bothered by his first book and his use of the word ‘agnosticism’. Buddhism used to be considered nihilism when it first started. But I think this ‘Atheist’ term is provocative in a way that makes me question his motivation–a big deal in the ethics of Buddhism. I find his need to be ‘rationally pure’–”please don’t let be believe anything that is not rational Lord”- a little silly. We believe in economic and political systems that are filled with superstitions. Also he seems to have found a great deal from his experience of Buddhism but I guess if its not perfect-”Well Ill have to leave and I’ll spit on the door on my way out.”

By: Joe

Joe — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 15:39:45 +0000

“Exploring recently unearthed gospels by renegade apostles such as Thomas and Phillip (and even Mary Magdalene herself)”

They are not actually “by” such apostles but in their names.

I have read Pagels’ accounts of these works and was never convinced that they put forth a realistic account of what Jesus actually taught. It is more a matter of how his teachings were understood by a certain community long after c. 30 CE. These gospels (with the exception perhaps of Thomas) was written much later than the four in the NT, for one thing.

By: C. KeithConners, Ph.D.

C. KeithConners, Ph.D. — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 16:00:09 +0000

As a scientist who has dabbled personally into Buddhism over the years, I agree entirely with your review of Batchelor’s “Confessions.” I found his book answering many of my own questions and reservations about Buddhism as an institutional religion. I found his writing elegant, coherent and persuasive. His personal journey is amazing. His book is a mature and profound conclusion to an unwavering search for truth. Boy, would I like to sit down to an extended conversation with that man!

By: Rod Barr

Rod Barr — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 19:40:02 +0000

Once again, a beautifully written article.

By: Guy Zimmerman

Guy Zimmerman — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 12:40:43 +0000

You’re very welcome, Kirk.

By: kirk

kirk — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 13:55:03 +0000

“dogma will not help us – we must engage with experience breath by breath.”

This line alone has helped me more than you will ever know. I will seek out this book.

Thanks again Guy.