Buddhish

A Guide to the 20 Most Important Buddhist Ideas for the Curious and Skeptical

By: C. Pierce Salguero

Narrated by: Luke Oller

An engaging, accessible introduction to Buddhism for those who are looking to explore a new spiritual tradition or understand the roots of their mindfulness practice.

Are you curious about Buddhism but find yourself met with scholarly texts or high-minded moralizing every time you try to pick up a book about it? Well, if so, relax. This is no ordinary introduction to Buddhism; there are none of the saccharine platitudes and dense pontification that you may have come to expect. Buddhish is a readable introduction for complete newcomers that provides an objective, streamlined overview of the tradition—from unpacking the Four Noble Truths to understanding what “nirvana” actually means. For those who have already dipped their toes into the tradition through the practice of mindfulness or meditation, this guide will help you create a more well-rounded and informed experience by delving into the history of the Buddhist traditions that shape a mindful practice.

Buddhist scholar Dr. Pierce Salguero analyzes the ideas and philosophy of the complex tradition through the eyes of both a critic and an admirer. He shares anecdotes from his time at a Thai monastery, stories from the years he spent living throughout Asia, and other personal experiences that have shaped his study of Buddhism. Through this guide, readers will have the opportunity to develop an approach to practice that is not quite Buddhist but Buddhish.

Through engaging and lighthearted stories, Dr. Salguero breaks down 20 central principles of the tradition, including:

• Awakening
• Suffering
• Doubt
• Karma
• Buddha Nature

©2022 C. Pierce Salguero (P)2022 Beacon Press

Critic reviews

“An informative, skeptic-friendly introduction . . . Salguero exercises remarkable facility and care in faithfully capturing an unromanticized Buddhism as a living tradition while encouraging readers to draw their own conclusions, offering up a balanced and broad overview of the faith . . . [N]uanced and approachable.”
—Publishers Weekly

“[A] thoughtful introductory guide to Buddhism...Salguero, a scholar and professor of Buddhism, explains the classic texts well. But he also opens up the spiritual practices in understandable, applicable ways.” —Spirituality & Practice

“Reading this book is like talking with an intelligent, funny, cool, and down-to-earth friend who is actually an expert on Buddhism. The Buddhist teachings and practices come to life through Salguero’s insights, stories, and thoughtfully organized treatment as he guides you through fundamental historical, philosophical, and cultural dimensions of Buddhism. In other words, it’s an accurate and accessible book. It offers thought-provoking questions that prime the pump for deeper inquiry and self-reflection.” —Paula Arai, author of Bringing Zen Home

Not “cha-do”, it’s “sa-do”

There are a lot of non English words introduced in this book. I noticed that the book mispronounced “sa-do”. I happened to know the correct pronunciation, but I wonder how many other non-English words are mispronounced.

For my primer, this was perfect

The author had sound practice, background and thoughtful insight. It added a resonance which I could relate my spiritual knowledge journey from a his perspective. It was not dry but rather inspiring in a passive manner. Worthy of my time.

Very good unbiased overview

I enjoyed the "describe vs. prescribe" approach in this book. Although there was some subjective analysis it focused primarily on objective information.

Trying to describe any religion is almost an impossible task but I feel like this was time well spent to enlarge my worldview.