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BOOK BRIEFS | EASTERN HORIZON 63

BOOKS IN BRIEF

exponents of Theravāda Buddhism, attempts consciousness, the temporality of experience, and
to penetrate beneath the formidable face of the the psychological springs of spiritual transformation.
Abhidhamma and to make its principles intelligible Innovative and rich in insights, this book does not
to the thoughtful reader of today. His point of focus is merely open up new avenues in the academic study
the Consciousness Chapter of the Dhammasaṅgaṇī, of early Buddhism. By treating the Abhidhamma as
the first treatise of the Abhidhamma Piṭaka. Basing a fountainhead of inspiration for philosophical and
his interpretation on the detailed list of mental factors psychological inquiry, it demonstrates the continuing
that the Abhidhamma uses as a guide to psychological relevance of Buddhist thought to our most astute
analysis, he launches into bold explorations in the contemporary efforts to understand the elusive yet so
multiple dimensions of conditionality, the nature of intimate nature of the mind. EH

techniques, she reveals Theravāda Buddhism as a
broad umbrella that can accommodate people of vastly
different needs, aspirations, and capacities.

Having done extensive research on religions in
Southeast Asia, contemporary Buddhism, gender in
Asian religions, and religious tourism, she is able to
highlight the thriving diversity of Theravāda Buddhists
today. Exploring Theravāda as a lived religion reveals
Brooke Schedneck, Living Theravada. Demystifying how people apply various expressions in everyday
life. They include practices and beliefs of Theravāda
the People, Places, and Practices of a Buddhist Tradition.
Buddhists, illustrated through contemporary debates
USA: Shambhala. 2023. pp 246. US$24.95
about what represents proper Theravāda practice
www.shambhala.com
within the four Theravāda countries she studied.

Additionally, practical information is provided in
Brooke Schedneck’s book offers a comprehensive
appendices about what temples and practice centers
overview of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition in its
readers can visit as well as a temple etiquette guide
wide diversity, showing the spectrum of its beliefs and
offering tips for being a respectful visitor. While
practices that range from the popular and devotional
academics will benefit from and appreciate this
level to the more elite doctrinal and meditative
overview, the writing offers a refreshing introduction
side in four Theravāda countries – Cambodia, Laos,
to a complex tradition for readers new to the subject.
Myanmar, and Thailand. Expanding the narrow focus
Overall, this is an excellent multidimensional way to
on Theravada as the repository of the most ancient
learn about how Theravāda Buddhism is actually lived
Buddhist canon and a source of rigorous meditation
and practiced in Southeast Asia. EH