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60 EASTERN HORIZON | BOOKS IN BRIEF

BOOKS IN BRIEF

a brief history of Buddhism, the three main vehicles of
Buddhism, the Buddhist scriptures, the core teachings
of the Four Noble Truths, karma and rebirth, Buddhist
ethics, and various forms of meditation, concept of God
in Buddhism, and Buddhism and Science.

In a way, the book is written in a clear and accessible
way for the non-specialist and provides an up-to-date
Dominque Side, Discovering Buddhism. UK: Matador. information for the teaching of Buddhism in schools
2022. pp 406. GBP 17.50 complemented by the educational resources available
www.troubador.co.uk on the Windows into Buddhism website. Authoritative
and comprehensive, this book is the go-to resource for
Dominque Side’s Discovering Buddhism introduces anyone who is curious to know who the Buddha was,
the Buddha’s teachings as a culture and civilization, what he taught, and why so many Westerners today find
a system of thought and a religion. This fascinating meaning in his teachings.
book presents the views and practices of all the main
Buddhist traditions without bias and addresses the Dominique makes each subject relevant and interesting
history of Buddhism, the key topics taught by the so that readers can engage in personal reflection and
Buddha, and a selection of contemporary issues. It also inquiry. This encounter with Buddhist ideas invites
includes critical assessments of the material, connecting readers to question their outlook on life. Authoritative
traditional accounts with contemporary scholarship. and comprehensive, Discovering Buddhism is the go-
to resource for anyone who is curious about who the
There are altogether major 25 topics in this book. It Buddha was, what he said, and why so many Westerners
ranges from who Gautama Buddha was to his disciples, today find meaning in his teachings. EH

This book is about how the author, a professor,
mother, and Buddhist practitioner was able to face the
uncertainties of her brain cancer by reading ancient
Buddhist stories. She has been able to share with the
reader how she found ways to live with the reality that
she won’t live as long as she wants and needs to. She
came up with new questions and a new purpose—
finding a way to live with her dying body—she discovers
new ways to make them immediate and real.
Karen Derris, Storied Companions. Cancer, Trauma,

and Discovering Guides for Living in Buddhist Narratives. For instance, reading with her terminal prognosis,
Wisdom: USA. 2022. pp 194. US$18.95 she becomes one of the four omens (the four signs of
www.wisdomexperience.org impermanence and suffering) the young Siddhartha