Why Evan Thompson Isn’t a Buddhist
www.lionsroar.com
A conversation with Scholar Evan Thompson, about his new book "Why I Am Not A Buddhist," and why Western Buddhism could use more non-Buddhists.

i'm just going to stop being an edgy nerd and leave this here

I honestly feel like I'm being collectively gaslit by all of these mindfulness books and claims on the internet. I can find almost no peer-reviewed studies or journals talking about a 'raptorous' or 'enlightening' experience that these books claim, only boosts to mental health and productivity (duh). And if there was, why wouldn't everyone be doing it? It just is... suspicious, to me.

but, it's obvious. it's not 'scientifically proven'. but it's a valid religion. Me saying anything else is just me being reactionary.

maybe this article will help people in the same place as me. To people in the same situation: There are people who agree with you, you aren't some oppressed group, don't be a dick to Buddhists and people just trying to explore themselves for no reason. Idk if that will mean anything though.

  • BodyBySisyphus [he/him]
    ·
    3 years ago

    Kinda reminds me of McMindfulness.

    I used to be really into Zen and used to go to a local Zendo but it dropped off after a while. I think that if you lose the mystical elements - belief in reincarnation, satori, enlightenment in general - then it raises questions about Buddhist practice, and the increasing urgency of our environmental conditions really justifies the more involuted nature of many Buddhist traditions. Then you start reading about Tibet under the Lamas or the surprising enthusiasm of Zen masters for Japanese nationalism during WWII or a Zendo you used to go to has a sex scandal involving one of the roshis and suddenly you realize that Buddhism is a lot like other religions.