Verses from the Center: A Buddhist Vision of the Sublime
by Stephen Batchelor
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Book Summary Information
Author: Stephen BatchelorEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 2001-07-01
ISBN: 1573228761
Number of pages: 208
Publisher: Riverhead Trade
Book Reviews of Verses from the Center: A Buddhist Vision of the Sublime
Book Review: Batchelor is a fellow studetn, not a teacher . . . and this isa commentary
Summary: 4 Stars
In some ways I agree with "Jim Williams" review, though I do not see this commentary as harshly as he does -- and I see Batchelor as I always do, as a commentator, not a teacher. Not a good beginner's book on Nagarjuna's seminal work, but I am currently studying this in depth, and so appreciated Batchelor's work as I might enjoy sitting talking to another serious student, even when I saw his shortcomings. If you are beginning, read Nagarjuna as a translation and sit with him.
Summary of Verses from the Center: A Buddhist Vision of the Sublime
The understanding of the nature of reality is the insight upon which the Buddha was able to achieve his own enlightenment. This vision of the sublime is the source of all that is enigmatic and paradoxical about Buddhism. In Verses from the Center, Stephen Batchelor explores the history of this concept and provides readers with translations of the most important poems ever written on the subject, the poems of 2nd century philosopher Nagarjuna.Ex-monk Stephen Batchelor has stirred up controversy in the past by marrying Buddhism to secular agnosticism. Now he goes right to the greatest Buddhist sage after Sakyamuni, Nagarjuna, for corroboration. In this translation of Nagarjuna's seminal work, Verses from the Center, we see Nagarjuna turning a skeptical eye to all dogmatic beliefs. But Batchelor, through his emphasis on the poetics of the work, moves away from polemics to experience--experience of the emptiness that pervades existence and teaches deeper truths. Verses from the Center is an extended meditation on the implications of emptiness, and thanks to Batchelor's limpid rendering, it prompts a meditative reading. Batchelor's opening essay, half of the book, is one of the best introductions you'll find on Nagarjuna's notion of emptiness, emphasizing that emptiness ultimately brings us back to face the world. In a chapter called "Acts," Nagarjuna says:
My acts are irrevocable--Brian BruyaBecause they have no essence...
Where are the doers of deeds
Absent among their conditions?
Imagine a magician
Who creates a creature
Who creates other creatures.
Acts I perform are creatures
Who create others.
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