How to lose yourself with Buddha and followers — Part I

Part XXXIIa of the Ancient Wisdom for Modern Readers series

[Based on How to Lose Yourself: An Ancient Guide to Letting Go with Buddha and his followers, translated by Jay L. Garfield, Maria Heim, and Robert H. Sharf. Full book series here.]

Over a decade ago I spent some time examining a number of philosophies of life before settling on Stoicism as my primary guide. One of those I looked at but ultimately decided did not speak to me was Buddhism. This excellent new translation of crucial Buddhist texts by Jay L. Garfield, Maria Heim, and Robert H. Sharf, part of Princeton Press’ ongoing Ancient Wisdom for Modern Readers series, reminded me of why I made that choice, and in fact confirmed it.

Before we get into the details, two major caveats. First, as I just said, the book is excellent. The introduction and commentaries are very useful, and the translations are crisp and accessible. It’s the specific content I have a problem with, and even there, more with some sources than with others. Second, one may be tempted to dismiss my reaction as that of a westerner imbued with rationalism and scientism, who just doesn’t get the subtleties of eastern philosophical traditions. Perhaps. But my problem isn’t with eastern philosophy per se. It’s with any kind of…