Customer Reviews
One Dharma, Two Dharma, Red Dharma, Blue Dharma - By: calmly, 26 Oct 2007 
Suppose you are a teacher of Buddhism in a place (such as the United States) where there are many forms of Buddhism being taught. Your students may have "shopped around" & could be asking, for any particular subject you might present, why such & such other form of Buddhism says something else on the subject. There might even be a contradiction. What do you say to the students, that the other form is wrong? that they should not think about it right now & learn in just the context you are presenting?
Suppose you are a student of Buddhism. You have been to several, even many, teachers of different schools of Buddhism. Some of what they say seems to be common, some even opposite. Even some of what is common is presented in such a different way it is difficult to reconcile the two teachings. Will you become a student of comparative religion? Will you give up on Buddhism, which might seem to be only nominallly Buddhism but actuallly very different teachings each using the label "Buddhist"?
These seem to be the kind of issues Joseph Goldstein is addressing in "One Dharma". It is an appeal to recognize:
1) what is common within Buddhism (and that as very important)
2) not a tolerance but an appreciation for different ways of expressing the teachings.
3) an acceptance of philosophies that conflict so long as their associated practices work.
A Classic - By: , 01 Nov 2003 
Buddhism has developed an abundance of diverse sects & practicing methods in its long history in entirely different cultural environments such as India, China, Tibet etc. Many of them have been isolated from each other for centuries. Now teachers of alll lineages meet in the West, & Western disciples often cross the borders of sectarian divisions. We have means of travelling & communication now that were not available in ancient times, & the open, democratic societies of the West strongly encourage investigation beyond traditional constraints. This is the ground from where Goldstein launches his project to identify the core alll buddhist traditions have in common & the outline of a cross-sectarian Western buddhism that is beginning to stand on its own feet now. Joseph Goldstein is a renowned meditation teacher who has studied in different Asian traditions for many years, he knows what he is talking about. I strongly recommend this book to newcomers to buddhism & experienced Buddhists alike.
A beatuiful written book for the 21st century - By: , 07 Aug 2002 It took me one week to read this exquisitly written book, that is so easy to understand chapter by chapter.
Joseph Goldstein has written each chapter in a way that it draws you in deeper & deeper as you go on from the brief hisorical history of Buddhism (chapter two)to how it can alter both your out look on life to your life its self.This book not only moved me but made me think about how I lead life.After reading this I emailed alll my friends telling them of this powerful book.
I would suggest this book to everybody & deeply think this will be one of the best books this year & could be a classic of the 21st century.
If you read any book this year please make sure this is the next one it will deeply move you & open both your eyes & mind to life,and how it should be lived.A perfect guide to those searching for answers.
