NPR

Why 'Why Buddhism Is True' Is True

In his new book, Robert Wright explores Buddhism's take on our suffering, our anxiety and our general dis-ease — where he sees it lining up with scientific fields, says blogger Adam Frank.
Source: Gargolas

Here is one thing author Robert Wright and I agree on when it comes to Buddhist meditation: It's really, really boring.

At least, it's boring in the beginning. But there's another thing we agree on, too. That initial meditative boredom is actually a door. It's an opening that can lead us to something essential, and essentially true, that Buddhism has to teach us about being human.

Wright's insight on this point is just one of the many truths in his delightfully personal, yet broadly important, new book Why Buddhism Is True.

The "true" in Wright's title doesn't refer to the traditional kinds of scriptural truths we think of when we that Wright wants to explore because that's where he sees its perspective lining up with scientific fields like evolutionary psychology and neurobiology.

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR1 min read
Caitlin Clark And Angel Reese Are Selected In The First Round Of The WNBA Draft
Caitlin Clark became the all-time leading scorer in college basketball history during her time as a student, while Angel Reese led the SEC division in points and rebounds for two seasons.
NPR3 min readCrime & Violence
Supreme Court Temporarily Revives Idaho Law Banning Gender Affirming Care For Minors
The law makes it a felony for doctors to medically treat gender dysphoria in minors. It will now go into effect except in the case of two anonymous plaintiffs who may continue to receive treatment.
NPR6 min read
NPR Suspends Veteran Editor As It Grapples With His Public Criticism
NPR has suspended Senior Editor Uri Berliner after he wrote an essay accusing the public radio network of becoming too progressive in its news coverage and losing the public's trust.

Related Books & Audiobooks