Observing that "Buddhist meditation has been seen as at best a harmless mystical preoccupation, at worst a socially irresponsible self-indulgence," Conradi (Iris Murdoch
) offers an idiosyncratic and unpretentious look at his experience as a practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism. Born into "an assimilated Jewish family," Conradi frequently uses conversations and correspondence shared with British novelist Iris Murdoch—a self-described "Christian-Buddhist"—as catalysts to explore such matters as the experience of meditating, going on retreat, Buddhism's introduction to the West, teachings such as the Four Noble Truths and "positive emptiness" and the career of legendary Tibetan Buddhist teacher Chögyam Trungpa. Although the book contends that improving oneself by "going Buddhist" is "neither a quick fix, nor a one-shot deal," Conradi wades with clarity and ease into heady waters and delivers substantive Buddhist reflection in a manner that is both accessible and enjoyable. He accomplishes this through a close attention to detail and a delectable wit (on the promise of reincarnation: "being born once seems to me a sufficient delight"). The text is perhaps too laden with literary allusions, and at times it becomes downright rambly; nevertheless, Conradi provides a substantial, provocative primer that will appeal to the novice and accomplished practitioner alike. (Feb.)
