Buddha Turns the Kabbalah Wheel: Jewish Buddhist Resonance from a Christian Gnostic Perspective : Book Review

"Buddha Turns the Kabbalah Wheel" by Thomas Ragland is a captivating exploration of how Buddhism and Kabbalah intersect. Through his engaging narrative, Ragland takes readers on a transformative journey, delving into the mystical and spiritual teachings of these two traditions. What sets this book apart is its ability to find common ground and connections between seemingly unrelated belief systems.

Ragland skillfully intertwines the fundamental concepts of Buddhism and Kabbalah, shedding light on their shared themes of self-realization, enlightenment, and inner peace. He elegantly breaks down complex ideas into easily digestible pieces, making the book accessible even to those with little prior knowledge of these traditions.

One of the book's standout features is Ragland's talent for drawing parallels between various practices and concepts in Buddhism and Kabbalah. He seamlessly connects the concept of mindfulness in Buddhism with the idea of intention in Kabbalah, revealing that these practices have similar aims and methods despite their different origins.

The author's deep understanding and genuine appreciation for both Buddhism and Kabbalah shine through in his exploration of their histories and core teachings. He blends personal experiences with meticulous research, creating a well-rounded and comprehensive analysis of the subject matter.

Overall, "Buddha Turns the Kabbalah Wheel" is a thought-provoking and enlightening read for anyone intrigued by the connections between Buddhism and Kabbalah. Ragland's ability to bridge the gap between these seemingly disparate belief systems makes this book a valuable resource for spiritual seekers and scholars alike. It challenges readers to find harmony and understanding in the intersections of diverse philosophies.

What are readers saying?

The book "Buddha Turns the Kabbalah Wheel" by Thomas Ragland has garnered a range of opinions from readers. Some readers have commended the book for its fresh and innovative perspective on merging Buddhism and the ancient Jewish mystical tradition of Kabbalah. They appreciate the author's ability to provide profound insights on spiritual growth and transformation, drawing from both traditions. These readers find the book enlightening, well-researched, and thought-provoking. Ragland's clear and accessible writing style has been praised for making complex concepts understandable to a wide audience.

However, there were also readers who expressed disappointment with the book. They felt that Ragland's attempt to combine Buddhism and the Kabbalah seemed forced and did not offer any substantial new perspectives. These reviewers found the book repetitive and lacking in practical applications. They also mentioned that the book could have benefited from more in-depth explanations and a clearer structure. Some readers found the writing style overly academic and difficult to engage with.

Several readers noted that while they appreciated the author's intentions, they felt that the book would be more suitable for readers who already had some familiarity with either Buddhism or the Kabbalah. They believed that a basic understanding of these traditions was necessary to fully grasp the concepts presented in the book. However, those readers who had a background in both traditions found the book to be enriching and appreciated Ragland's efforts to establish connections between the two.

In summary, "Buddha Turns the Kabbalah Wheel" by Thomas Ragland has received a mix of positive and negative feedback from readers. While some appreciate the book's unique perspective and insightful reflections, others find it lacking in originality and practicality. The readers' prior knowledge and understanding of Buddhism and the Kabbalah appear to heavily influence their reception of the book.