2.5 stars, rounded up. I'm sure the book had the best intentions, but I am not sure what to make of it. I started it having assumed it's about Buddhism and Hinduism, but it's more like musings about these religions + something of a loose travelogue of some Asian countries such as Nepal, Cambodia, Bali, India.

It took me a long time to finish it because it's so long and repetitive. It is full of musings on what is life, what is consciousness, why are we so cruel, and while it all definitely could be discussion-worthy, it felt like it was being repeated again and again, and made the book needlessly long. Some of the musings take you round and round and it's just too much.

The book did have a fair review of all (or at least most of) the religions that incorporate the idea of Samsara, or endless rebirth until one finds Enlightenment. There was definitely some info in there that was new to me. It also touched on the idea of spirituality through psychedelics.

However, one could distinctly feel it was written by a Westerner, and it felt as if some of the info was certainly only as complete as the Western view. I myself am also a Western reviewer, so I can't comment on the factuality of some of the stuff on these religions, so I would say, keep an eye out for reviewers who are from any of the countries the author visited.

I have a limited understanding of Buddhism myself and would never say that I can be a trusted source when it comes to the facts, but in my humble opinion, I didn't like that the author claims that Buddhism is pessimistic and doesn't see the point of making the world a better place. It may have been true some several hundred years back - who knows, but now we have many outspoken advocates of Engaged Buddhism who advocate for standing up for what is right and peacefully attend protests, dedicate their time to influencing positive change in the world. Also, seeing Buddhism as pessimistic is a very, very deeply Westernized view of it and I dislike it when non-Buddhists say that. You have to have a deeper understanding of the ideas and culture associated to them to talk about it, and if/when you do, you usually stop feeling that "it's pessimistic". It's a common question that beginner Buddhists from the West ask, is it really all that negative? It does appear to be at first - but in the eyes of most seasoned practitioners (even
Western ones), the nuance is very different.

All in all, like I said, definitely written with good intentions in mind, and has a long list of literature references, which means the author did do research and does know quite a bit about this stuff. But the view is incredibly Westernized, and the book could have benefited from a clearer direction and shortening or editing.

I thank the publisher for giving me a free copy of the ebook in exchange to my honest review. This has not affected my opinion.

I picked up this book quite by chance based on the synopsis. This is a well written book which sincerely explores the key concept of ‘Samsara’ – the essence of life as outlined in Hindu & Buddhist philosophies.

Rebecca takes to exploring spirituality after the suffering and painful death of her partner of many years. She is drawn to the concept of ‘Samsara’ and how Hindu and Buddhist philosophies outline the essence of life and the afterlife. Her interest takes her to Nepal, Indonesia - Bali, Cambodia and later India – all societies where spiritual traditions are strong.

This book delves deeply into philosophy steering clear of rituals and other aspects of organised religion. The most interesting aspect of the book is how the author always has an eye on the latest advances and insights from science – especially neuroscience, psychology, quantum mechanics and cosmology. There are elaborate musings around the intersection of spirituality & science. The book is also frank – pointing out the tendency of people to use spirituality as a way to rationalise unfairness, politics etc. There is also considerable space devoted to esoteric practices in some traditions.

I did run into a few inaccuracies. There is some confusion around Karma (but then it is fairly widespread among many) which she readily admits to. There is however, one huge huge huge blooper – Adi Sankaracharya finds only a passing mention in the book as a ‘Hindu apologist’. This callous reference to someone, who in my opinion was India’s greatest philosopher made me cringe. The author does not realise that many of the great philosophers she refers in the book all derive their clarity around Advaita Vedanta (which advocates non-duality and the oneness of everything) from Adi Sankara’s profound teachings.

This book is a sincere enquiry into ‘Samsara’, with great discussions intermixing spiritually & science. Hence, it is certainly recommended if this subject interests you as it makes for very engaging reading.

My rating: 4.5 / 5.

What is consciousness and does it die when our bodies die?
Can mysticism, science or psychedelics reveal any clues?
What might spirituality or religion mean in the twenty-first century?

Very insightful