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A few years ago the journalist and author  FullChakra Reset Program Review John Horgan wrote an article about his personal exploration of Buddhism, and the unfavorable view of Buddhist practice and philosophy that he had “regretfully” arrived at. Mr. Horgan, who as a writer specializes in covering the world of science, is also well-versed on the subject of spiritual enlightenment, having written an excellent book on what cutting-edge science has to say about the quest for transcendental experiences. Having read a couple of his books, and having a high opinion of him as both a writer and a person, when I recently chanced upon his article on Buddhism I was naturally keen to learn what opinion he had formed.

Even though I don't actually wear the label “Buddhist”, my thinking and spiritual practice has a great deal in common with certain Buddhist schools of thought. And I've always had the highest regard for dedicated Buddhist practitioners. So I felt a little disappointed and defensive when I read some of Mr. Horgan's critical thoughts. It's not that his thoughts, per se, took me by surprise. Some of his pet peeves against Buddhism are actually pretty classic criticisms. Criticisms that chauvinistic and racist Western opponents of Eastern religions first began to voice way back in the late 19th century. But Mr. Horgan is not a racist, a cultural imperialist, or a closed-minded fundamentalist type. The fact that he can still entertain such critical views about Buddhism means that they need to be taken seriously, and thoughtfully addressed by both “card-carrying” Buddhists, and sympathizers such as myself.

To take on that task here, I'll touch on each of the points he makes against Buddhist beliefs and practice, in the order they occur in his article. The first point that he makes is that Buddhism is “functionally theistic”. That the doctrines of karma and reincarnation imply “the existence of some cosmic judge who, like Santa Claus, tallies up our naughtiness and niceness” to determine our next incarnation.

https://americansreviews.com/full-chakra-reset-program-review/

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