These vitriolic posts are actually persuasive arguments...
...to the credibility of the book (if not in a logical form, then certainly in a pathetical one), and its value as a purchase, or at least a read.
As a Buddhist, I see all these posts that are mocking, bashing, name calling, and completely void of any constructive criticism, as not even remotely close to what the Buddha called Right Speech.
Given this, when I read these attacks on the book's views of Buddhism, among other things, it gives me pause, as the hypocrisy becomes evident.
In regards to the JAMA review, which I have read, Henning's review is no different. The article was subjective, and was not even a book review. He glossed over the majority of the book's content, only discussing the the first 30 pages or so. It seemed evident to me that after reading this far, he simply concluded that because the OSC's views did not toe the party line, or his research, that it must be worthless. He claims he is an academic, but his review does not lend credence to that claim. An academic review would have, in the least, laid out the contents of the book, and then supply counterpoints to any of the arguments that were made within it. Instead, all we receive in the way of a review, is a quick write off, leaving us (or at least me) still wondering where the review was.
Fortunately, for the OSC, when the only counterpoints to any argument are caustic and immature, intelligent individuals tend to see through the ego, the posturing, and the agendas.
anyone read 'the shaolin grandmasters text'
i recently read a curious/ fascinating book called 'The shaolin grandmasters text' written by guys in a group called the Order of shaolin ch'an?
basically this book is allegedly a collection of shaolin Oral history and religion from before the cultural revolution. does anyone know much about this order? i think they are based in new york. Although the book gives a very detailed account of what they claim is lif ein the temple before PRC, the order seem to heap loads of hot coal on the current/ post PRC shaolin order and its martial arts.
basically the book claims the shaolin MA practiced in the temple today is a mixture of village boxing and long fist- anyone know anything/ read this book/ or is indeed a member or student of this order.
Black Ghost is curious.
peace
We discussed this a while back...