The Doctrine of the Awakening

View other editions of The Doctrine of the Awakening.
View books by Julius Evola.

Ariya Magga - Rated
A more than cursory glance at this work will allow the dedicated reader a glimpse into the spiritual genius of Baron Evola. Here he elucidates in a flowing, articulate and most importantly, adept manner the initiation process into the Noble Eightfold Path in a manner devoid of sentiment and the crutch of faith, allowing the serious student to experience for himself, as Prince Siddartha intended.

Baron Evola insists upon returning Buddhism back to its cultural context and restoring Prince Siddartha to his rightful position as an historical figure, an aristocratic warrior who turned his 'struggle' inward to seek transcendent awakening and become a teacher of Tradition, universal in that his teachings remain applicable in our day and open to those who share this spirit. For those weened upon a diet of groundless faith and superstition, this work will not lie easy on the stomach and for those blinkered by the prejudices and myopia of the modern age, then it will be difficult to penetrate. But then to the Buddha and Baron Evola, Truth is timeless and it's Tradition will remain valid long after our pretence at civilisation has faded.

Over-intellectualised nonsense - Rated
This book has more to do with a philosophy professor trying to impress his peers than with a concerted attempt to explain Buddhist philosophy: I know this because I used the same absurd, unnecessarily obtuse lingo in my MA thesis!

If you want to educate yourself about Buddhism, this book is a complete waste of money.

The only light relief is accidental: to appease the Nazi authorities, Evola tries to prove Buddha was fair-skinned and blue-eyed, and that Buddhist practice is one route towards achievement of the ubermensch.

Otherwise, a complete waste of your cash. Wish I hadn't bought it.