Book Reviews

Reviews of A New Way of Seeing

 

This is a terrific book. It offers ‘modern’ Buddhists blunt, some may even say shocking, news: the philosophy and psychology of Abhidharma is foundational to cultivating actual, measurable progress on the path.

In this extraordinary guidebook, Dominique Side skilfully reveals how cultural, habitual and linguistic biases have obscured our ability to see our condition. In groundbreaking fashion, Dominique offers the reader, especially seasoned meditators, a fresh, profoundly relevant journey through the Abhidharma.

This must-read presentation irrefutably demonstrates how spiritual progress is hindered if these foundational teachings are ignored, forgotten or considered ‘less than.' I feel inspired to re-read the book, and remember these amazing teachings, again and again.

- David Rand, MA, Strategic Advisor, The Middle Way School, New York

  • Andy Karr, Buddhist teacher, author and photographer:

    In A New Way of Seeing, Dominique Side takes on the admirable task of addressing the cognitive dissonance that many people with modern educations experience when we dive deeply into Buddhist practices.

    Using personal anecdotes, traditional stories and analytical contemplations, it offers readers excellent ways to investigate our contemporary thinking and align our views with the truths of the Buddha dharma.

  • Ven. Sean Price, Director of Tibetan Publications, Tsadra Foundation:

    A New Way of Seeing is a compelling exploration of the Treasury of Metaphysics (Abhidharma Kosha) that breathes new life into a subject often perceived as dry and remote. Dominique Side skilfully offers a refreshing and engaging perspective that serves as a captivating gateway into the profound world of Buddhist thought and practice. With a wealth of traditional teachings and contemplative guidance received from esteemed Tibetan masters, Dominique masterfully weaves a contemporary narrative around Buddhist metaphysics. Her work is not only rich in reflection and inquiry but also invites readers to embark on a transformative journey toward deeper spiritual understanding and development.

  • Kent Lane, Full review on IndieReader

    A carefully considered, illuminating work by a serious Buddhist practitioner.

    Essential reading for those who wish to apply traditional Buddhist practice and philosophy in a way that's anchored to their lived experience.

  • Connie B, Reviewer, NetGallery, 5 stars:

    A New Way of Seeing delves into a careful exploration of the Treasury of Metaphysics (Abhidharma Kosha). My knowledge of, and experience with, Buddhism has never gone this deeply into the practice. 

    I found the book to be very carefully written with much thought given to how to help the reader understand how to enlarge their practice with this method.

    https://www.netgalley.com/book/708888/reviews

  • Lauren B, Reviewer, NetGalley, 4 stars :

    I have always been interested in Buddhism but sometimes I find the explanations and descriptions in books difficult.  I found this book broke everything down and explained it so well. Really interesting and would recommend to anyone curious on Buddhism.

    https://www.netgalley.com/book/708888/reviews

  • Tessa Winslow, personal communication: 

    […] What’s especially compelling is the way you reanimate the Abhidharma Kosha, not as an abstract or scholastic system, but as a living framework for insight. By examining unconscious biases and encouraging readers to question even the Buddha’s words, you model the very openness and discernment the text advocates. The result is a work that doesn’t simplify Buddhist metaphysics, but makes it feel intimate, usable, and quietly transformative. […]

  • Rosey Hastings, 5 stars:

    Dominique Side’s book has been a revelation for me! The book is clear, easy to navigate and unpacks the key aspects of these teachings step by step. But most importantly the book is written to help the reader not just understand key themes or topics but relate to them in a highly experiential way. I found myself challenged to look freshly at my own ideas and assumptions about myself and the world under the spotlight of profound Buddhist wisdom. More than just another book to put on the shelf, but a journey of self-knowledge! 

    Read full review

  • Priyankia Kedia, 5 stars:

    Dominique Side breaks down Buddhist thought and philosophies in way that makes it easy to understand, navigate, and digest. […] What is especially remarkable about Dominique’s book is that in the process of making Buddhism accessible, she does not change it or explain a watered-down version of it to the reader. […] This is a great book for both, those people who are new to Buddhism as well as those who want a better perspective on it.

    Full review on Goodreads

  • Levis Omondi, 5 stars:

    Contrary to what the title may imply, Dominique Side, […] insists that this ‘new way’ is not entirely new, it is timeless, and is just buried alive underneath our limited perception of the world and its constituents.
    The author's vulnerability in sharing her own history, with the help of a few general life experiences, makes the book compelling. […] This is a must read for anyone willing to accept or challenge Buddhist thought and its implications in the modern life.

    Full review on Goodreads

  • IndieReader staff:

    An in-depth study on how following traditional Buddhist teachings can help lead to personal transformation and deeper spiritual understanding.

Reviews of Discovering Buddhism

 

Raymond Lam (Buddhist Door Global)

Dominique Side, a teacher of Buddhist practice and published author, approached her task of writing an introduction to Buddhism as a teacher of over three decades; in other words, the book is pedagogical. It functions as a critical textbook that contextualizes the Buddhist tradition in history while allowing it to speak for itself. […] Unlike Gethin (Foundations of Buddhism (1998)) and Harvey (Introduction to Buddhism (1990)), whose introductions to Buddhism I was exposed to as a student, Side provides a slight twist by investing the student in thinking about what basic Buddhism means for them. This is not just a book for the Buddhist Studies learner. It is an introduction fit for today’s curious seeker of knowledge of Buddhism’s ancient faith.

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  • Pagoda at sunset with orange and blue gradient sky, surrounded by trees and hills.

    Most of the parents who send their children to the Middle Way School do not identify as Buddhists but they are curious and open and want to learn more. To introduce these parents to the history, philosophy and culture of Buddhism, we have long relied on a textbook for high school students in the UK that was written by Dominique Side, wishing that it was more readily available. We are so happy that she has now published this even more comprehensive and clear book. We highly recommend Discovering Buddhism for any dharma library.

    Noa Jones, Executive Director, Middle Way Education, New York

  • Discovering Buddhism is a go-to resource for us all; If you are a teacher looking for inspiring lesson content, you will find it here. If you are a teenager questioning life and death’s big questions, you will find satisfying material here. If you are a Buddhist and want a clear overview of the Path, you will find it here. All readers interested in experiencing wisdom, cultivating it as it has been cultivated through the ages, will find avenues to explore here.

    This reliable resource is written with both clarity and warmth. The clarity helps us understand the depth and breadth of Buddhist culture. The warmth invites us to experiment with the content, bringing colour to as-yet unexplored areas of our lives.

    David Rycroft, director of Mind With Heart

  • Red candle with a burning flame against a dark background.

    I'm not a full newbie to Buddhism but do still have a lot to learn. So I was eager to read this one. It was easy to read, informative and I felt like I learned facts not only about the Buddha and Buddhism, but other teachings as well.

    I appreciate the fact the author added time lines and charts to sum up information presented. This was an ebook copy, which was difficult to highlight and note, so I would be interested in a print copy that I could flag, highlight and note for easy reference. For those curious or learning about Buddhism I would recommend this book.

    Reviewer, USA, NetGalley - Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

  • Silhouette of a person walking in shallow water during sunset, carrying baskets on a pole across their shoulders.

    Dominique Side writes a book that is helpful to newcomers to Buddhism but not in the usual way. Side posits Buddhism through the lens of changing one’s life with what are principles of Buddhism but is not wed to Buddhism itself.

    A new way of looking at oneself and the world around us is quite enlightening – at least for me. The contextualization, history, and culture of Buddhism offer a grounding in a wider area of Buddhist thought. It is presented in the way of an author without an agenda. I enjoyed this book.

    Librarian, NetGalley - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

  • Sunbeams filtering through dense forest trees, creating a misty atmosphere.

    Great book. Always had interest in Buddhism and it’s rare to find a book that honours it as a way of life. This book is perfect for learning about the way of life within Buddhism.

    Reviewer, UK, NetGalley - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

  • Mountain landscape with fog and layered hills at sunset.

    I wish I had this book when I was taking religion in college. This is one book that gives Buddhism in its basics and in an understandable manner. I recommend this book.

    Reviewer, NetGalley - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

  • Sunrise over mountain range with colorful sky

    I have not finished this cover to cover but I must say it’s so informative without being boring. I have always been intrigued by Buddhism and this is a beginner friendly book! It is a must read for anyone interested in the subject.

    Reviewer, USA, NetGalley - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Reviews of my first book, Buddhism

 
 

Dominique Side’s textbook “Buddhism”, which was created for use in the British education system, is our go-to text for parents who are admitting their children to our Buddhist school. Many have very little, if any, understanding of the fundamentals of the dharma. This book offers a clear, factual, non-sectarian overview of the key aspects of Buddhism. We go out of our way to get copies of it but since it is out of print, their cost is often many times more than the original price. Our school administration would be really happy if an updated edition was made available.

Noa Jones, Director, Middle Way Education, New York

  • Snow-capped mountain range under cloudy sky

    This book is a go-to resource for us all. If you are an RE teacher looking for inspiring lesson content, you will find it here. If you are a teenager questioning life and death’s big questions, you will find satisfying material here. If you are a Buddhist and want a clear overview of the path, you will find it here. Even if you are a hard-core materialist, you will find the treatment of profound concepts very engaging. This reliable resource is written with both clarity and warmth. The clarity helps us understand this formidable philosophical ecosystem. And the warmth invites us to experiment with the content, bringing colour to as-yet unexplored areas of our lives.

    David Rycroft, Director, Mind with Heart

  • Scenic view of a mountain range and lake with trees in the foreground.

    I have been using Dominique Side's book on "Buddhism" for several years. I find it extremely useful when I am teaching about Buddhism to teenagers. This book gives a very authentic, thorough and complete overview of all aspects of Buddhism which helped me to deepen my own understanding of Buddhism and made it easy for me to prepare my classes. The fact that the content is not related to one specific school of Buddhism offers a broad perspective on the subject. The summaries and questions at the end of each chapter are really useful.

    Daniela Dalal, school teacher, Heidelberg, Germany

  • An excellent introduction. I bought the book out of curiosity. I have written books about contingencies between Buddhism and Christianity, so I was not looking for an introduction, really. But to be honest, for me it is not introductory, but really interesting, engaging and deepening my understanding of Buddhism. And I wonder why it is not reprinted and translated? The author is well-informed about Buddhism and a talented teacher at that.

    H.G. Posthuma, UK 4.0 out of 5 stars on Amazon