My Writing
Right now…
To keep up to date with my recent writing in real time, subscribe to my Substack where I post a regular blog and some in-depth articles https://dominiqueside.substack.com
I am also writing many short articles on topics related to Buddhism for the Windows into Buddhism website https://windowsintobuddhism.com
History
Having taught Buddhism and Critical Thinking in London schools for many years, I wrote a textbook for AS and A2 levels (17-18 years) published as Buddhism (Philip Allan Updates, 2005).
My book, Discovering Buddhism (Troubador, March 2022), presents the history and key ideas of all the main traditions of Buddhism in an accessible way for the general public and the education sector.
Before that, I edited two books by the Dalai Lama: The Four Noble Truths (Thorsons, 1998) and Transforming the Mind (Thorsons, 1999).
Discovering Buddhism
In this time of crisis and transition, when the structures of social and political organization are being questioned across the globe and when, especially for young people, the sense of identity, profession and purpose are hard to define, the teachings of the Buddha are more relevant than ever.
The challenge is to make these teachings understandable and appealing for modern people without losing authenticity. There is also a need for trusted, up-to-date information on Buddhism in the education sector so young people can learn about Buddhism as a world religion or as a philosophical or ethical system of thought.
Discovering Buddhism meets these challenges. It introduces Buddhism as a culture and civilization; as a system of thought; and as a religion. Through a book and ebook supported by Windows into Buddhism, a dedicated online platform with videos, short courses and written resources, Discovering Buddhism presents topics in a relevant and interesting way, engaging readers in their personal reflection and inquiry. It presents the views and practices of all the main Buddhist traditions without bias. The critical encounter with Buddhist ideas is intended to be interactive and invites readers to re-think their whole outlook on life so their views are more aligned with reality.
This authoritative and comprehensive book is essential reading for anyone who is curious to know who the Buddha was, what he said, and why so many Westerners today find relief and clarity in his teachings.
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Existing books that are comparable to Discovering Buddhism include a range of introductions to Buddhism. Some of these are very brief and are intended for the general public while others are pitched to undergraduates and are more detailed. The books that target the Buddhist audience tend to focus solely on the Buddhist teachings.
Discovering Buddhism stands out as distinct from other works in the following ways:
The target audience is broad and includes: (1) the general public including family and friends of Western Buddhists, (2) teachers and students engaged in courses on Buddhism in schools, and (3) Buddhist practitioners.
It is written in a clear and accessible way and is suitable for the non-specialist.
It includes critical assessments of key points, connecting traditional accounts with contemporary scholarship.
It incorporates the Buddhist approach to study. This is achieved by including one question for personal reflection at the end of most chapters.
It meets the needs of academic study by including essay and discussion questions related to every chapter.
It is complemented by resources online that are of special value to educators.
Discovering Buddhism is based on extensive reading of the literature in English covering the history of Buddhism, the core principles of the Buddhist teachings and contemporary issues. It benefits from years of experience teaching Buddhism in the school system in London, especially to 17 and 18-year olds, as well as thirty years teaching Buddhism to adults in Buddhist centres around the world. It also reflects the spirit of the Buddhist approach to study learned through four decades of being a student, practitioner and teacher of Tibetan Buddhism.
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My first book, Buddhism, has served as the basis of my recent Discovering Buddhism but there is quite a difference between the two. The original text has been updated, fine edited and expanded to include all traditions, including Tibetan Buddhism. There are new chapters on the disciples of the Buddha, the spread of Buddhism to Central Asia and the Himalayas, the philosophical schools of Indian Buddhism and the contemporary dialogue between Buddhism and science.
Ebook available on your favourite platform:
Buddhism
On the World Faiths paper at AS and A2 in the UK, Buddhism is consistently a popular option, yet there has been little material for teachers or students. This book aims to fill the gap.
All the topics contained in the AQA, Edexcel and OCR specifications are included, supported throughout by sample essay questions based on past examination papers. The subject is presented in a relevant and interesting way, and debates within the tradition are explained to help students develop their critical appreciation of the issues. A glossary of key terms and a list of other resources are also provided.
This authoritative and comprehensive textbook is essential reading for all A-level students of Buddhism.
Out of print
Secondhand copies available here
Windows Into Buddhism
Windows into Buddhism is a new website that brings together a range of freely accessible educational resources on Buddhism, presented in a lively and engaging way. These resources will benefit teachers and students in countries where Buddhism is taught in mainstream schools, and can also serve for teaching children in Buddhist centres.
The site will make resources easily available by topic and age group, and will feature the main Buddhist traditions existing today-Theravada, Zen/Ch'an, Pure Land and Tibetan Buddhism. Resources will draw directly on expertise in each of those traditions.
I am currently writing many short articles on different related topics and am managing the core team of other content developers for this project.
The website will launch in July 2022. You can leave your name and email address on the landing page to receive updates about the launch of the website.