Do You Know Who You Are?

I was privileged to have Dr. Venkatesh as my seminar leader in the St John's College Program in Eastern Classics. His profound insights into and appreciation for the Buddha's discourses were evident in that setting; they are still more evident in his excellent book.Venkatesh focuses on the discourses themselves, as opposed to what various experts (genuine or so-called) have said about them down the centuries. It is as if we have a personal tour guide taking us behind the scenes: someone who knows just where to focus our attention, all the most interesting points of what we're looking at, and why it's relevant to us. I have always preferred Hindu or Vedic writings and traditions over Buddhist ones, but upon finishing this book I found myself so engaged and convinced by Venkatesh's explications--which highlight the supreme practicality of the Buddha's teachings--that I was *almost* a convert. :)I especially liked the whole section on mindfulness. If you've had it up to here with the "mindfulness" fad sweeping the business world today, or even if you're all for it and just want to understand the origins and full depth of the concept, these chapters are for you. Mindfulness, as first expounded by the Buddha, is the foundation of all Buddhist practice and, as a philosophical-social-spiritual concept, is as complex and influential as Platonic justice, Vedic dharma, or Christian salvation. Today it's hard to find teachers or books that will take you beyond the platitudes. Venkatesh provides a wonderful primer for those eager to dive into the real stuff.The discourses, aka the Pali Canon, have a reputation for being dry, and Venkatesh addresses this question, as he does many of the reader's questions, with helpful and lovely metaphors. He says: "The words of the Buddha ... can seem abstract, highly theoretical, dry. But dry-as-dust they are not, for there are so many other ways of being dry. High mountain air is gloriously, bracingly dry. Kindling for firewood is dry, and the drier it is, the fiercer the initial blaze. A ship's cabin is a delightful haven of dryness when a sea storm rages all around; and when we come in from the storm, dry ourselves, and put on dry clothes, we feel human again." Venkatesh embraces the Buddha's analytical rigor but never fails to show us the humane wisdom--one might call it profound common sense--that lies underneath; the "delightful haven of dryness" to which the Buddha points as an exit from human suffering.With its crisp writing, straightforward style, relatable examples, and tough-minded clarity on life's most difficult issues, "Do You Know Who You Are?" is, like the Pali Canon, "dry" in the very best sense. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a smart-yet-entertaining, profound-yet-practical guide to one of the world's great spiritual and intellectual traditions.

Krishnan Venkatesh's book is wonderful! I wanted to get a little deeper into Buddhist teachings, but they can be intimidating. He writes in an easy, friendly manner, explaining complex teachings in an engaging way. Even if you don't know a lot about Buddhism, you will enjoy and learn and think. I found lots to think about all through the book. It's all marked up and I'm considering going back through it again.

This is a book of 28 essays, most of which are deep readings of suttas from the Pali Canon. The readings are fresh, and in some cases daring. Venkatesh notes in the introduction that he reads as a non-Buddhist and writes for non-Buddhists "or for Buddhists who are not particularly interested in being Buddhists." By doing so, he highlights the clear, non-dogmatic character of these early teachings of the Buddha -- the way the Buddha always directs us to know for ourselves by directly examining experience. Those interested in secular dharma will very much appreciate this work.

A Buddhist discussion group selection. Extremely clear, thoughtful examination of several of the Buddha's important discourses. Presented in contemporary terminology and examples and suitable for all serious audiences.

The author tutored a community seminar on a Greek classic. His insight and thought, always fresh and thought provoking, mirrored several essays in this book.

For a non scholar this book was initially daunting but after a first read I realized what an impression it had made on me and found beauty and powerful life affirming advice in the discourses on review. Extremely well written for both laymen and scholars