One of the major forms of Buddhism, Mahayana isn't necessarily what its scriptures purport it to be. In this, his first book, author J.M. Walsh (Dial In: Soka Buddhism on the Religious Spectrum, 2018) uncovers the origins of the Mahayana traditions by exploring its various historical and spiritual layers.Walsh believes that Mahayana as both a religion and philosophy has much to offer the modern world. Practiced primarily in Tibet and East Asia, Mahayana is one of several Buddhist variants that have emerged since the Buddha first lived and taught in the Indian subcontinent between the sixth and fourth century B.C.E.Through the teachings of one school, Walsh explains the doctrinal basics of Mahayana while revealing the discrepancies found in it. He then examines these contradictions through an investigation into the origins of Mahayana Buddhism. He identifies its connected faith traditions in Japanese Vajrayana Buddhism, Chinese and Indian Mahayana, and the ancient Central Asian religion of Zoroastrianism. He employs the metaphor of an archaeological dig to cut through the layers of Mahayana Buddhism, touching on other Asian faiths along the way. On this westward journey along the Silk Road, he in effect reconstructs the emergence and development of Mahayana Buddhism.In the final part, Walsh uses his religious investigations to construct alternate interpretations of Mahayana. He reveals how Mahayana can be viewed as a cosmic law, life philosophy, or universal religion. Intended as a treatise on an ancient religion, this book shows the spiritual tradition's relevance to a fragmented, modern world. Avoiding academic debates and jargon, it is written in a clear, logical progression accessible to the everyday reader.
About the Author: For nearly four decades, J. M. Walsh has been a practitioner of Mahayana Buddhism. He credits the faith with helping him overcome depressive tendencies and family discord. He has made several pilgrimages to the sect's former main temple in Japan and was even married at a Buddhist temple in Brazil. He has continued to untangle the origins of the Mahayana faith as more essential religious texts have been translated into English. He earned a master's degree in business administration through the University of Washington in Seattle. He lives in Southern California with his wife and has two adult children. He works as a corporate executive for the North American division of a European services company.