BUDDHA: THE INTELLIGENT HEART (N)

Buddha: The Intelligent Heart by Alistair Shearer is a book that serves as both an introduction to the core teachings of Buddhism and a visual survey of its artistic and cultural expressions. Published in 1992 as part of the Art & Imagination series, it's not a deep, scholarly text, but rather a concise and accessible overview.

The book's central premise is that the Buddha's teachings are a practical insight for modern life. It explores how the path of Buddhism is not about divine inspiration, but about understanding how the mind limits and isolates itself. The book explains how through study, discipline, and meditation, one can transcend the ego-bound self and cultivate wisdom, compassion, and joy.

Buddha: The Intelligent Heart is considered a good book with a high rating on Goodreads (4.50 out of 5 stars). The book's focus on art and architecture makes it appealing to those interested in the cultural legacy of Buddhism.