Introduction: Literature: Agon Sect of Buddhism

The local library occasionally installs new books on its shelves. This happens about twice a year overall, but it seldom seems to offer new items in the areas of my own personal reading preference - Buddhism, Yoga, and Himalayan travel/cookery to name my main interests. Finally, it offered two new Buddhist books for me to devour.

These were from the Agon Sect of Buddhism, a modern Japanese style partially based upon texts relating to the Buddha's actual words and partially upon a form of psychological and physical analysis and progression. Whereas I take easily to the former suttas, the latter usage is not really my personal mug of coffee - in fact it could be likened to adding salt to an already perfectly coffee blend!

I was pleased to read the 2 new additions to the library shelves however, and one area of specific interest to me stood out. Whilst acceptance of the suggested methods of attainment may currently elude me, the recognition of 'The 7 systems and 37 elements of enlightenment' (otherwise known as The 37 practices for attaining Nirvana) surely appeals. Whereas this might not truly be classified as 'Western Buddhism', it is making its way from Japan to the Western world, and as such offers a point for discussion in this blog.