Place's Buddha Deck/Book

[herself]

Originally Posted by sapienza

I have the book but not the deck. I'd recommend reading it simply because it's written by Robert Place. What I love about the book though is how he discusses both western mysticism and Neo-Platonism and then compares how this fits with the life and teaching of the Buddha. If you are interested in how eastern and western traditions come together it's a great read.

He's great, isn't he? I have his Vampire deck, and Alchemal Reviewed, as well as his book on tarot history. I'm a fan

Originally Posted by Carla

The LWB is very good with this deck, but the companion book is also good. I wouldn't say it's a must have. I used to have both the deck and the book but gave them away.

Hehe, oh noooo!

Originally Posted by Marina

This deck is VERY nice! It's beautiful and you can see that Robert Place (as usual) did his homework. Although you can use it with the LWB only, the book is essential if you wish to understand the deck and its symbolism.

I DO recommend, however, that you read this thread that points to some 'problems' people found in the deck. It's no to de-enable you (I personally LOVE the Buddha tarot), but for you to see another point of view. There's also some people defending it, so it may help you to make up your mind about it!

This deck is going OOP now, so if you come across it for a good price, buy it!

Thanks very much for that link Marina - I'll hop over and take a look now.

Originally Posted by sapienza

I've never felt I needed the deck.....but now you've reminded me it will eventually be impossible to find......maybe....damn!

Jeepers, I had no idea!

[Freddie]

The book and deck can still be found on the net with a little research, hopefully it will remain in print. I have been using this deck a lot lately as I like the way it combines classic Buddhism with Tarot. I do think study on the subject Buddhism will provide insight into some of the images that do not seem to fit a particular traditional card meaning e.g. The lovers or Nine of Lotuses.

Freddie

[cmarie]

I have watched the documentary film The Buddha, the Life of Siddhartha, three or four times - and I recognized the scenes on three of the cards right away. They pertain to events of his life. I don't have the deck I just went and looked at the photos here on Aeclectic. So now I am very interested in getting this deck also! The stories of his life are beautiful, I love the one about Buddha and Sakti, which is represented by the card the Sun.

Card XIV shows a pivotal moment in Buddhas life also, where he turned back from extreme ascetism and denial of self. Card XX shows his death. These stories are very moving to me, so I recognized them right away.

I have read about the life of Buddha, but the stories never stuck with me like the film.

I have the Dhammapada, which I read through every so often. I also have several books by Tibetan Monks. And a few weeks ago I scored a copy of The Buddhist Scriptures (a Penguin's Classic)at Goodwill - have read it and referred back to certain parts again and again. It is the easiest book on Buddhism I have ever read.

I am off to look at more pictures! Enjoy your deck!