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Ratings: ★★★★☆ (4.4/5)
Genre: Buddhism, Philosophy, Religion

Book Review:
George Grimm's ''Perennial Questions'' is a profound and scholarly exploration of the fundamental philosophical questions at the heart of Buddhism. This revised and enlarged edition, prepared by the author himself, offers a clear, cogent, and remarkably accessible presentation of the Buddha's original doctrine, stripped of later mythological and mythical accretions.

Grimm's primary aim is to present the ''old genuine Buddha doctrine'' in a way that speaks to the modern seeker, one who is ''free from prejudices and intent on working out his own future with his self as the light.'' The book is structured around the Four Noble Truths, providing a detailed and systematic exposition of the nature of suffering, its origin, its cessation, and the path to that cessation. Grimm's treatment is rigorous and philosophical, engaging deeply with concepts of truth, cognition, and reality.

A significant portion of the book is devoted to the subtle and often misunderstood doctrine of anattā (not-self). Grimm offers a compelling interpretation, suggesting that the Buddha approached the question of the self (attā) indirectly, by systematically stripping away everything that is not the self. This radical method, he argues, reveals the true nature of reality. The book also includes an extensive introduction, an appendix on Buddhist metaphysics, and a thorough bibliography, making it a valuable resource for serious students.

''Perennial Questions'' is not a book for casual reading, but for those willing to engage with its depth, it offers immense rewards. It is a classic work of Buddhist philosophy that continues to illuminate and challenge readers with its profound insights into the nature of existence and the path to liberation.