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Attention Folks,
The old Nippapanca Blog has just been de-activated (still not totally deleted but I think I'm the only one who can access it now), to facilitate turning it into probably at least 3 books. So I am requesting a little feedback. Let's say I make 3 books out of it; I suppose one should be straight Buddhist philosophy. Another can be more personal, with my own path involved more obviously, and presumably less insistence on orthodox Buddhist philosophy (more eclectic but still emphasizing spirituality and philosophy). So what would the third be: miscellaneous cultural reflections, which I hope would include some of my best writing, including my interpretation of Moby Dick and the Russian movie Stalker? That's pretty much the idea I have at present anyway. Feel free to chime in.
At present my main criteria for choosing essays is: 1) My own opinion concerning an essay's value and my liking of it, and 2) popularity based on numbers of views in the (still existent) stats pages. 3) would include specific requests, or else any volunteer editorial suggestions, which will be more difficult now if you can't access the old blog. So you'll probably have to trust my own judgement, unless there are any old essays/articles/posts that really stand out as something you liked. The precipice article I wrote has received some praise, so that one for example would be sure to be in the first or second volume mentioned above.
Next step for me is learning how to use Amazon's self publishing software.
At present my main criteria for choosing essays is: 1) My own opinion concerning an essay's value and my liking of it, and 2) popularity based on numbers of views in the (still existent) stats pages. 3) would include specific requests, or else any volunteer editorial suggestions, which will be more difficult now if you can't access the old blog. So you'll probably have to trust my own judgement, unless there are any old essays/articles/posts that really stand out as something you liked. The precipice article I wrote has received some praise, so that one for example would be sure to be in the first or second volume mentioned above.
Next step for me is learning how to use Amazon's self publishing software.
What if the third book was a manifesto on your ideal model of westernized monasticism? Or fully synced Buddhist practice for a specifically western civilization?
These first books will be mostly composed of essays from the old Nippapanca Blog, so freshly written stuff will probably have to wait till later, except for some editorial comments and maybe an extra essay or two. My earlier blog does have much to say about the weaknesses (and a few actual strengths) of western Buddhism though.
I like the three categories you've come up with. I'd suggest a bibliography and a glossary for each book (especially for Buddhist philosophy/cultural essays). And perhaps footnotes/end notes explaining certain references the average reader might not be familiar with. And I think an additional new essay or two per book would be nice, especially for people who've read your blog in its entirety. Also, drop me a message anytime if you need help with book formats/font types/font sizes/spacing/pagination, i.e., the nitty-gritty of publishing.
I may take you up on the offer of editing advice, as I'm going to have to learn this from scratch. The suggestion of a few original essays per volume is a good one I think. As it turns out, I probably have enough material here for six books, so long as I edit out only the worst 25% or so of old posts. So there may be more nuance in themes in the finished books. (One or two on technical Buddhist stuff, maybe one on eclectic religious philosophy, maybe one on personal experiences including travel, maybe one just on weird, mindscrew stuff, etc.) Though if I take you up on advice it may help to know you by some other name than N0.a12c67e7.
Will drop you an email
Also, do include your essays on Traditionalism/Guenon/Evola!
The Evola ones are on the NEW blog, although I do have a 2-part critique of Guenon on the old blog.
Venerable Sir
Would you consider doing a video with Dr. Edward Dutton? I think you two would have interesting conversations!
https://www.bitchute.com/channel/thejollyheretic/
He accepts plenty of guests from many different fields, there's no need to be shy, Venerable! He's an open friendly guy, just send an email :)
Would you prefer me to prod him for you, Venerable Sir?
Sure, yeah, prod him for me if you please.
It will be done, Venerable Sir!