Reviews (1)

A captivating and insightful read
This an insightful book, a true story and a quick study about both Buddhism and AA.Recommended for anyone interested in AA and a solution to alcoholism from a spiritual standpoint.A very heartfelt and well written book... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alcoholics    2. Buddhism    3. Recovery    4. Religious aspects    5. Religious life    6. Self-Help    7. Twelve-Step Programs    8. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    9. Self-Help / Twelve-Step Programs   

Reviews (24)

This book changed my life.
Fortunately, this book was my introduction to Buddhism.Ms. Boorstein has a wonderful way of using simple, personal stories to illustrate Buddhist principles.I actually have bought several copies since, and the audio tape, to give to interested friends.Many times I've experienced something in life and remember what I learned from the book... and isn't that what makes a book a success?That it stays with you?

Chicken Soup for the Buddhist (or Non-Buddhist) Soul
I was introduced to this book while staying with a friend, and I was hooked.I went home and bought it so that I could finish it.I didn't know much about Buddhism before I read this book.Ms. Boorstein's stories read a bit like the Chicken Soup for the Soul books.She has short wonderful stories that demonstate current day people practicingthe Buddha's teachings.You do not need to be a Buddhist to appreciate this book!It's very inspirational.Since this book, I have read several more books to learn about the teachings of Buddha.

And it doesn't get much easier than this!
If you are interested in exploring the primary teachings of Buddhism, and you don't want to get scared away, then this is the book for you!It's easy to imagine Ms. Boorstein, going about her day, and thinking about life in the spiritual context.She is very approachable, very "real", and in a series of short chapters, she is able to impart some of the truths that makes the study of Buddhism so wonderful.I chose 4 instead of 5 stars, because there is a bit of the "self-help" stuff going on here, that just wasn't particularly what I was looking for.The writing is right on though, and it is an easy read extraordinaire.This was my first Boorstein book, and I will definitely look for another.So that's the final verdict, don't you think? ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Buddhism - General    3. Doctrines    4. Inspirational - General    5. Religion    6. Religion - World Religions    7. Religious life    8. Religion / Inspirational   

Reviews (14)

Interfaith understanding appreciated
I am not a religiously observant person, but Sylvia Boorstein's negotiation of two religious paths is appreciated as a welcome example of interfaith practice.We need more of the same within and beyond the communities of faith as we make the messy, dangerous transition from tribal sectarianism and exclusivist ideology to a society based on insight, compassion, justice and dignity.
A very personal point of combining Buddhism and Judaism
The writer tels us in her own intimacy and personal honest way how Buddhism is intergated with her born religous - Judaism and even may sometimes strengthens each other.
An entertaining and inspiring read
I must say, this is a great book. Its a bit of serendipity as I read it with cynical curiosity. Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Buddhism - General    3. Comparative Religion    4. Judaism    5. Judaism - Theology    6. Relations    7. Religion    8. Religion - World Religions    9. Personal religious testimony    10. Religion / Comparative Religion   

Subjects:  1. Asian And Oriental Religions    2. Buddhism    3. Buddhism - General    4. Buddhism - Rituals & Practice    5. Meditation    6. Paramitas (Buddhism)    7. Perfection    8. Religion    9. Religion - World Religions    10. Religious life    11. Body, Mind & Spirit / Meditation    12. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques   

Features

• Audiobook

Subjects:  1. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    2. Audiobooks    3. Buddhism    4. Judaism    5. Personal Growth - Happiness    6. Relations    7. Self-Help    8. Unabridged Audio - Self Help    9. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    10. Spirituality   

Reviews (2)

surprisingly deep
Don't let the small size of this book fool you.The ideas are important and well developed.In her small chapters, Ms. Ryan challenges us to look deeply at how and why we give as well as what obstacles prevent particular kinds of giving.This work does not burden us with guilt, rather it helps us to open our hearts, a process which blesses both the giver and the recipient.This is a book I open again and again.

A transformational book
This book will touch your spirit as well as provide information on how we can responsibly help others while helping ourselves.Finished it in 2 sessions.Highly recommend for those who utilize 'giving' as part of their personal spirituality.Give it as a gift and share it's transformative powers. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Generosity    3. Inspirational    4. Inspirational - Gifts    5. Interpersonal Relations    6. Self-Help    7. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    8. Popular psychology   

Reviews (7)

Very neat book.
The Amazon description doesn't really explain what the book is.This is a book that takes various topics and then lists quotes from various religious texts from different faiths, so that you can see the common thread that unites us all.It's a wonderful little book that can be read from front to back or just leafed through by subject.
An Outstanding Overview
Did you ever think that it was possible that in the beginning there was only one message?That over time, the message was sorted to different cultures and languages to meet their needs and yearnings.Could we all be of the same spiritual being?Is there any proof that this might be possible?This book by Bonnie Louise Kuchler is quite a feat and puts a lot of information out here.
Simple and Essential
The idea behind this book intregued me.Whether or not you believe in a rational basis of truth you'll enjoy how this book wonderfully illustrates how universal religions really are.I'm not a religious person anymore, but I still enjoyed this book.It serves to remind me that reason, common sense, and logical examination are the real languages of truth. FUNDAMENTALISTS BE WARNED.... this book will not reenforce your narrow minded beliefs!This book is for rational thinkers who are interested in a simple but well organized comparison.
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Subjects:  1. Comparative Religion    2. Philosophy    3. Philosophy Of Religion    4. Quotations, maxims, etc    5. Religion    6. Religion - World Religions    7. Religious aspects    8. Religious ethics    9. Sacred books    10. Spirituality - General    11. Wisdom    12. Religion / Spirituality   

Reviews (3)

Monastic & cultural differences, adaptations, & experiences
This insightful book has 14 chapters based on "Life as a Buddhist Nun," a 3 week educational program for nuns @ Bodhgaya, India, Feb. 1996.The authors are from numerous countries, mostly European.Major sections include: history & monastic discipline, living as a Buddhist nun, nun's teachings, and a poignant appendix: p. 187: Bhikshuni Tenzin Palmo (England) "The Situation of Western Monastics," which made the Dalai Lama weep and an interview with the him in which he stated, pp. 192-3: "I think the rights of women practitioners in the Tibetan Buddhist community have been neglected."
Some Interesting Essays
This book was the fruit of a conference of female ordained Buddhist monastics.Like all essay collections, this is a mixed bag, but contains at least three or four very interesting chapters. The book is organized into two main sections.The first is a series of essays by Buddhist nuns from different monastic traditions--Zen, Theravadin, Tibetan Kagyu, etc.They describe the routine in their monasteries, the rhythm of collective life. This section begins with an excellent article by Professor Chatsumarn Kabilsingh of Bangkok on "The History of the Bhikkhuni Sangha." She raises some interesting points concerning the historical Buddha's efforts to improve the status of the nuns (bikshunis) in relation to the monks (bikshus).The second section consists of brief dharma teachings by some of the nuns. Most notable is an essay by Khandro Rinpoche, a female Tibetan tulku and daughter of the head of the Mindrolling lineage.Another very good essay is about "How to Rely On A Spiritual Teacher" by Bhikshuni Jampa Chokyi, from Spain.

A complete eye-opener
These essays shine with intelligence and compassion. They also fill in so many little details about nuns' lives, dreams, obstacles and the work ahead. I was stunned by the book's vivid descriptions and its practicalapproach to everyday problems. Buddhist nuns are regular people, of course,but have focused their energy on the monastic discipline which supports asolid spiritual way of life. The essays break these things down, givingthem a human face, a view of spiritual matters in perspective. Most of all,the book imparts a precious gift - an opportunity to imagine what it wouldbe like. We can all rejoice. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - General    2. Buddhist nuns    3. Monasticism    4. Monasticism and religious orde    5. Monasticism and religious orders for women, Buddhist    6. Religion    7. Religion - World Religions    8. Religious Life (Buddhism)    9. Religious life    10. Spirituality - General    11. Women And Religion (General)    12. Buddhism   

Reviews (4)

Worth reading -- and practicing
I've been practicing "Mindfulness" meditation for about 7 months now. It's been very helpful, and suits me well. A couple of months ago, I attended my first retreat, of 4 days, at Spirit Rock. It was easily the most profound thing I've done in my life. And one of the hardest. And I'd do it again in a second. Worth reading -- and practicing
I've been practicing "Mindfulness" meditation for about 7 months now. It's been very helpful, and suits me well. A couple of months ago, I attended my first retreat, of 4 days, at Spirit Rock. It was easily the most profound thing I've done in my life. And one of the hardest. And I'd do it again in a second. Didn't help me at all
This book and all it proposes did not help me at all.I think it's a waste of money. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Buddhism - General    3. Meditation    4. Religion    5. Religion - World Religions    6. Spiritual life    7. Self-Help / Meditations   

Reviews (2)

Sketchy Cartoons and Sketchy Philosophy
I like Buddhism and I like cartoons. However, the cartoons in this book are sketchy and most don't seem to have much of a point. The cartoons are not well drawn at all. I'm surprized they could get this published. I guess fools like me buy them hoping for something better.

"The Buddha Smiles" makes you smile!
As a longtime devotee of Mari Gayatri I was eager to read "The Buddha Smiles".It is a great book - very funny - very enlightening.It is the kind of book you can pick up and open to any page and get just theright uplifting message you needed.I highly recommend it - veryentertaining! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Buddhism - General    3. Caricatures and cartoons    4. Dharma (Buddhism)    5. Humor    6. Meditation    7. Religion    8. Religion - World Religions    9. Cartoons & comic strips   

Features

• Audiobook

Reviews (1)

Road Trip?Daily Commute?You'll love this audiotape!
Sylvia Boorstein is a Buddhist mindfulness teacher who uses humorous anecdotes and gentle wisdom to educate drivers on the importance of paying attention.You'll find yourself applying her philosophy to numerous other daily tasks, as well.This fun and engaging audiotape may transform your whole approach to life! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Audio - Relaxation/Meditation    2. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    3. Meditation    4. Personal Growth - General    5. Self-Help    6. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    7. Roadcraft, driving & the Highway Code