Editorial Review

You might want to digest this book slowly, a few pages at a time. Although Zen teacher Steve Hagen has a knack for putting the philosophy of Buddhism in a "plain and simple" package, it may take a while to sink in. There is so much there. Seeing reality, realizing the wisdom of the self, breaking free of dualistic thinking--this is pretty heady stuff. Thankfully, Hagen passes it along in the form of examples from life, psychological tidbits, and stories from Buddhist teachers past and present. And when it clicks in, it can be life-transforming. Hagen explains this shift in outlook and how the fundamental way we look at the world affects everything we do. As an outline, Hagen follows the basic teachings of the Buddha, and we see that, rather than dogmatic truths, they are reminders for us as we reconsider the life we have taken for granted for so long. As it turns out, Buddhism is life, plain and simple. Read more

Reviews (113)

Very little simplicity here.....
This book contains SOME very good information. Overall, I am glad to have purchased it for some of the information it contained. However, the author repeats himself constantly. Sometimes he changes the wording and sometimes he doesn't bother, he just repeats himself. If I could count the number of times he claims that things don't exist, and that every perceived thing is a concept, I'd guess it to be near one hundred.
A very narrow view but a nice simple read
This book portrays Buddhism as this really simple philosophy of simply living in the moment and throws away the rest. It is too simplistic to throw away all those sutras that other forms of Buddhism and simply state Zen is the only way. It's only one very narrow way. But I did enjoy it as a nice easy little read when you are on the train in the morning to get your mind thinking in a positive mode for the day. Its more of a new age self help book, but for the money it's fine!

Patience . . .
I'm glad I have other sources re Zen, because if it were only this book I checked, it would be history.The editorial review at the beginning said:"You might want to digest this book slowly, a few pages at a time."Otherwise, you may want to toss the book across the room.
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Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Buddhism - General    3. Doctrines    4. Eastern - General    5. Eastern - Zen    6. Philosophy    7. Religion - World Religions    8. Philosophy / Eastern   

Features

• Audiobook
• Unabridged

Reviews (3)

True Happiness Pema Chodron
Good life lessons from a Buddist Nun. Soothing and Helpful, people for all walks of life can certainly benefit from listening to this retreat.I have not ever been disappointed by listening to Pema Chodron.

Interesting Buddhist practices
Recorded at Gampo Abbey Monastery in Nova Scotia, True Happiness leads you through seven hours of spiritual meditations and practices designed to guide you to the source of basic goodness and happiness. Pema Chodron is a well-known Buddhist author.

the syndrome of attachment/addiction
This book was listed in a little catalog that came in the mail to me.Reading the indepth description covering nearly two pages was in itself almost therapy for me.Pema Chodron's book is for those of us who have placated our bodies and brains with food, alcohol, sex or medications/drugs to drive away the stresses, insecurities and pains of life.The book addresses this cycle of self-denigration, blame, anger, and other emotions which keep us from experiencing happiness.I am planning on purchasing these cd's. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Abridged Audio - Self-Help    2. Audiobooks    3. Buddhism    4. Buddhism - Rituals & Practice    5. General    6. Happiness    7. Personal Growth - Happiness    8. Religion    9. Spiritual life    10. Unabridged Audio - Misc.Nonfiction    11. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques   

Reviews (19)

Simple Wisdom to Clear Your Head
This is a wonderful set of short lectures that Pema Chodron gave to a group of meditation students that stayed for a month at the Gampo Abbey in Nova Scotia where she is a resident teacher.The lectures are to the point, deal with anger, addiction, fear, joy, and all the many problems we are faced with not only daily, but constatly in our minds, whether we are aware of them or not.She gives techniques to understand what it is that fills our minds and often poisons our hearts, how to label them so that ultimately we may move past these problems with compassion, understanding and ultimately help put ourselves at ease.I highly recommend this book if you are interested in meditation and/or are suffering from anger, addiction (to anything- shopping, drugs, cigarettes, alcohol, love, etc...), or just seek more interpersonal peace.

What the world needs now
This is the best book from any spiritual tradition that I've ever read, especially as it applies to everyday life. It brought me kindness, joy, and enormous inspiration, entirely without judgment. Pema Chodron believes we are all essentially good people, here to offer kindness to ourselves and others as a way of life. She invites us to learn to open to ever more challenging situations as a way of living life more fully, and she shows us how. She guides us to focus not on perfection, but the beauty of life lived just as it is. Pema Chodron is a great teacher and role model, and I am deeply grateful to her for writing this book. I will read it again and again.

Great book, life changing
It's a must read for those into meditation and the dharma ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Buddhism - General    3. Eastern - General    4. Meditation    5. Philosophy    6. Religion - World Religions    7. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    8. Religion / Buddhism   

Editorial Review

So many books have been written about the meditation side of Zen and the everyday, chop wood/carry water side of Zen. But few books have approached Zen the way that most Japanese actually do--through ritualized arts of discipline and beauty--and perhaps that is why Eugen Herrigel's Read more

Reviews (53)

Awonderful account of Herrigel's spiritual journey/5 stars
As a Zen Buddhist--unlike a few of the reviewers who
rich catalyst for our life journey
masterpiece. even the way it is written brings the reader on a journey so that he himself can learn and experience what the author intends to convey. not by explicitly writing what he wants the reader to 'learn', but rather by guiding the reader through a path- that is the only way to truly gain.

hitting the bull's-eye blindfolded
There is the Zen of no mind in which you eat when hungry, rest when tired, and stop when finished.There is also the Zen known through the ritualized arts of discipline and beauty such as archery, swordsmanship, brush-and-ink, the tea ceremony, or flower arranging. This book is Herrigel's story of striking the target bull's-eye blindfolded. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Archery    2. Archery And Target Shooting    3. Eastern - General    4. Eastern - Zen    5. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    6. Philosophy    7. Zen Buddhism    8. Religion / Eastern   

Editorial Review

Pema Chodron is a Buddhist nun for regular folks. Having raised a family of her own, she doesn't shy away from persistent troubles and the basic meatiness of life. In fact, in Read more

Reviews (26)

Being Versus Analysis
Compassion is born of the heart and served by a disciplined mind. What heals our dense energies and emotions is the capacity to embrace in our cells a sense of the seven virtues ... such as compassion. Now compassion is not allowing someone to hurt us constantly but rather it is seeing the pain in the other that provokes them to act out. And by that one can see and perceive beyond our ego's filter and into what really is going on. Often when someone hurts us it is because of their own hurt and corresponding vindictiveness to extend the pain. The Buddha once said that hate never begets hate ...only love begets hate. Detached love is still love in the agape sense ... and compassion is the key to opening the heart once more to allow this remedy to flow. It is a gift to yourself ... when you release yourself from the attachment of what you want a situation to result in. Self-love is your birthright and it is in self-love that you can experience compassion along side strong boundaries.

Absolutely Inspirational and Down to Earth
I loved this book. A friend recommended it to me when I said i was interested in meditation. Pema Chodron has a wonderfully practical down-to-Earth way of putting things, and she has a delightful sense of humor. If interested in Buddhism, meditation, or simply learning to live more fully in the present, with all of life's trials and beauty, you will find much to inspire you in this lovely book.

Couldn't put the book down
My girlfriend bought me this book over the holidays, and I blew it off but finally had a chance read it from start to finish in a matter of 2 days.Pema Chodron wrote this book with clarity for everyone to understand her beliefs.I've read numerous other books pertaining to Buddhism and this one is by the far the easiest one to understand and comprehend.This book is based around the idea of being compassionate to yourself which in turn will penetrate others around you to develop some level of compassion.Chodron does an excellent job of motivating oneself to clear their mind and avoid unnecessary feelings of anger, aggression, pleasure, etc.Not only does Chodron explain the necessary steps to clear your mind, but she compliments this explanation with examples from her personal experience with students and teachers.The verbage outlined in this book is very easy to comprehend versus other Buddhist books I picked up and read. I've noticed in the past I've had to re-read certain passages quite a few times to fully understand it's meaning, but not with this book.This book motivates me to "start" working on myself, and in doing so it will encourage me to open my eyes to everyone and everything in this world. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Buddhism - General    3. China    4. Doctrines    5. Eastern - General    6. Philosophy    7. Religion - World Religions    8. Spiritual life    9. Tibet    10. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    11. Religion / Buddhism   

Reviews (7)

Instrumental for ANYONE seeking to strengthen their skills in compassion
Regardless of your religious orientation, the mental practice of cultivating fearlessness and compassion is to your benefit. Both traits are in short supply in the world but much in demand for individual peace of mind. Take a few baby steps and watch yourself acquire a sense of inner peace. You need not become a Buddhist but have a clear mind is a must in a harried world. Pema Chodron was introduced to me by a practising Buddhist who was also a television broadcaster when I was in the grips of taking something way too personally. Chodron once called pain one of the greatest spiritual teachers and she was right on. My experience demanded compassion towards a situation that had my ego in over-drive. She also said that "If we learn to open our hearts, anyone, including the people who drive us crazy, can be our teacher".
Comfortable with Uncertainty: 108 Teachings on Cultivating Fearlessness and Compassion
I think this is a great book with many good strategies to use to help you live your life in a more mature and fulfilling way.The emphasis is on living fully in the moment and not letting yourself be caught up in the kind of thinking that distracts and causes anxiety. It recommends ways to stop using so many of the avoidance techniques that so many of us employ to keep from dealing with painful thoughts and situations. This book contains step-by-step instructions on how to meditate for insight and its calming and slowing effects.

Comfortable With UnCertainty
A beautiful book for Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike.Pema Chodron's teachings are clear and concise.This book is a compilation of her teachings taken in short sections, so it can be read cover to cover or the teachings taken individually as one wishes, one day at a time, or randomly. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Asian And Oriental Religions    2. Buddhism    3. Buddhism - General    4. Buddhism - Rituals & Practice    5. Doctrines    6. Meditation    7. Personal Growth - General    8. Religion    9. Religion - Inspirational/Spirituality    10. Spiritual    11. Spiritual life    12. Religion / Buddhism   

Editorial Review

As in all the major religions, there is a wisdom behind the theology of Buddhism that informs the believer in daily life. Stephen Batchelor would argue that the difference with Buddhism is that the wisdom is in fact independent of the theology and is not informative to believers only, but to everyone. In Read more

Reviews (84)

fine intro
Buddhism, as suggested by this book should not initially be approached as a series of faith postulates with do's and dont's and lots of heavy and tedious doctrines. It is instead - A thought exercise with a method of liberation that unbinds you from rigid paradigms of thinking that grinds you down. The author cleverly demonstrates how you mustn't attribute autonomy to mental constructs and accord them a fixed sense of permanace that they do not merit. Mr Bachelor shows that if you engage with the world with a dynamic mindset that mirrors the fleeting nature of things, then you will better be able to embrace the four enobling truths of understanding anguish (or craving), letting it go, realising the let-go and cultivating the path....leading to a healthy and balanced frame of mind that'll allow you too chill out.
Ignore the Dogmatists And Check Out This Book
If you look through the bad reviews you will see that most of the naysayers trumpet their vast Buddhism libraries. They also refer to the author as being incompetent despite the fact that he was an ordained monk of Tibetan Buddhism for twenty years before he left the order to go on his own path. Could it be that faced with the reality that Buddhism does not depend upon zealous adhearence to invented orthodoxy and vain accumulation of obscure texts and knowledge these naysayers are trying desperately to cling to the trappings of their false piety?

Fair, rather cloudy
While Prof. Batchelor writes well and certainly makes a case for Buddhism with a small "b", it remains a weak one in my opinion, lacking historical breadth and context. His arguments represent more of the post-modern dissembling of "tradition" and reinterpretation along the "it's-more-a-philosophy-than-religion" way of thinking which actually answers little but serves to buttress Buddhism's narcissistic and New Agey reputation. A 3 out of 5 stars. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Buddhism - General    3. Doctrines    4. Introductions    5. Religion    6. Religion - World Religions    7. Religion / Buddhism   

Reviews (20)

A Mom's Perspective
I love this little guide.It's so beautifully written and helps me return to the the really important aspects of parenting:honoring each child's individuality and letting go of control.I read one or two passages each morning to remind me that I have a choice in how I interact with my children. This little guide is a must have if you feel the world is spinning a little too fast.

Excellent
This is a perfect book for new parents.You don't need to have a lot of time in one chunk, since it's a compilation of thoughtful advice pieces.These are very insightful and can give new meaning every time they're read.I give them to all new parents I know and they rave!

A daily dose of spiritual parenting inspiration and advice!
This book has so many wonderful pages of inspiration.The passages are beautifully written and contain simple words of advice. I close my eyes and choose a page from the book each morning... a simple reminder of a spiritual parenting idea to focus on that day.Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - Zen    2. Child Care/Parenting    3. Dao de jing    4. Eastern - Taoism    5. Family & Relationships    6. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    7. Lao-tzu    8. Laozi    9. Parenting    10. Parenting - General    11. Taoism    12. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques   

Features

• Audiobook

Reviews (13)

Wisdom with Humor
I received this as a gift and have listened to it 3 times, and each time I find more gems of wisdom and compassion. Hanh is a very gentls soul who gives many tips and insights for the ups and downs of life's journey. Highly recommended.

Still Seeking Truth @ Sixty-four
I first became aware of Thich Nhat Hanh by virtue of his being nominated for a Nobel Prize by Martin Luther King, Jr., during the Vietnam War years.I had heard little of him since that time until a friend mentioned him as being particularly relevant in her practice of Buddhism, particularly meditation.After listening to this CD, I have to agree with her that his gentle, sometimes humorous delivery provides a wonderful relief from the preachiness that is found in many speakers on religion.In fact, he cuts right through the dogmatic b.s. of most religion and goes directly to the nurturing of one's spirituality.Anyone who is struggling to deal with the violence and chaos of the world would do well to listen to Thich Nhat Hanh.

Illuminating And Entertaining
I have listened to many Dharma Talks (DT) from Thich Nhat Hanh and this one is one of my favourite. This DT is really fun to listen to. I have learned so much from Hanh's teachings and I am trying to practice and change myself for the benefit of my family.
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Subjects:  1. Audio Adult: Other    2. Body, Mind & Spirit    3. Buddhism - General    4. Spiritualism - General    5. Unabridged Audio - Inspirational/Philosophy    6. Buddhism    7. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques   

Editorial Review

Beneath the enormous umbrella of Buddhism, there is a diverse galaxy of customs and beliefs, but there is also a kernel of truth that every sect holds dear. Rahula Walpola, scholar and monk, discovers this foundation of Buddhism for us first through straightforward explication, never skipping over a point that has yet to be substantiated, then through translations from key scriptures. Logical and focused, these are the essentials of Buddhism; know them first, then move comfortably on to other Buddhist works. ... Read more

Reviews (65)

Good, but... Too Good?
This is a very good description of the Buddha's teachings, but it left me wondering if this was an ancient religion that would not accept what has been learned from the realities of science and the "new" world.He paints a clear picture of the development and growth of Buddhism and separates the differences between sects very well.At the same time, he makes it very clear that there are some questions, the answers to which some may not want to hear from the Buddha's point of view.And to compond the issue he leaves it somewhat unclear what is finally meant in the teachings.One obvious example is the choice of whether we have a self that last after the body dies.There are some very clear points made that the Buddha did not recognize the existnace of this self and also an excellent description (with an analogy to fire) of why this self could not exist.Yet at the end of the book he talks again about the circle of life (Samsarra) and the fact that we come back again and again until we reach a pure and true state of being.I was left wondering what the constant was in these cycles.All in all, this is a very good read and a great look into the Buddha's teaching from the heart of one who lives them today.But for the layman, this may serve to make you look elsewhere for the road to eternal peace.

The most important concepts of Buddha presented clearly, intelligently and concisely
I came across this book while looking for a good introduction to Buddhism that explains key doctrines of this religion and presents them in an intelligent and non-journalistic way.
True to the title - Straight from the Buddha's mouth.
It seems that J. Duarte's beef is with Buddhism, not with Rahula. He takes issue with Rahula as if he had made up these arguments, rather than clearly showing what the Buddha has taught. Thich Nhat Hanh's interpretations of the Buddha's teachings are similarly straight-shooting, and not surprisingly quite similar to Rahula's.
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Subjects:  1. Buddha and Buddhism    2. Buddhism    3. Buddhism - General    4. Doctrines    5. Gautama Buddha    6. Religion - World Religions    7. Teachings   

Editorial Review

As a primer on living the good life, few books compete with Read more

Reviews (32)

A practical guide to change for the better
Just like the title, "How to Practice" is a gift to humankind to illuminate the right way to act. The goal of being human is to realize the potential within, which is a permanent state of happiness and peace. To achieve this, the beginner cultivates kindness and harmony for all beings.
living with peace of mind
The Dalai Lama teaches how to make every action part of your spiritual practice and, in doing so, create a meaningful life filled with happiness. He recommends disconnecting the attachment of your happiness from the material circumstances of your life and opening instead to the true source of your happiness which is your inner peace of mind. There is a section on Buddhist Tantra and a discussion of how sexuality can be used in the search for peace and kindness. Dalai Lama means "ocean of wisdom." The fourteenth Dalai Lama (Tenzin Gyatso) won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 as the exiled spiritual leader of Tibet. At the age of two, in accordance with Tibetan tradition, he was recognized as the reincarnation of his predecessor, the thirteenth Dalai Lama. In 1950 (the year of the Chinese invasion of Tibet), at age 16, he was called upon to assume full political power and leadership. Since 1960 he has resided in Dharamsala, India, aptly known as "Little Lhasa," the seat of the Tibetan government in exile.

Very good book....a little history, some practical exercises, but at times a little complex for me
I'm not sure if my title suggests that I like it or have reservations.....well, I thought it was a great read.
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Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Buddhism - General    3. Buddhism - Tibetan    4. Doctrines    5. Inspirational - General    6. Religion - World Religions    7. Religious life    8. Self-Help    9. Spiritual    10. Personal Christian testimony & popular inspirational works    11. Religion / Buddhism   

Editorial Review

In the summer of 1999, the Dalai Lama addressed an audience of over 40,000 in Central Park on how to live a better life. Read more

Reviews (17)

Insightful!
This is an easy to read book with tons of insight into a better mindset.You should read the book slowly -- take time to reflect on each idea, such as compassion.Keep the topics of the book in mind throughout your day, whether you're a mom at home, a student at school, or working in your cubicle.It will be the first step into inner peace and practicing compassion in every day life.

A Delight to read...as usual.
I have yet to read a book by the Dalai Lama that I was not impressed and moved by. This little book is easy to read and full of insight as well as ways to incorporate the Buddhist ideal of compassion into our every day lives. You can't go wrong with this one.

His presence shines through
Of the 8 books I've read by Ngawang Losang Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet, I like this one best (though I haven't read the Practice book others have mentioned).This one includes comments on several Buddhist texts (as have some of his others).However, this one is a bit more practical than the others--it includes some guidance on the 4 Immeasurables practices (loving kindness, compassion, equanimity, and joy--especially in others' happiness), Bodhichitta (Buddha Mind or universal compassion), and Shamatha or Shine (Calm or Tranquil Abiding).The last is the basic form of Tibetan Buddhist (Vajrayana) meditation.It is an essential starting point towards enlightenment--included in virtually all schools of Buddhism from Theravada (SE Asia) to Dzogchen and Mahamudra.All these teachings are presented in His Holiness' gentle, compassionate style, reflecting his own nature.I had the great fortune to meet him for a brief moment in Washington, DC and, IMHO, he is the most present and sincere and real person I've met.The value of his work (s) IMHO is more a reflection of what he is than who he is or what he says or writes. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Buddhism - General    3. Buddhism - Tibetan    4. Eastern - General    5. Nature    6. Religion    7. Religion - World Religions    8. Religious aspects    9. Religious life    10. Spiritual life    11. Religion / Buddhism   

Reviews (7)

One of The Best Overall Books on Buddhism
While I do not have the pedigree of Mr. Taylor (who wrote another 5 start review), I have read several hundred books on Buddhism, including all of the Nikayas, and I also took one graduate level course in a Buddhist Studies program, and I agree whole-heartedly with his comments. This book was one of the two main sources for the Buddhist Studies course, and to this day it is one of the handful of books to which I refer regulary. In fact, my copy is so worn out that I am about to order another one. If I were to teach an introductory course on Buddhism this would be the textbook. Unlike the 1 start review of Mr. Martin, I find this book wonderfully engaging and well-written. Occasionally I will pick it up to look up a fact, and find myself reading the next 20 pages. Buddhism as it really is, and not seen through Western eyes.
The Foundations of Buddhism presents an introduction to Buddhism as it really is, as seen through the eyes of millions of its Asian followers, and not the cleaned-up atheistic Buddhism of latter-day "Western" converts.One reviewer thought that this book was a bad introduction to Buddhism simply because the author repeated the ancient Buddhist story of the Hindu gods paying homage to the Buddha at his birth! This merely reflects a largely "Western" bias.Belief in the existence of gods is not anathema to the so-called "real" or "original" teachings of the Buddha.Even Theravada Buddhism, the branch of Buddhism that is regarded as adhering most closely to the Buddha's original teachings, do not disclaim the existence of the Hindu gods.According to the Pali scriptures, the Buddha himself simply regarded them as irrelevant to mankind's salvation.Gods, like us, are caught in the web of samsara.They may occupy an exalted place in the current scheme of things, but they too will ultimately die (admittedly after a very long time) and be reborn (possibly on a lower plane of existence based on the law of karma, in accordance with their previous conduct), and die and be reborn, again and again.Thus, it is useless for mankind to blindly worship the gods in hopes of attaining salvation.Salvation in the form of Nirvana can only come from within - through our own renunciation of worldly desires.That is the main Buddhist message - Buddhism is simply not an atheistic philosophy that dismisses the existence of gods or other spiritual beings, contrary to what some "Westerners" seem to imply.In Mahayana Buddhism and to an even greater extent in Vajrayana Buddhism, spiritual beings of all sorts occupy virtually all spheres of existence.Buddhism is anything but atheistic.Just ask any Buddhist living in Asia.

Real Buddhism
Having studied Buddhism privately and academically for over 20 years I usually consider introductory works not worth the bother. When I saw the outraged comments from the one-star reviewer below, however, I thought that this could be an interesting work. As another stated, most presentations of Buddhism that are made for Westerners are usually filtered to some extent, particularly older ones that are taking the Buddhism-is-the-secular-religion-for-us-grown-up-Westerners routine. Unlike Mr. Martin, I own and have bothered to read many of the early Buddhist writings, and they are chock full of the kind of things he claims are not part of Buddhism. The author of this book takes it all on the chin and doesn't let it faze him a bit. He's more interested in telling about both the story and teachings of Buddhism as they really were and, at core, still are, rather than keeping Western devotees comfortable. Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Buddhism - General    3. Religion    4. Religion - World Religions    5. Religion & Theology | Buddhism    6. Religion / Buddhism   

Reviews (3)

Stages of meditative maturation
This is one of the best step-by-step elucidations of the stages of unfolding rigpa, or "natural, timeless awareness," minus the usual obfuscating overhead of Tibetan/Buddhist trappings. Offers exceptional clarity in differentiating each stage from the next, and gives helpful markers to discern when you're there, and when you're not.Extremely helpful on the path!

Referenced Mahamudra text
This book contains a very fine description of the "Natural State" or "Ordinary Mind" of Mahamudra -- quite similar to the view of Dzogchen.Interestingly, it's referenced in Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche's recent work, "An Ocean of the Ultimate Meaning."The author's work, "Mahamudra: The Quintessence of Mind and Meditation" (though his name is spelled "Takpo" vs. "Dakpo" I believe it's the same author) originally entitled "Moonbeams of Mahamudra" is also in print; translated and annotated by Lobsang P. Lhalungpa.It is a much larger work (close to 500 pages).I have seen it referenced numerous times in contemporary works (e.g. Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche's).I own one but haven't read it yet.

Very good
This is a short effective book, with a good attempt at the pointing out instructions.
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Subjects:  1. Buddhism - Tibetan    2. Eastern - Buddhism    3. Philosophy    4. Religion - World Religions    5. Buddhism   

Reviews (9)

So good I bought a copy for my SiFu
As a student of Shaolin, I believe this book to be an excellant study guide.I told my SiFu about and even bought him a copy.

Great book!
This is an excellent book, not only for the beginer, but also for those who have been studying Shaolin for many years! It is very informative about the history, phylosophy, and tecnique of Shaolin kung fu. It's a great book for doing cross-refrence on different training and also has many inspiring stories in it. I'd recomend this book to ANYONE interested in Shaolin!

Comprehensive
The book was indeed true to its title.The program it lays out covers everything! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Health/Fitness    2. Martial Arts    3. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    4. Religion / Zen Buddhism    5. Sports    6. Sports & Recreation    7. Sports & Recreation / Martial Arts & Self-Defense    8. Buddhism - Zen    9. China    10. Hand-to-hand fighting, Oriental    11. Health & Fitness / General    12. Kung fu    13. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    14. Oriental martial arts    15. Religion   

Editorial Review

Gary Gach is like that teacher you always wanted--easygoing, full of information, able to communicate in humorous and meaningful ways, and a little bit wacky. So he's the perfect author for Read more

Reviews (29)

Not so hot...sorry
Very confusing book, and shy on details. Also contains to much personal interjection (opinions). A better book I would recommend is 'A Buddhism Primer - And Introduction to Buddhism'.

A great place to start.
I am young. I am unknowing. And I am in search of the truth.
Good, broad introduction... Lacking depth in some key areas
I've read a number of books on Buddhism, and I can easily say this is one of the best I've encountered for providing a solid background and overview of this religion-slash-philosophy. However, the book suffers from something of an identity crisis, and lacks some critical information.
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Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Buddhism - General    3. Religion    4. Religion - World Religions    5. Religion / Eastern   

Features

• Unabridged

Reviews (4)

Superb presentation of many basic Vajrayana practices
After having enjoyed Pema Chodron's wonderful video set "Good Medicine" (6305642842), Her "Noble Heart" set of 6 cassettes was greatly enhanced.I could picture her orchestrating this retreat at her Monastery in Eastern Canada.That is exactly how this tape set is arranged.She provides an enjoyable, enthusiastic lecture with examples, stories, personal experiences, input from her Master Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, etc.For each of the 12 segments (sides of cassettes) she also includes meditations and visualizations as appropriate.Topics include:
An enduring Buddhist spirituality for a new generation
Pema Chodron is a Buddhist nun in the Tibetan Vajrayana tradition. Noble Heart: A Self-guided Retreat On Befriending Your Obstacles is a profound audiobook narration in which Pema Chodron guides her listeners into an awakening their compassion, an appreciation for the beauty of vulnerability as a spiritual resource, the realization of strength that comes only through embracing the pain of experience, the treasured teachings of the six paramitas that offer the Buddha's own guide to the journey of enlightenment, and so much more. Noble Heart is an dedicated and recommended contribution to contemporary Buddhist Studies collections and offers students of Buddhism and practitioners of Buddhist philosophies and lifestyles a transforming and profound exploration of an enduring Buddhist spirituality for a new generation.

i want to review when things fall apart by chodron
the most enabling book on spiritual life-not clutching on in usual addictive style prevalent in american media life-but really letting go and being ungrounded-this book saved my soul in a critical moment-we can livewithout clutching and grasping-let the universe supply without grabbingijust showed it to two therapists-one a director of a group oftherapists-they were amazed at the profundity and helpfulness-and in linewith more enlightened therapeutic practice-not advice -lots of support -seewhere this new way leads you ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - Rituals & Practice    2. Meditation    3. Religion    4. Unabridged Audio - Inspirational/Philosophy   

Reviews (1)

Quite Simply, A Treasury of Tibetan Buddhist Thought
If I could own only one book on Buddhism, this would be my choice.Translated by Thupten Jinpa, the principal English translator for His Holiness the Dalai Lama, this work is a gift to those of us who speak English.The passages are clear and lucid.The elements of verse flow and the prose is elegant in its force and simplicity.This book could have been a nightmare to read, because the subject matter is not simple, and anyone who has read translations of Sanskrit, Pali or Tibetan knows that many texts come across twisted and convoluted in English. As such, it can be difficult to ascertain meaning. Such is not the case here.
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Subjects:  1. Blo-sbyoçn    2. Buddhism    3. Buddhism - Tibetan    4. Buddhist Philosophy    5. China    6. Doctrines    7. Early works to 1800    8. Religion    9. Religion - World Religions    10. Spiritual life    11. Tibet    12. Religion / Buddhism / Tibetan    13. Tibetan Buddhism   

Reviews (7)

To much terminology
To