Reviews (3)

I loved this book!
It was one of a few required texts for a Buddhism class. I chose it because I have an interest in psychology, particularly the psychodynamic perspective (unconscious motivation) and this book added to my life in such a way! I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn about Buddhism and freeing one's "self" from the limitations of convention.I don't agree with everything in it, but this is a book for my collection, definitely.

A remarkable blend of Buddhism and psychology
The first chapter of this book alone is worth the purchase price.I have it dogeared, and refer back to it frequently.The author uses the Buddhist Wheel of Life as a metaphor for states of pschological suffering.His explanations are both clear and intriguing.This book will interest students of psychology and Buddhism alike.

Excellent!
I think this book is an absolutely wonderful introduction to a particular subset of Buddhist philosophy, and done so in such a way that it may benefit our own lives as well as the academic and practices of psychology today.Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - General    2. Psychology    3. Psychotherapy - General    4. Psychotherapy   

Reviews (28)

When Spirituality Meets Logic
I'm not the type to buy into 'new age mysticism' or even organized religion in general.I tend to question any organization that bases their beliefs on faith over fact, all while looking for donations.However, like anyone I still have spiritual needs.
Most Valuable Book
This was the most inspritional book I have ever read. I give as a gift to everybody I haven't already givin it too. BUY this book and if you don't like i will buy it from you!

Wise words greatly needed now
I read this book for the first time in the early eighties on a flight to Dallas via San Antonio, San Marcos and Austin (cheapest ticket).It was not my first contact with Eastern Philosophy.I attended several TM classes as a senior in high school and had always been very interested in Tibet and Buddhism.
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Subjects:  1. Buddhism - General    2. Conduct of life    3. Ethics & Moral Philosophy    4. New Age    5. Religion - World Religions    6. Spiritual life    7. Non-Western philosophy    8. Religion / Buddhism   

Reviews (4)

Excellant Guide to Getting Unstuck
I am only half way through this book and have found enough good suggestions to ponder for weeks.

Helping Friends Career Network recommended reading list!!
I am recommending this book as a refreshing read for career seekers who feel stuck in trying to figure out what is next in a difficult environment of layoffs and reductions in force.There is a calm in identifying where you really are, why you have such attachments, and being able to see you really are only as stuck as you let yourself be. [...]
Extremely helpful!
This book is simply fantastic!Kasl skillfully demonstrates how following the core concepts of Buddhist philosophy can help us tackle the issues that arise in everyday life.By using herself and her patients as examples, she makes Buddhism accessible to all, and provides a road map to living a more complete life.She does all of this with a writing style that makes reading this book a pleasure. This is one of the few books that I will read more than once. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Buddhism - General    3. General    4. Motivational & Inspirational    5. Personal Growth - Happiness    6. Religion - World Religions    7. Religious life    8. Self-Help    9. Self-Help / Happiness   

Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Buddhism - General    3. Encyclopedias    4. Reference    5. Religion    6. Religion - Commentaries / Reference    7. Reference works   

Reviews (13)

As close to the truth as words can go
This is the MUST read for anyone drawn to what is "truly" true. This is the path of unknowing, of finally relinquishing one's personal story utterly. This is the guide.

Insightful, potent and substantial !
This is the first review I ever write on Amazon. So you know I don't write reviews for leasure.
Something New
Our culture is based on the westward expansion of ideas.At last, there's something new spreading from the East and Adyashanti's book, Emptiness Dancing, is full of this new (and ancient) light.I highly recommend this book and am grateful that the Fire of Truth is now burning in me. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. Buddhism    3. Dharma (Buddhism)    4. Inspiration & Personal Growth    5. New Age    6. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    7. New Age / Parapsychology    8. New Thought    9. Spiritual Healing    10. Spiritual life    11. Spirituality - General    12. Zen meditations    13. Spirituality   

Reviews (34)

Heart Warming
This book rates well alongside Arnold's 'Light of Asia'. It tells a more complete story of the Buddha's life and achievements, and clarifies some points about the teachings. With the companion book, 'The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching' the student and the adept both can gain valuable insight into The Buddha and His life. Well worth reading.

Why didn't I read this sooner?
A couple of years ago on retreat I asked a nun from Plum Village what her favorite Thich Nhat Hahn title would be. She named this hefty tome which I purchased but did not read for quite awhile, assuming that it would be tedious and difficult going. (I have no idea why, none of Thay's books are anything but lovely and engaging...) What a wonderful surprise I received as I started reading vignette after vignette from the Buddha's life. In breathtakingly beautiful prose, Thay brings this great historical figure to life in a way that just makes you wish you had been there. The stories also explain and illustrate some of the more esoteric teachings in ways that are simple and easy to grasp, especially for those of us not raised in this tradition. Don't be put off by the size of the book as I was. Keep it on your bedstand and read a few stories a night. You'll be sorry when you are done!

Makes you feel like you're walking alongside Lord Buddha.
Thich Nhat Hanh is arguably the best author of Buddhist literature.In Old Path, White Clouds he tells the life story of Lord Buddha.Old Path, White Clouds doesn't distract readers with a lot of the mythology or mysticism.Instead Thich Nhat Hanh focuses on the life and teachings of Lord Buddha.What makes this work is Thich Nhat Han's writing style.He really draws you into the story and makes you feel like you were actually there.Although the book is almost 600 pages long, it is a very easy read and it may leave you wishing for more.I know that was the case for me.If you are only going to get one book on Buddhism, this is the one to get. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Buddhism - General    3. Gautama Buddha    4. General    5. Philosophy    6. Religion    7. Religion / Zen Buddhism   

Reviews (87)

A Modern Classic
This is a simple little book, easily read in a single sitting, but filled with memorable lessons that will remain with you for a lifetime.I especially recommend this book to the beginning martial artist, and have given many copies away.I read Zen in the Martial Arts very early in my training and it affected me greatly.It made me a better martial artist and a better human being.More importantly, it started me down a path towards greater self-discovery.That was twenty years ago.I still own a copy of the book and refer to it from time to time.
Excellent!
"Zen in the Martial Arts" is the sort of book that you read to remind you why you began the martial arts to begin with.Hyams writes about his brushes with such luminaries as Bruce Lee, Ed Parker (Elvis's bodyguard and sensei) and screenwriter Sterling Silliphant ("The Poseidon Adventure").Hyams's storytelling technique is somewhat like biblical parables, where each chapter tells a little story and has a lesson woven within.Hyams explains how the martial arts took him from being a stressed-out, excitable person to being serene and more type "B".And excellent little book!

My review
Excellent book really changes the way you look at karate in a whole the stories and the things explained are good. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    3. Philosophy    4. Oriental martial arts    5. Philosophy / General    6. Zen Buddhism   

Reviews (11)

An excellent guide to Vipassana meditation
Well, first of all, this book comes with the Ram Dass seal of approval. To me, that's important.
Simply Amazing
Stephen Levine is a master at simply and descriptively describing the meditation process.His personal experiences and insights are extremely helpful and full of wisdom.Perfect book for anyone desiring to learn the art of meditation.I can feel Stephens peace and serenity through reading his words.Phenomenol book.Highly recommended.

Great introduction to meditation and Buddhist thought
I bought this book many years ago when it first came out.Since then, I have read it numerous times.I like it because it is simple, straightforwad, sincere, practical and contains a lot of wisdom without a lot of jargon.
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Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Buddhism - General    3. General    4. Meditation    5. Meditations    6. Philosophy    7. Vipasyana (Buddhism)    8. Vipaâsyanåa (Buddhism)    9. Philosophy / General   

Reviews (22)

Readable, understandable, practical, & profound
This is a beautifully written practice manual for B�n Dzogchen (~Buddhist Nyingma or old school) dream & sleep yogas based on the Mother Tantra.The author confirms most Western psychological views of dreams but, though some object, states that lucid dreaming (in which the dreamer is conscious & in control) is of great spiritual as well as psychological value.He states, despite some Buddhist authors, p. 12: "how greatly dream is valued in Tibetan culture & in the B�n religion, & how information from the unconscious is often of greater value than the information the conscious mind can provide."He provides a sensitive, balanced, non-extremist perspective-pp. 25-6: "Cultural ignorance is developed & preserved in traditions...If we are not careful, the teachings can be made to support our ignorance" & p. 94: "It can be healthy to give up worldly life & become a monk or a nun or it can be an unhealthy attempt to escape difficult experiences through suppression & avoidance."He provides explanations easily understood by western practitioners using modern analogies e.g. saying that mind can be like a computer with 2 windows open at once.Since scientists have shown that waking visualization can increase task performance, he logically extrapolates that to lucid dreaming as well.His approach is pragmatic & transportable to the West-e.g. p. 206: "Continue learning & receiving teachings, but develop a deep enough understanding that you can take from them what supports you."He also perceptively observes that awake practice of emptiness/Rigpa/mindfulness parallels lucid dreaming-i.e. viewing the awake state as a dream is analogous to lucid (conscious) dreaming-a yab-yum or yin-yang relationship & relates these yogas' spiritual aspects.This may be the best adaptation of traditional B�n/Buddhist works/methods to the West I've seen (see Traleg Kyabgon's "Mind at Ease" for a Mahamudra one).He recognizes that p. 41: "The concept of self-hatred is alien to Tibetans who do not have words to describe it" & compensates for cultural as well as terminological differences (p. 200: "According to B�n-Buddhism, the conventional self does exist.Otherwise no one would create karma, suffer, & find liberation.It is the inherent self that does not exist.Lack of an inherent self means that there is no core discrete entity that is unchanging through time").In short, it's a most valuable contribution to both spiritual realization & East-West understanding.His advice that p. 137: "Maybe we should write a sentence on our toothbrush, `after this, wash your mind" has, IMHO, universal application.This book is HIGHLY recommended-as are his other works.

great book to start
We spend a third of our lives sleeping, with our consciousness totally 'lost' while the physical body rests.
An excellent resource for the engaged dreamer
This is one of the best books on dreaming I've ever read. As a non-mystic and skeptical Buddhist, I found that some aspects of the Boen school's teachings (and sections of this book) to be a bit too mystical, but overall the philosophy of the book was generally pretty sound. The exercises he suggests are somewhat more helpful, I might argue, than the ones suggested by Stephen LaBerge in EXPLORING THE WORLD OF LUCID DREAMING. Ultimately, anyone interested in lucid dreaming, or using dreams to benefit his or her own waking life, ought to own, read, and re-read this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bon (Tibetan religion)    2. Bonpo (Sect)    3. Buddhism - General    4. Dreams    5. Religion    6. Religion - World Religions    7. Religious aspects    8. Sleep    9. Yoga    10. Yoga (Bonpo)    11. Religion / General    12. Tibetan Buddhism    13. Yoga for exercise   

Reviews (9)

A lovely book touching the kernel of Art
Is art about copying or creativity, has been and eternal question for aesthetes. Frederick Franck joins in this search for the kernel of beauty by using drawing as the means of Zen-meditation. He introduces SEEING/DRAWING as opposed to `subjects looking at objects, seeing less and less'.
A philosophical work that is not so deep
This book starts out by showing reader a technique of removing philosophical sunglass a typical person usually have when they look at objects. Then it wanders to signify it by relating it to something big, difficult to understand/not clearly stated, and appeal to feeling. artist mode of seeing
This book is about developing the artist mode of seeing. By drawing what you see you will see better and then be able to draw it better which will allow you to absorb the whole of nature by paying attention to its small details too. The book is an eye opener- Author- Creative Painting For The Young Artist ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1909-    2. 1909-2006    3. Art    4. Buddhism - Zen    5. Drawing    6. Franck, Frederick,    7. General    8. Philosophy    9. Zen Buddhism    10. Art, fine art, decorative arts    11. Religion / Zen Buddhism   

Reviews (1)

Amazing collection of iconographic images
This book is truly an amazing collection of both icons of Tibetan Buddhist deity-types, and information aboutthe same.Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Buddhism - General    3. China    4. Early works to 1800    5. Gods, Buddhist    6. Religion    7. Religion - World Religions    8. Rituals    9. Tibet    10. Art / History / Asian    11. Devotional theology & objects of veneration    12. Tibetan Buddhism   

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Art, Buddhist    4. Art, Japanese    5. Asian    6. Buddhism - General    7. Collections, Catalogs, Exhibitions - General    8. Exhibition Catalogs    9. Exhibitions    10. Japan    11. Nara-shi    12. To 1600   

Reviews (5)

A Wonderful Work...
Firstly, Bhikkhu Nanamoli (Osbert Moore) was a gifted intellectual and prized authentic textual translation above mere book writing.Unlike soooo many Buddhist authors in the West, he was NOT looking to sell a book and become an Author to impress friends and family or help sell his meditation retreats.His intent was always aimed at a scholarly (re: intellectually rigorous) rendering of sacred texts.This rare combination of a deeply intellectual mind with the veneration of a monk�s spirit towards his textual sources has given us some of the most pristine English translations of the Buddha�s works. A great antology from the Vinaya Pitaka
The book presents a selection of the suttas with an historical underpinning and without ever extending beyond the limited borders of the Pali Canon.
Buddhism Changes Too.
This is my humble opinion on the importance and place of this book.Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - General    2. Buddhism - History    3. Religion    4. Religion - World Religions    5. Religion / Buddhism / History    6. Religion / Buddhism / Sacred Writings    7. Religious    8. Buddha and Buddhism    9. Buddhism    10. Buddhism - Sacred Writings    11. Gautama Buddha   

Reviews (6)

A Must Read for Buddhists
This book is written in clear and understandable English. It gives very understandable explanations of all major Buddhist Dhamma teachings while avoiding all the mythology that entered Buddhism in the later centuries. This summary of the Pali Canon is very close to the original Buddha of history. You will find how to over come greed, hatred, and delusion by over coming clinging and the false view of self. It has the greatest explanation of the Noble Eightfold path I have ever read. The Four Noble truths are the main theme of these scriptures. If you have already read the Dhammapada and have some understanding of Buddhism then buy this for the advanced learning. However this book is not for beginners and non-Buddhists may not be able to grasp it. Bhikkhu Boddhi has written wonderful introductions to each section that really prepare you to receive the teachings. 5 Stars, thank you Bhikkhu.

As close as you can get to the Budda'a advice
It seems there are many books telling us how the Budda would date, eat, work...etc. These books may be helpful, but why not get as close to the original sources as possible? Unfortunately the Suttas (or sutras...the collected rememberances of the Buddas talks) can be overwhelming for many of us because of their vast number, the repetitive language, the obscure references, and they are not anthologized in a helpful way. In thisbook you have exerpts of the most foundational suttas. They are presented in chapters related by topic and each chapter has a wonderful introduction. The structure is oriented towards practice -ethical training, meditation, and wisdom. If you are looking for a book that is beyond a basic introduction and can be a touchstone for your own development - this could be a book you could work with for years to come. I can't recommend it highly enough

A comprehensive introduction to Buddha's teachings
A good and structured pattern of the buddha's essential teachings, that would lead the reader to get more and more interested in this philosophy. A book to have in your personal library if personal development is a priority. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - General    2. Buddhism - Sacred Writings    3. Religion    4. Religion - World Religions    5. Buddhism    6. Religion / Buddhism / Sacred Writings   

Reviews (14)

Important for personal conduct
It is rare to find a book which presents the essence of the Buddha's teaching in a clear and concise outline. Although the book was published for the first time in 1962 the first paragraph of the first chapter shows the reader that one is confronted with an eternal truth.
Good topic, difficult style
I started off very enthusiastic with this book.However, my enthusisam fell page by page.I literally had to force myself through some sections.The subject matter is not the problem.The issue I had was with the writing style, which I found to be too unclear and difficult to comprehend.Many times I'd read a sentence and say "what?"Basically, I felt like I had to wade through words to get the point.I give the book 3 stars because the subject is important and there was much valuable information in the book, including a collection of scriptures on mindfulness.However, I would advise someone wanting to learn about Buddhist meditation and mindfulness to read Mindfulness in Plain English by Bhante G.If you want, buy both books and see what you think for yourself.I personally found Mindfulness in Plain English much more clear and helpful.

Part III was my favorite
What an amazing book.Probably not for the beginner, and I say this only because of the translation.If I recall correctly, the English translation came after a few other translations over the years and earlier successful editions.I became enchanted with the text and the way it was presented.
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Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Buddhism - General    3. Doctrines    4. Meditation    5. Meditations    6. Philosophy    7. Religion - World Religions    8. Satipatthana (Buddhism)    9. Satipaòtòthåana (Buddhism)   

Reviews (17)

Overeating from a Different Perspective
I purposely sought-out a book on the Zen of Dieting, and this was what came up in my search, so I bought it. I was not familiar with Zen beforehand, but I knew that all the dieting knowledge in the world was not helping me, that it was time to address the mental/psychological/spiritual attitude behind eating. This book was an excellent start. Some of the principles were too earthy and idealistic for me, but that did not prevent me from the benefits of many other lessons in the book. As they say "Take what you need and leave the rest."

Pleasant surprise
The book was much better than I expected.I felt compelled to write the author afterwards and thank her for writing such a book.I've read a ton of books in my lifetime and this is one that stays with you -- the principles can carry over to all aspects of one's life.It's also the kind of book you can pick up on any given day, turn to a page, and find something motivational.After 100's of books and 100's of diets, this was the first that inspired me to write a review.

A striking example of "each to their own"......
Not since D. J. Conway have I read a book that so often so missed the mark...clearly some have found it a wonderful source of information and inspiration...I found it a wonder of bafflement, observations presented as "ancient wisdom"..."what you weigh or what you eat cannot provide lasting nourishment because they are always changing." (what you ate is not supposed to last forever) "The Buddha did what you and I have done many times. He went to the opposite extreme. Instead of indulging himself, he deprived himself." (page 6) "Unlike you and me, Buddha did not bounce back and forth between the extremes of indulgnece (overeating) and deprivation (restricted dieting)." (page 7)...It does sound very profound unless you think while you are reading it......really, Buddha did not have an eating disorder, he fasted in the tradition of spiritual aspirants of the age until he decided/realized to try another practice. Better (I think) to read general books on Buddhism and allow the practice to flow naturally into your relationship with food. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Diet / Health / Fitness    2. Diet/Nutrition    3. Diets - General    4. Eastern - Zen    5. General    6. Health & Fitness    7. Religious aspects    8. Weight loss    9. Zen Buddhism    10. Diets & dieting    11. Health & Fitness / Diets   

Reviews (16)

Compelling reading...
...though I think Mr. Clements should not hold his breath while waiting for humanitarian impulses to saturate the planet.If all is one (whether in the quantum, holographic sense, or in the more traditional sense), then it is only "it" rearranging "itself" when living things appear to consume and/or exploit one another.It may only be an infinitely-manifesting (fractal) consciousness at play.In short, I have become skeptical of any and all conclusions drawn by us.Perhaps we are just a dream, as suggested by Chuang Tzu. I doubt whether we are nearly so important as we would have ourselves believe.How much would the earth miss us?

The ring of truth (live)
In reading most spiritual books, I've noticed that there's a subtle gap between the well-meaning view portrayed, and what I actually feel and experience in reading. You know when you get a used book, and the prior reader has underlined and written, "How true!" Well, it's like other spiritual books have an undertone of "I wish it were true." Book for all Spiritual Seekers
As a Pastor,I've heard many a good sermon and read many spiritual books.But nothing compares to Alan Clement's ability to spellbind the reader with his magnificently written true life stories.He weaves together into a beautiful tapestry his own brand of Buddhist philosophy, political knowledge, science, wisdom and chutzpah that also seems mysteriously to encapsulate the reader as well.What I found even more intriguing in "Instinct For Freedom" are Alan's honestly-written and courageous choices and sacrifices he has made in life in pursuit of spirituality, freedom, truth and enlightenment.Any and all spiritual seekers from any belief system (or none) should definitely read this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. Buddhism    3. Buddhism - General    4. Devotional    5. Human rights    6. Inspiration & Personal Growth    7. Liberty    8. New Age    9. Personal Growth - Happiness    10. Religion - Inspirational/Spirituality    11. Religious aspects    12. Spiritual life    13. Spirituality - General    14. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    15. Spirituality   

Reviews (49)

An encyclopedia of delicious dishes
I've been on an Indian cooking kick lately; which, incidentally, has me feeling pretty darn good.
great book
great book if you are vegetarian, who loves indian cooking. good explanations and very tasty recipies. plus -this big book that makes you hungry for more and more experiments in the kitchen.

Mother of All Indian Vegetarian Cooking
This is truly the sourcebook of Indian Vegetarian cooking. Author must have spent enormous amount of time perfecting the recipes. We have tried many and found them to be very easy to follow and results to be very sunptuous. It is not easy for me to be pleased by ordinary recipes as I was born in Bombay and lived there for first 25 years of my life. In Bombay, one is exposed to all regional Indian cooking and recipes, both at various homes and many, many restaurants in the city. This book has that authentic aroma and ring of Indian kitchens and Indian pots and pans. Author is smart enough to guide foreigners through complicated Indian cooking procedures and make them easy to follow. Her mastery and extent of recipes is extraordinary. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery, Indic    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Regional & Ethnic - Indic    5. Vegetarian - General    6. Vegetarian cookery    7. Buddhism    8. Fiction / Science Fiction / General    9. India    10. National & regional cuisine   

Reviews (10)

A Big Commitment for Creativity
I am certain that even that torrent of innovation, Pablo Picasso, was interested in improving his creativity.So it's no surprise that the title of this book would pique the interest of artists
great experience!
i ordered the book for a class and the book arrived within a few days. also, in the condition that was stated on the website.

Class
I bought this bought for my design college course and it has been pretty helpful. I don't agree with all of the theories and practices but my teacher really does. It is good that I have to read it, it helps me understand him more. If you would like to learn practices of zen or zazen I'd recommend this book. It is also helpful if you like creative arts. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - Zen    2. Creativity    3. Esthetics    4. Psychology    5. Religion    6. Zen Buddhism    7. Self-Help / General   

Editorial Review

If you can imagine Zen Existentialism, Read more

Reviews (19)

In general, a great book on Zen.
Second book read by the author. I have found no discontinuity between the authors books, which to me is a sign of a good book. Has made me think in a different way, glad I came across this book; I wasn't even looking!

unifying and inspiring
Direct, heartwarming, beautiful and points to what many of us have glimpsed and recognized as the nature of everything.

Just sitting!
"Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind" has consistently been the best-selling book on Buddhism in the USA --- for good reasons.Shunryu Suzuki-Roshi (not to be confused with the great academic scholar of Zen Buddhism, Professor Daisetzu Teitaro Suzuki) spoke clearly, compellingly, and comprehensively of the heart of Zen.It is a source of great joy that a second collection of Shunryu Suzuki's teishos (i.e., Dharma talks) has been published.What I am about to say about the two collections may reflect the change in my needs over time, rather than a real difference between the two anthologies.
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Subjects:  1. Asian And Oriental Religions    2. Buddhism - Zen    3. Eastern - General    4. Eastern - Zen    5. Religion    6. Religion - World Religions    7. Religion / Zen Buddhism