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Reviews (52)

the art of war
The book itself is not the problem.If I had known it was only two inches square I never would have bought it.I was expecting a regular sized book, regardless of the amount of it's contents

The Art of War
The book is, of course, a great classic and a historicly significant treatise, which requires no review. One could just as soon "review" Clausewitz or Thucydides.
book or matchbox
this book is ridiculously small. although it an interesting bit of information. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Eastern - General    2. Military Science    3. Philosophy    4. Warfare & Defence   

Reviews (10)

even if you have never been to a yoga class ...
... this book will still be of great interest and value to you if you are spiritually inclined.
excellent, but only for professionals
This beautiful book from the world teacher Iyengar was difficult to read, and I am teaching yoga already for 25 years. So, for me it was marvellous, but not recommended for beginners.
The theory behind the practice
There was yoga before the time of Patanjali but it was not written down, or at least no text survives.We find elements of the practice in the Upanishads and of course in the Bhagavad Gita.But before Patanjali's codification there was no systematic text to guide the aspirant.Since then Patanjali's sutras have been translated into many languages along with commentary to elucidate the concise text, with Vyasa's commentary from the ninth century--upon which Iyengar makes some reliance--being the most important. Read more

Subjects:  1. Eastern - General    2. Health & Fitness    3. Health/Fitness    4. Philosophy    5. Yoga    6. Health & Fitness / Yoga    7. Hinduism   

Editorial Review

Much like Zen, Pema Chodron's interpretation of Tibetan Buddhism takes the form of anontheistic spiritualism. In Read more

Reviews (91)

Only Love can Heal the Soul
When things fall apart it is not the mind that will ultimatley save us but our heart and soul. Our intellect can serve our best interests when it conjures up strategies that align with our hearts. That said, there is a reason why it often takes a tragedy to push someone to reconnect with God and divine inspiration. Not talking about religious addiction ... but rather that miracle of surrendering to the flow and what a more divine plan has in mind. Chodron goes to the "heart" of the matter ... the broken heart that is left in tatters .... where the healing is first and foremost demanded. The cure for the pain lies in the pain ... and in harnessing a greater spiritual force. A must read!

Feeling pretty bad?Read this.
I happened across this book by accident when a lot of things in my life were truly falling apart.Pema Chodron will some day be reknowned as a very significant spiritual leader, if she is not already.She has an amazing way of bringing spiritual truth down to the executional level.You can do these things, and doing them helps - a lot.I can't recommend this highly enough to anyone who is struggling.

Order this book today!
During an extremely difficult time in my life, this book found me.Each time I read it I get something new out of the experience.And I always come away feeling more centered, more grounded, more calm.This book has touched me in such a way that I have given away three copies,in fact I am on Amazon tonight to order a fourth.Andthe Compassion box for myself.
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Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Buddhism - General    3. Eastern - General    4. New Age (Self Help)    5. Philosophy    6. Religion - World Religions    7. Religious life    8. Popular psychology    9. Religion / Buddhism   

Reviews (16)

The Best Edition

ART OF WAR Sun Tsu
Many points that apply not only to wars and Governments, but to living.

Foundation of Military Science

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Subjects:  1. Eastern - General    2. General    3. History    4. Military    5. Military - Strategy    6. Military Science    7. Philosophy    8. Philosophy / Eastern    9. Technology-Military Science   

Subjects:  1. Eastern - General    2. General    3. Hatha Yoga    4. Health & Fitness    5. Oriental Philosophy    6. Philosophy    7. Religion    8. Yoga    9. Philosophy / General   

Reviews (18)

Read the book before you write a review!
I don't believe that all of these people giving such rave reviews of this book have really used it for long. I also would tend to rate it very highly, except that there is a glaring typo, like the entire description, of hexagram #15. I used to have a copy of this book, and used it, and for the most part loved it, but I find it difficult to believe that an author of any integrity would not have done a revision by now, and corrected the error.If that was done, I would happily buy and use another copy of this book

Easy and Fun to Use!
As an acupuncture student, I was interested in learning about the I CHING.
the best 4 beginners and masters
When I was 19 I was introduced to the I ching.It came in the form of this workbook and almost 10 years later I now still use it as my primary tool and reference.I have since become a follower of Lao Tzu and his teachings. Having read countless interpretations of the actual book of changes when it comes down to actually using the oracle this is the best one.I've also tried 6 other "oracle" books but none come close to this.If u never thought of doing anything close to the I ching then this book is suitable. If you haven't already used this book as a Lao Tzu reader then whereve u been? ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Divination    2. Eastern - General    3. I Ching    4. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    5. Philosophy    6. Yi jing    7. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    8. Philosophy / Eastern   

Editorial Review

Arguably one of the most profoundly important essays ever written on the nature and significance of "quality" and definitely a necessary anodyne to the consequences of a modern worldpathologically obsessed with quantity.Although set as a story of a cross-country trip on a motorcycle by a father and son, it is more nearly a journey through 2,000 years of Western philosophy. For some people, this has been a trulylife-changing book. ... Read more

Reviews (471)

Not a good philosophy book
If you are looking for a new and SUBSTANTIATED philosophical view, this is not the right book. An excellent work of fiction, great writing, yes, these you will find in this book -- but not a strong philosophy.
"Walden" Meets "Easy Rider"
Anyone with moderate intelligence and sufficient leisure can work out their own private philosophy.The worth of such a philosophy should not be measured by comparison to the great philosophers of the past (or present); rather we should ask how well does it assist its creator in coping with life.Some personal philosophies are crafted in such a way that they help, not just their creator, but large numbers of their creator's fellow beings.Thus it is with the personal philosophy of Robert M. Pirsig, who laments that he has not had an original thought in years.
It is worth rereadng several times
I read this book several times over the years and each time I get something new out of it. I'm a Christian and though this book derives some of its underpinnings from Eastern philosopy, the book gives a great overview of Western civilization. How the book uses geography, the personal relationships, his past history, and Greek and Eastern philosophy to prove his thesis is fascinating. The book has problems. The main character does not follow his own philosophy in some ways. Pirsig makes too broad of generalizations about the Greek philosophers. Phaedrus's experience at the University of Chicago does not ring true to me. However, the book challenges the reader to think, to ponder life in general and contemplate on how the branches of knowledge tie together.
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Subjects:  1. Eastern - General    2. Eastern - Zen    3. Emotions    4. Essays & Travelogues    5. Fathers and sons    6. General    7. Philosophy    8. Self    9. Travel - General    10. United States    11. Psychology & Psychiatry / General   

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   

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

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 (2)

A Fine Book on Sufi Philosophy
"The Heart of Sufism" is a fascinating little compendium of essential essays on pan-Islamic spirituality, deliniating the transcendental and transrational aspects of a religion that is often derided as a prerational hotbed of tribalism and terrorism.Inayat Khan's essays show an Islam that embraces both it's Judeochristian roots and contributions from other religions (such as Hinduism and Buddhism), and a breath of fresh, progressive air in a world where stagnant religion can lead to terrible tragedies.However, while "Sufism" is long on theory and metaphysics, there is little information on real practice- those looking for a guide to Sufi spiritual practice must look elsewhere.

Excellent Overview of Hazrat Inayat Khan's Teachings
This book provides an excellent overview of the voluminous works of Hazrat Inayat Khan, of which the 14 volume "Message Series" is the core.Dr. Witteveen has artfully selected major topics within this message andhas presented key writings within each topic. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Eastern - General    2. Islam - General    3. Islam - Sufism    4. Religion    5. Religion - World Religions    6. Sufism    7. Islam    8. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    9. Mysticism    10. Religion / Sufism   

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 (15)

A guide to understanding Japanese Culture, Business, and History
"Bushido: The Way of the Samurai" is an easy to read text based on Hagakure. Hagakure privides the ideal Samurai's code of conduct, according to the original author Tunetomo Yamamoto (1659).
There are better translations, but
I loved ths book. I've read the art of war, but this is more of a life style book. I beleive this should be required reading for all teenage children in the US. really I think the entire country could benefit from it. In my opinion anyway.

Good
The author does a very nice job explaining many of the priciples of Bushido, and applying it to today's circumstances. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bushido    2. Early works to 1800    3. Eastern - General    4. Ethics & Moral Philosophy    5. Japanese Philosophy    6. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    7. Mind & Body    8. Philosophy    9. Asian / Middle Eastern history    10. Japan    11. Special & elite forces   

Reviews (7)

To much terminology
To my opinion the second part of the book it goes too deep into Buddhist terminology and into theories beyond the apprehension of a western reader.
Excellent
Snow Lion Publications is a landmark when it comes to Buddhist literature, up there with Wisdom Books and Shambhala Publications. The Dalai Lama faces the issues of our times in this book; for we live in times of so much violence and anger in various situations, not just "global." We encounter them in our family life, in our work life, et cetera. Everywhere we go, this matter seems to pop right up! As you might expect, the practice out of this the Dalai Lama prescribes is the cultivation of compassion; cultivating patience. Patience, His Holiness points out, permits us to mindfully and calmly accept hardship, thus enabling us to see things as they are unclouded. Logical and needed in today's world
This book is essential reading for those like myself who have difficulty restraining their anger. Reading this book has allowed me to understand the causes that lead to anger and ultimately, to suffering. At it's deepest level, Healing Anger is about how to get oneself on the road to the cessation from suffering by changing one's outlook on the world and on oneself. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 7th cent    2. 7th cent.    3. Bodhicaryavatara    4. Bodhicaryåavatåara    5. Buddhism    6. Buddhism - General    7. Doctrines    8. Eastern - General    9. Patience    10. Religion    11. Religion - World Religions    12. Religious aspects    13. Santideva,    14. âSåantideva,    15. Religion / General    16. Santideva   

Reviews (1)

A small book with big wisdom
I'm admittedly a huge fan of Judith Hanson Lasater's other works, so naturally I was anticipating her latest offering:"A Year Of Living Your Yoga".Borrowing the theme of her other popular publication, "Living Your Yoga", Lasater has created a daily meditation style book that gives bite sized wisdom that you can use daily.Each day, there is a proverb along with a suggestion of how to apply it to your day to day life. For those who want live their yoga and not just "do" yoga, this is a nice little way to do it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. Eastern - General    3. Inspiration & Personal Growth    4. Lasater, Judith    5. New Age    6. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    7. Quotations    8. Quotations, maxims, etc    9. Yoga    10. Body, Mind & Spirit / Personal Transformation    11. Yoga for exercise   

Reviews (7)

excellent coffee table book
Offerings is a beautiful book with a captivating photo and thoughtful Buddhist insight for each day of the year.

a gem
This is such a great, beautiful, book. Turning a page each day is a joy. Treat yourself or a friend.

simply touching
amazing photography matched with buddhist quotes both modern and ancient.This book guides you through 365 days - taking seasons into account -- each quote seems to build on the one before. An rewarding journey.It sits on my alter like it's own art gallery, and has made my morning medition an absolute delight. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. Buddhism    3. Buddhism - General    4. China    5. Eastern - General    6. General    7. Himalaya Mountains Region    8. Inspirational - General    9. New Age    10. Pictorial works    11. Quotations, maxims, etc    12. Religion - World Religions    13. Tibet    14. Religion / Inspirational   

Reviews (26)

Good
The author does a good job translating the text into modern day principles.Definitely a good read for those interested in Bushido and it's ideas.

Interesting
I found this book educational, comical, and well worth reading. In less than a hundred pages it taught me a lot about medieval Japan. What I enjoyed more is the way its original author's voice comes shining through in the text. His condescension, his bluntness, his matter-of-fact all make for a hilarious introduction to the mind of the samurai. Some of the statements that come out of Shigesuke's mouth are a world apart from what we hear in textbooks today. He has no problem telling the student that he is a "lazy" "moron" "coward" unless he is exactly what a warrior should be. But beneath all this there is wisdom here. A very interesting book.

informative and delightful
Wonderful read, and unlike such weightier classics as THE ART OF WAR or THE BOOK OF FIVE RINGS, this one is readily accessible to the western mind.
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Subjects:  1. Bushido    2. Conduct of life    3. Eastern - General    4. Japanese Philosophy    5. Martial Arts    6. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    7. Philosophy    8. Samurai    9. Sports    10. Sports & Recreation    11. Customs    12. Japan    13. Oriental & Indian philosophy   

Reviews (7)

Fantastic
I have given this book to more than 10 friends.It is the most subtle yet profoundly moving book of wisdom I have ever encountered.Since reading Living Wabi Sabi, I feel more relaxed, more optimistic, and more happy then I have ever felt in my life. I can finally face the imperfections in my life and the challenges and hardships with confidence and composure.I read from this book every week, sometimes a bit every single day.

Pleasant But Hollow
For those already aware of Buddhist or New Age principles, this book might serve as a pleasant reinforcement. If you seek a deeper truth, you'll be disappointed by the cooing stories of the author's grandmother. The ideas, like accepting what is and living in the moment, are sound in my experience, but the presentation strikes me as infantile. A luxurious use of ink and space make for an attractive book, suitable for a coffee table or waiting room.

A Must Have Book to Keep Close By...
This book really focuses on the true meaning of a happy life, and how simple it can be once we decide to cut out all of the excess stuff society tends to throw in our view. Taro Gold's style of writing is easy to follow and digest, reminding us that what is essential to the soul is all that really matters.
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Subjects:  1. Conduct of life    2. Eastern - General    3. National characteristics, Japa    4. National characteristics, Japanese    5. Philosophy    6. Religion    7. Religion - World Religions    8. Oriental religions    9. Religion & Beliefs    10. Religion / Eastern   

Reviews (8)

AFormat For Life
This book was a pleasure to read. It was informative without
Buddha Banishes the Monkey Mind
Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche tackles what Asian philiosphers called Monkey Mind, when we chatter inside with all the illusions of the world. This is distilled and precise wisdom in action on how to conquer Mara (illusion) just like the Buddha did under the Bodhi tree and access a paradigm of enlightenment. Buddhist consciousness is a real treat to a Western world devoured by its own materialism. People in the richest countries are often lost in the lap of luxury. Why? Without a spiritual foundation there is no joy for the heart must be light to be at peace. A heavy heart comes from chasing the illusion that rampant materialism invokes and provokes.

Selfless self-help
Mipham, the worldwide leader of Shambhala and the son of the late Tibetan teacher Chogyam Trungpa (who wouldn't love to be a fly on the wall in that house?) argues that people need to examine the me-centered spirituality of their lives:
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Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Buddhism - General    3. Eastern - General    4. Oriental Philosophy    5. Personal Growth - General    6. Philosophy    7. Religious life    8. Self-Help    9. Philosophy / Eastern   

Reviews (5)

easily the best of its kind
the book is invaluable for the student of indian philosophy. but please note that it is not an exposition of indian philosophy by the authors. it is a "source book" ie the book presents original translated tracts and abstracts from various original works.
Ian Myles Slater on: A Classic Anthology
Originally published in 1957, and reissued in paperback in the 1960s, this is basically a textbook (or supplementary reading source) for the serious study of the philosophical schools of India -- very much including the religious traditions.