aliencatl0rd's review against another edition
5.0
This one is definitely staying in my collection for good. Although this is nothing like Levine's Dharma Punx, he still has quite a way with words that makes the basics of Buddhism quite simple. Most of this book is made up of drawn out explanations, and then in the final chapter he sums them each up as far as down to a sentence each.
If you don't understand the basics after reading this, it's worth a second read. I am going to read it again myself, since it's a great refresher whether you're new to Buddhism or not. Even though I enjoy Brad Warner's books because they make my head spin, they simply do not touch Buddhism in the way that Levine does; and in much fewer pages to say the least. The short length of this book compared to other basic ones does not hinder it at all.
So if you have read Dharma Punx or are a fan of similar authors, or are even interested in what the very basics of Buddhism are about, you definitely have to give this one a shot. You won't be disappointed.
If you don't understand the basics after reading this, it's worth a second read. I am going to read it again myself, since it's a great refresher whether you're new to Buddhism or not. Even though I enjoy Brad Warner's books because they make my head spin, they simply do not touch Buddhism in the way that Levine does; and in much fewer pages to say the least. The short length of this book compared to other basic ones does not hinder it at all.
So if you have read Dharma Punx or are a fan of similar authors, or are even interested in what the very basics of Buddhism are about, you definitely have to give this one a shot. You won't be disappointed.
brianbbaker's review against another edition
5.0
Buddhist teachings for a new generation.
Noah Levine has taken the teachings of Buddha and made them readable and relatable for a new generation. Gone are the talks about the different traditions, replaced with words that a generation raised on metal, punk, video games and the internet can relate to.
Noah's no nonsense descriptions of Buddha's teachings make this book so wonderful. This is a book I will refer my friends to when they ask about what Buddhism is about for the simple reason of its writing.
The appendices includes different meditations which will help those just starting out as well as those who are farther along the path.
Noah Levine has taken the teachings of Buddha and made them readable and relatable for a new generation. Gone are the talks about the different traditions, replaced with words that a generation raised on metal, punk, video games and the internet can relate to.
Noah's no nonsense descriptions of Buddha's teachings make this book so wonderful. This is a book I will refer my friends to when they ask about what Buddhism is about for the simple reason of its writing.
The appendices includes different meditations which will help those just starting out as well as those who are farther along the path.
radicaledwardiv's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoy it so far! I think it's really simple to understand and relatable in the way he writes--
corpsewhale's review against another edition
3.0
This is a good introduction to Buddhist meditation. His section "Advancing on the Path to Freedom" in the appendix might be a turn off for people who don't want to be told what they should do when just starting out. Just use it as a suggestion for where you can go if you decide to.
sarahbotreads's review against another edition
3.0
As an introduction to Buddhism, using modern-day language and illustrations, it does its thing quite well.
sjoyce11's review against another edition
5.0
Loved this book! A simple easy to follow guide to the Buddha path :)
matthew_p's review against another edition
3.0
A godo primer, and an excellent entry-point to Buddhism. Also well-written.
naomiha's review against another edition
4.0
Really solid, easy to read introduction to western Buddhism.
mjanemartin's review against another edition
5.0
My first thought was that I agreed with other reviewers in that this is a beginner's book on Buddhism. And it can be that, if that's what you need it to be. But when I slowed down, and stopped my attitude of "yeah, yeah...I know this stuff...", I found Levine had plenty to offer me...lots of "oh, THAT'S and interesting take on..." and "I never thought of it that way..." kind of moments. You may think you understand something, but truly knowing it, is different. Truly knowing something comes from knowing it backwards and forwards and upside down. This book added another dimension to my understanding.
His writing comes across as aggressive and a little angry, which is something that's puzzling. I understand his troubled and addicted past...that he reaches out to prisoners and addicts in his therapy practice. Perhaps this enables him to stay connected with them. Perhaps it's intended to jolt you. Don't let this put you off. There's peace to be found in this book. His message is what's important. It's a short book, but should be studied, and not raced through. He explains very complex philosophy, in a way that makes it accessible to all. Excellent.
His writing comes across as aggressive and a little angry, which is something that's puzzling. I understand his troubled and addicted past...that he reaches out to prisoners and addicts in his therapy practice. Perhaps this enables him to stay connected with them. Perhaps it's intended to jolt you. Don't let this put you off. There's peace to be found in this book. His message is what's important. It's a short book, but should be studied, and not raced through. He explains very complex philosophy, in a way that makes it accessible to all. Excellent.