jeatherhane's review
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
5.0
This is my third reading of this book. I listened to the Abridge Audiobook version. I enjoyed listening to Lama Surya Das' voice and this remains an excellent primer in Buddhism for Westerners. Maybe a tiny bit dated - my son, who listened to part of this with me, said "Who says 'World Wide Web'?" But still relevant and inspiring.
I noticed the missing elements from previous readings, so I will probably reread the unabridged version soon. I also recently discovered that Lama Surya Das has a podcast, and I plan to check that out.
November 2014: Still as awesome as when I read it 15 years ago. "What we seek we are." :)
I noticed the missing elements from previous readings, so I will probably reread the unabridged version soon. I also recently discovered that Lama Surya Das has a podcast, and I plan to check that out.
November 2014: Still as awesome as when I read it 15 years ago. "What we seek we are." :)
etienne02's review
4.0
A very complete book about Buddhism, sometime maybe a little bit complex for the ones that are not well familiar with the subject. Also, he amount of personal life event are a minus for me. So, a good book, maybe not for a introduction on the Buddhism but for the ones who want to push a little be more into it!
katmc's review
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
3.5
Great introduction to Buddhism. Inspiring and has motivated me to be more invested in meditation and mindfulness. Will pick up again for the meditation practices.
chriswolak's review
5.0
This book was my constant companion when I first started reading about Buddhism and the one I've most recommended.
pops7fda2's review
3.0
Good insight. Many of the meditation pages were very well done and I could almost hear his voice calmly telling me to be present, focusing on the incoming breath, notice the thought bubble but let it go, focus on the breath... A good introduction for me
rball's review
3.0
Surya Das is avuncular to the point of being difficult to criticize, but his instructions are too amorphous to compete with truly serious meditation manuals.
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