Buddhism Plain and Simple by Steve Hagen
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Book Reviews of Buddhism Plain and Simple
Book Review: A great introduction to ZEN Buddha Dharma
Summary: 5 Stars
This book has many strengths. One being the depth and simplicity of its concepts. It takes Buddhism and demistifies it; with all its confusing branches such Theravada, Mahayana and Kadampa Buddhism. I found all the information on the internet and introductory books to confuse and meld all versions of Buddhism together. Hagen does not go there. Hagen takes the core of Buddha's teachings and gives it to his reader simply. This book not only applies to Buddhism but to life- it is an application on how to see all experiences and ourselves- they are not separate things. The book does lack explanation on the idea of compassion which seem strong in most Buddhist teachings and other authors. Also Hagen does not explain the lifestyle of Buddhism as far as vegetarianism and meditation are skimmed over quickly.
Hagen explains it with out all the fluff that religions with such history sometimes bring with them. As far as the reading it is very direct, and PRECISE. Hagen seems to cut through to the core which other teachers of Buddhism may take years with a student of understanding to get to. I felt I was reading a book about Zen BUDDHISM and not its other branches. All Buddhism still seems like a maze to work through tradition, practice and history. Hagen's book is so strong that it could be its own self contained dharma. But I wanted to read about his interpretation on compassion and how they apply to the Buddha- dharma.
Book Review: One of Those Rare Books
Summary: 5 Stars
Over the last fifteen years, a growing number of books have shown up in trade paperbackland on the subject of Buddhism. More seem to arrive daily, invited or not. Most of them are aimed at the general reader and beginning buddhist. This makes it progressively more difficult to sort out the superlative from the merely satisfactory. Of all that I've read [and I've read them all] "Buddhism: Plain and Simple" stands out from the rest. Steve Hagen succeeds in one of the hardest tasks in writing: being straightforward without being dull; being concise without seeming frugal. No essential point of Buddhism is left uncovered, yet the author never pontificates or short-changes the reader.
The book is a gem of both inspiration and practicality. It takes a subject that often seems far too idealistic and places it at a level that resonates with the daily Western experience of life. It is a "quick read" without ever coming off as "Buddhism For Dummies." All this and at a price that will make it a convenient and affordable present for all those friends that have so often asked us, "what the heck is Buddhism?"
Find it, read it and buy another copy for someone you love. Better yet, give it to someone you don't love. It might just change their life.
Book Review: A very clear book on Buddhism
Summary: 5 Stars
Here is my summary (based on the four noble truths and the eightfold path) of this very clear book on Buddhism:
I) The problem: suffering
We have problems. Life is not easy. We will die one day. We can get non satisfaction.
II) The causes : ignorance and desire
* Ignorance: we ignore the true nature of reality. We interpret reality through concepts, we split reality into parts, we define, draw lines and put labels on things. Then we confuse our concepts with reality. One of these concepts is "me" opposed to "the other".
* Desire: we class things into things we want, things we don't want and things we don't care about.
III) The solution: Seeing reality directly
It is possible to see reality directly, without any concepts and without being influenced by our wants. We can call this state "awakening".
IV) The path : how to get there
1) To see reality in its fluidity, without concepts
2) To have no desires
3) To speak while being careful of your motive
4) To act while free of sense of self
5) To work without hurting other
6) To make an effort to stay in the present
7) To be aware of your state of mind
8) To meditate to become familiar with the workings of your mind
Book Review: You see?
Summary: 5 Stars
If you were to read one book before you die: this is that book! To be honest, I got scared, really scared, after reading a couples of chapters. I mean, I literally got the chills and couldn't go on. What Steve Hagen wrote just made too much sense. For me, being extremely analyzing, open minded, and interested in life; I felt I had to put the book away.
I had to stop (for weeks) in order to decide whether I wanted to know more. I realized, if I kept reading my view of the world would never be the same. What I knew about Buddhism was plenty, or so I thought. I've read enough books for a couple of life times. After deciding to continue, every question mark I ever had about Buddhism (and life) got straighten out. This is not what you think is Buddhism but what Buddha taught. It's that simple!
Steve Hagen will not impose ANY thoughts or beliefs on you. This is fundamentally diametrical to all other teachings. The only way to appreciate what is being said is to contemplate for yourself. I understand there is great confusion among the critics; It might too frustrating to grasp because there's nothing to grasp. For some, a life of teaching wont be sufficient but if you read this book a seed of truth will be planted.
Now I see
Book Review: The best book to get started in Buddhism
Summary: 5 Stars
"~I am a newcomer to Buddhism, but when I get a hankering to learn about any subject, I read about it voraciously. This has been almost counter-productive in studying Buddhism since, as Hagen stresses, no words can really describe the reality we seek. In fact, I have read several books about Buddhism, Zen, and the like; but I own just two: Buddhism Plain and Simple, and Peace is Every Step by Thich Nhat Hanh. By far, Hagen's book is my favorite.the wrong reasons -- to control my emotions, to sort out moral dilemmas, and to find peace of mind. Through Buddhism, I've made great progress in all those areas by simply eliminating them as goals and just experiencing life moment by moment. This may sound odd if you haven't practiced Buddhism, but you will quickly appreciate this lesson after reading Hagen's book. You will discover that the practice of Buddhism does not involve traveling to the Himalayas or meditating in the forest. You will learn that you don't have to abandon your religion or your friends or your job. The word Buddhism stems from the Sanskrit word for Buddha, the awakened one. Buddhism is simply the path of awakening. This book is a wonderful guide on that path. You will not be the same after reading it.