Buddhism Plain and Simple by Steve Hagen
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Book Reviews of Buddhism Plain and Simple
Book Review: Ideal summary of Buddhist concepts
Summary: 5 Stars
Like many unconvinced or uninspired by Western religion or philosophy, I have been fascinated by Buddhist concepts for years. Having read most of the classics in this field (Suzuki, Thich Nat Han, translations from the Buddha, etc) I was frustrated not to find a concise, clear summary of the essential Buddhist ideas, something to read and come back to again and again to guide my refelections. Hagen's book is a god-send. In clear, simple prose he explains extremely profound Buddhist ideas. As the editorial review recommends, this is not a book to breeze through. Each paragraph requires reflection. I began highlighting it, and gave up after I concluded the entire book can be highlighted. It is powerful and serious material, right from the outset. Hagen's summary of the basic human condition and Buddhist prescription for it is stunning material. The book is particularly powerful because the author does not get bogged down in the specifics of Buddhist practices or the trivia of Buddhist history. He gets right down to the essential, meaty, heart-of-the matter stuff, the kind you can apply instantly to your life. An invaluable, unsurpassed, breathtaking overview of Buddhist ideas. Life-changing.
Book Review: Life Changing-Plain and Simple
Summary: 5 Stars
It was 5 years ago now that I read this, and it still holds as the most life changing book ive ever read. That being said, this isn't a magic trick to solve your problems either-nor does it claim to be. This book will in itself do nothing for you. When I first picked it up, I was ready, open minded, and eager to seek out wisdom and truths in life that I had never thought through before. Its not a casual read for someone whos never been introduced to Zen Philosophy, and it will require sitting, staring off into space, and earnest thought to thoroughly test the ideas presented with actual reality. You have to be the one motivated to do something for yourself-not the other way around.
If you just want to be entertained I think theres a new Harry Potter book out. In the end, Steve Hagen can do nothing to bring you peace, it has to be done within yourself-which will be repetitively said. However, thats the beauty of it all, bc Hagen will show you where to look...or maybe where to stop looking. And ironically, once you finish youll understand why the purpose of reading it is to put it down and not rely on it.
Book Review: This is a life-changing book
Summary: 5 Stars
I have plenty more 'involved' books on Buddhism, yet this is the one I always come back to. I have read this book countless times already. I read a little bit each night and when I finish, I start over again. It's that good.
This is a very light and simple approach which I find extremely effective. No need for mind-boggling theories or anything like that. I call this my 'lucky book'. Whenever I read this before bed, it seems that everything just goes right for me the next day. In actuality, it is my attitude. Meditating on the writings in this book really puts me in a positive mode and I find myself having more patience and humility in every aspect of my life, and enjoying life more because of it.
I would say that even though this is simple, it is NOT just a beginner/ introductory book. The information in this book is info that can be incorporated into your thoughts and shaping your actions every day for the rest of your life.
And every day I look at the price on the back and wonder "why is this only $10"? Seriously, go get this book now.
Book Review: Thought-provoking and profound
Summary: 5 Stars
An excellent book to read if you have evered pondered life, death, purpose, the universe, self, suffering, pleasure, beliefs, or morality.This is about buddha-dharma- the teachings of the Buddha. It is not about rituals, customs, or different interpretations of the Buddha. Instead, it describes what the human existence appears to be and how awareness is the key to Reality.
The author does not make conclusions for us. He presents the information and it is up to us to use it any way we want. There are no "rules". Buddha-dharma can be considered a "non-religion". Having beliefs actually limits your conception and realization of Reality.
I see no reason why not to pick up this book. If you have Western beliefs, you should open your mind to another point of view. You will get something out of it. I do not agree with many points this book brought up, but in other cases the author was right on the money.
This book WILL GET YOU THINKING. And after you read it, you may think that it wasn't actually THE BOOK itself that got you thinking! (You'll know what I mean.)
Book Review: For enlightenment, rather than scholarly knowledge
Summary: 5 Stars
Twenty-five centuries ago, Prince Siddhartha Gautama was troubled. How could he be happy with his palace, his wife, and his son when all would be consumed by aging, disease, and death? He felt there was a solution, and that he would be the one to find it. And so he began what was to be a six-year quest as a mendicant monk. Under a bodhi tree in Bodhgaya he solved the riddle, became "Shakyamuni Buddha" (enlightened sage of the Shakya kingdom), and began to teach his Buddha-Dharma.
Steve Hagen gives a clear and intensely personal account of Zen Buddhism that lives up to its title. It builds up through the Four Noble Truths and the Eight-Fold Path to the chapter on the pivotal idea of No-Self (Chapter 11 "Can't Pin 'Me' Down"). As Steve Jobs said in his recent Stanford commencement address "Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart."
Here's how.