Buddhism Plain and Simple by Steve Hagen
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Book Reviews of Buddhism Plain and Simple
Book Review: Life Changing Book, Don't Die Without Reading
Summary: 5 Stars
This is truly the most amazing book I have ever read. This books simply presents a philosophy of living unlike anything ever presented. You don't have to be of any particular religion to appreciate its powerful content. It's a must read for any westerner confused as to the nature and meaning of eastern thought. I have read this book no less than 15 times and I continue to draw from its powerful teachings. Happiness (in the conceptual western experience) will no longer be longed for as some nebulous goal or process, but as a deep understading that life is an everflowing, unpredictable pattern of ups and downs. You can't change it, predict it nor wish it differently, it just is. To accept this as a true wholly fact devoid of judgement is to be enlightened. The author should be commended on a simple description of what otherwise is very confusing in multiple texts. I thank him for the life changing experience, I should pass it along to many others.Book Review: NOTE: This book is not for beginner's. It is for those committed to finding the way.
Summary: 5 Stars
In the last few years a strong interest in Buddhism came into my life. I've read all the "beginner's books" that talk about the basic ideas, who The Buddah was when human and what practical things you can do such as not gossip or skip meat (which I do anyway). THIS book, Buddhism plain an simple, asks a lot more of you. It takes some thinking and some soul searching as the author gets down to the real meaning of the message in its rawest form. You have to decide how you feel and if you ar capable of being truly awake, and what that means. It is easy to read but provokes some difficult thoughts - as a spiritual book should! Forget statues, robes or "religion" if you will, this book wants to know if you want to be enlightened and what that really means. Can you forget the self and truly see the recipe for peace that lies at all of our feet. A do not miss book.Book Review: Why do you want it to be complicated ?
Summary: 5 Stars
Hagen's book is plain and simple because reality is "what is".It is our thoughts that makes things complicated, Our likes and dislikes, Our desires and fear, all added to a deluded, conflicting mind. An ignorant mind that causes us to suffer and add to the suffering of others.
The underlining message is that we are all awaken. It's not so much that we need to be taught but to be reminded, the practice of awareness allow us to see beyond our thoughts. Awareness is to see without thought, without judgement, without duality.
For "What is" does not have any opposites.
Have you ever notice that when you are headed in the wrong direction, the opposite direction is not necessarily the right way either. It is enough to know that you are lost, to discover how and why you've become lost will lead you to the right path.
Book Review: Excellent
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a really amazing book for those in the West who don't really know that much about Buddhism, and are looking for a place to start. However, one doesn't need to be Buddhist or even plan on becoming Buddhist to read this, it is relevant to everyone.One warning, this book teachs the basic principles of Buddhism. It is not very comprehensive, but that is part of the beauty of it. Steve Hagen doesn't go on and on about the differences between (for example) Theraveda and Zen Buddhism. He doesn't teach us about Buddhism, instead he teaches us how to be Buddhist (which I would argue is much more important).
If you have been practicing Buddhism for a number of years, I doubt you would learn much from this book. But if you don't know the difference between dharma and duhkha then I can't recommend this book enough.
Book Review: Simply the Best!
Summary: 5 Stars
Hagen's book is hands down the best book i have found on Buddhism. I have read various books on the subject trying to find one that spoke to me.
On my personal journey through life I have read books ranging across the board when in comes to spirituality some on chrisitianity, metaphysics, past lives, new age, world religions and the likes. I was to the point where i had too much conflicting information in my head and i became very frustrated.
Buddhism plain and simple allowed me to pack up the many books i have and cut to the chase. Hagen has a way of cutting through the nonsense and getting down to the nitty-gritty.
This book is life changing, life affirming, a must read... I have already bought the book for many other friends and loved ones.