Buddhism

Buddhism Plain and Simple by Steve Hagen

Primer For Budding Buddhists

You might want to digest this book slowly, a few pages at a time. Although Zen teacher Steve Hagen has a knack for putting the philosophy of Buddhism in a plain and simple package, it may take a while to sink in. There is so much there. Seeing reality, realizing the wisdom of the self, breaking free of dualistic thinking--this is pretty heady stuff. Thankfully, Hagen passes it along in the form of examples from life, psychological tidbits, and stories from Buddhist teachers past and present. And when it clicks in, it can be life-transforming. Hagen explains this shift in outlook and how the fundamental way we look at the world affects everything we do. As an outline, Hagen follows the basic teachings of the Buddha, and we see that, rather than dogmatic truths, they are reminders for us as we reconsider the life we have taken for granted for so long. As it turns out, Buddhism is life, plain and simple. --Brian Bruya

Personal Review: Buddhism Plain and Simple by Steve Hagen
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. Its that good. This is a very light and si mple 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 a ttitude. 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...