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Summary: An accessible approach to Buddhism for western minds
Review: Lama Surya Das is one of the most well-known western lamas (priest and spiritual master teacher) hailing from the Dzogchen tradition. He was born in the U.S., and has studied Zen, vipassana, yoga, and Tibetan Buddhism with the great masters of Asia, including the Dalai Lama's own teachers.Das' approach to Buddhism is sometimes controversial for the same reasons that it is so popular. He brings forth the ideas of Buddhism in a way that is graspable for Western minds, and he outlines practices that are compatible with Western lives. One of the main difficulties with many other informative and instructional books is that they require belief in concepts such as reincarnation which is not likely to happen for most Americans. Or they describe things in vague terms unfamiliar to us and leave us doubting the validity of what has been said. Das stands above most other authors in that he has tweaked his writing to make it applicable to American lives now. In addition to the thought-provoking content of this book, Das is a good writer. The book is fun to read, because it is filled with attention-grabbing stories and amusing phrases. I highly recommend this book if you are curious about Buddhism and wonder how the tenets might be applicable to Western life. It is quite useful for those who wish to incorporate Buddhist philosophy into their daily activities, or for people who just wish to have more peace and happiness in their lives. This book is also a wonderful gift for a friend who is unsure that Buddhism has a place in the modern world if you are already convinced.
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Summary: Great Guided Tour Of The Eight-Fold Path
Review: (4.75 Stars) I really liked this book. I liked that it speaks in a current voice and is still full of wisdom. I dig Buddhism books that give examples and situations of what they are talking about. This book has classic stories and classical examples of old Tibetan Lamas and has current stories and examples of the author in now times in New York City. The famous phrase that really sums up the experience of reading with the author - Lama Surya Das - is the Deli Lama - again Awakening The Buddha Within is full of great Tibetan wisdom of old and it's related to today. The emphasis in Awakening The Buddha Within is the eight-fold path. This is one of the best journeys down the eight-fold path I've taken. Each aspect of the path is explained in detail, spirit and examples. It really is one of the best explanations of the eight-fold path I've read and experienced. If you're a student of Buddhism and want to explore the eight-fold path this is definitely the book for you. If you're new to Buddhism to this is a fantastic 2nd step to being introduced to the Buddha within.
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Summary: part of a great trilogy...
Review: I recommend Lama Surya Das' three books to anyone interested in Buddhism, spirituality, or the search for happiness. His background as a Jewish kid growing up in NY allows him an understanding of the Western world that even the Dalai Lama doesn't have.
His books are written in a plain-talk style instead of a textbook style.
But, most importantly, he explains how you can incorporate Buddhist practices and beliefs into your daily life without abandoning your native religion and/or converting to Buddhism.
Rating:
Summary: A Classic Handbook to Living
Review: Lama Surya Das has masterfully written an enlightening introduction to Buddhism, which should prove to be an enduring classic on the subject for years to come. He takes the ancient teachings of Buddhist traditions and wisdom and delivers them succinctly and wholeheartedly to the Western mind. His astounding work is a source of inspiration and awareness that serves as a "handbook for living" that should be carried with us at all times and used often on our spiritual path. Regardless of the reader's religious or spiritual affiliation, these simple golden rules could change your life. His introduction to the classic Buddhist teachings of The Four Noble Truths and The Eight-Fold Path are the most comprehensible and understandable that I have yet read. Finally, we are presented with a rich compilation that makes absolute sense and many readers will understand, for the first time, how to integrate this ancient Tibetan wisdom into everyday life. Often, those of us curious about Buddhist philosophy and practice, find it hard to get beyond the dogma of the many teachings. Lama Surya Das succeeds in bringing the reader the most simple and fundamental ideas and lessons of Buddhism. Throughout the book, he reminds us to be responsible for our own thoughts and actions and to find the kindness, compassion and grace that are inherent in all of us. For those challenged by meditation, Lama Surya Das strips away all the confusion and mystery around the practice of meditation and brings to the reader a profound understanding and "how to" guide to meditation -- the importance of which must be realized and embraced. Toward the end of the book, he further reminds us that "We are modern mystics - living in monasteries without walls. The entire planet is our heaven on earth. Instead of being overly dependent on anyone else, we must be leaders and seers." This book teaches us how to lead by example. You do not have to have an interest or belief in Buddhism to enjoy, understand and be moved by this book. It is a book to be read, read and read again.
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Summary: A TRUE AND SIMPLE UNDERSTANDING OF BUDDHISM
Review: Lama Surya Das is a Dzogchen lineage holder and founder of the Dzogchen Foundation. I found this to be one of the most complete and easily understood books written on Buddhism, which is often a complex philosophy to understood by the lay reader. "Awakening the Buddha Within" is similar in nature to the book, "The World of Tibetan Buddhism" a series of essays based on a three-day lecture given in London, England by the Dalai Lama and translated into English. However, if you are a novice to Buddhism, I would strongly recommend you first read, "Awakening the Budda Within". This book is much easier to understand, and the author simplifies the concepts of Buddhism in everyday terms for the western world. Lama Surya Das explains The Three Jewels of Buddhism - the commitment of Buddha, Dharma and Sangha or spiritual community, the Eight-Fold Path to Enlightenment, the Four Noble Truths and the importance of meditation in our lives. If you are searching for a better understanding of Buddhism in the contemporary world, or simply a more peaceful way of life, I highly recommend purchasing the "Awakening the Buddha Within." It is spiritually uplifting, refreshing and inspirational, and definitely one you will want to use as a reference, time and time again.
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Summary: "America the Buddhaful!", as seen by "The Deli Lama"
Review: This a fun-to-read introduction to the Buddhist path. Whether you are simply curious about Buddhism or are looking for some spiritual nourishment, this book informs and enlightens. Lama Surya Das skillfully explains how ancient Buddhist wisdom can help us find peace and meaning in our fast-paced American lives. He conveys the beauty and richness of Tibetan Buddhism without making it so exotic or esoteric that is becomes inapplicable to our Western lives. He also has a warm sense of humor. ("America the Buddhaful" is the title of an essay by Lama Das.). Das weaves the fundamentals of Buddhism with the story of his own spiritual journey. Find out how a nice Jewish boy from New York (his mom calls him "The Deli Lama") transforms himself into one of the leading teachers of Tibetan Buddhism in the West. For Das, an ex-high school jock, it's a long way from the locker room to the windswept monasteries of the Himalayas!
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Summary: Good Read
Review: A very good book, suitable for persons of any background and religion. It gives a good sense of Buddhism and the mindset involved with it. Definitely a positive book for all who read it.
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Summary: Don't misunderstand what this book is about
Review: Like many other reviewers I have found Lama Surya Das' book a wonderful introduction to Buddhism. It gave me the inspiration, motivation and the means to bring a theoretical interest in Buddhist philosophy into my daily life. It showed me how I could give meaning to my desire for growth. In particular how I could integrate spiritual practice into my busy Western lifestyle. The main thing in reading this book is to understand its role and purpose. It is an introduction, a stepping stone from which those interested in Buddhism can move forward. It demystifies, on a basic level, the complex concepts and ancient language that are inherent in Buddhism. It is not a substitute for more detailed scriptures and analyses, nor is it meant to be. It is certainly not a substitute for direct teachings of a qualified spiritual master, nor would Lama Das claim it to be. As a fully qualified master himself, he knows the difference. To fully engage with Buddhism you will need instruction and guidance. You will need to develop practice as part of your life. You will need teachings and initiation from a qualified teacher. This book will not give you these things. It will however give you a thirst for these things and will provide a solid foundation for your growing understanding and practice. It is also a wonderful source of ideas and "informal" practices for those who want to grow spiritually without necessarily taking refuge in the Three Jewels. No-one expects to become enlightened from reading a single book, and anyone who expects this book to provide that is missing the point. If the book leads to even one person committing themselves to becoming a better person for the sake of all others, then it has done its job. The fact that it has done this for many, many people is good news for all of us.
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Summary: Buddha-ful
Review: Never have I felt so completely connected to the words on each and every page. I flowed with the text and explanations of this "budda-ful" philosophy. This book is consuming, deep and wonderful. My World makes absolute sense.
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Summary: enjoyed the audio tape
Review: i didn't read the book, but i did rent the audio tape from the local library. i would play it while i was driving to and from work and it did a great job of refocusing my energies into something more positive, powerful and calming. it was a great way to 'check my work baggage at the car door' and be gently reminded why i'm so drawn to buddhist dharma in the first place. i am a beginner at this buddhism stuff, and this tape really helped explain a lot of it, in a friendly and comforting way. the author narrates and he's got this strong long island accent. so when he talks about noble paths and meditation, you kind of feel like a friend is just having a one sided conversation---a jewish friend, with a long island accent, who happens be a lama. he gives overviews and personal histories, and even takes you on some mediations. that was a bit odd at first, as i really wasnt expecting it so soon. but after the 2nd time listening to it, i was more ready to do the mediations along with him (although, i suggest you do not do it while driving).
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