Awakening the Buddha Within : Tibetan Wisdom for the Western World

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Summary: Pleasant, but "watered down", tries to be too "hip" for me.
Review: I bought both this and "Natural Perfection", a newer 4 tape series by the same author. This was more pleasant and well done. The other one was very redundant, basically the same info spread out. I highly recommend the book "The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying" by Sogyal Rinpoche to be a much more genuine, beautiful, easy to read look at the Tibetan Buddhist world than this author can seem to provide. It all seems very "watered down" to me, way too much for Americans to grasp the beauty of the Tibetan concepts. you might as well buy any current self help guide, which was not what I was looking for.

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Summary: Very Concise Overview for a Novice in Buddhism
Review: This review is for the audiotape. Very well researched and puttogether, listening to this audiotape you get a good grasp of basicBuddhist teaching. This can serve as a valuable tool to gage how far you want to go into this religion. Definitely meditation was what I was seeking, hence my purchasing an audiotape, alas it fell short of going thoroughly into that subject matter (with a proper step by step demo). When mentioning Buddhist terms in their proper language he sounded a bit odd and to add insult to injury the way he would pronounce "Buddha" left much to be desired! The author should just be himself (New York Jew) not some want to be. What he should have emphasized is that we can be better Catholics, Jews, Muslims, etc. if we can incorporate many of the valuable teachings found in Buddhism. One cannot realistically avoid stepping on an ant or swatting a mosquito or fly and that was something he suggested we aspire to in order to be an optimal Buddhist. In general, I would recommend this cassette if you're not in the mood to reading, since he clearly states the main facets of Buddhist in a thorough and easy to understand way and indeed I did learn quite a bit from it.

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Summary: The best all around book on becoming one with yourself
Review: Looking to center yourself spiritually, emotionally, and mentaly? Have the money to buy this book? I would reccommend purchasing this book over going to the movies or renting videos. For those who are interested in awakening to what you really are, check this book out. I've been following the Buddhist precepts for many years, and this is the one book that I would read over and over again, at any time or anyplace. After I got through it three times, I take the papareback edition with me when I need a little calming at the end of a day. Whether a Buddhist or not, you can find many wonderful quotes, tips, and analogies on how you can awaken to yourself. An excellent prelude to Awakening the Sacred.

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Summary: Clear and Concise, This Book Is a Great Intro to Buddhism
Review: If you are just setting out to explore the Buddhist belief, as I am, this book will explain it in language that is understandable and very readable. It will also offer suggestions for further study and reading once you have digested the basics. Surya Das also offers a series of meditative practices that will prove beneficial no matter who you are or what your belief system. Buddhism is a beautiful religion/philosophy; if you have the slightest interest in learning more, this is the book for you.

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Summary: Excellent Synopsis/Review of Buddhism
Review: This is a great resource for anyone interested in examining, for the first time, the area of Buddhist philosophy. Easy to digest, succinct and inspiring, it truly represents a benchmark in the transition of the practice of the dharma from it's eastern roots to the western world. Five Stars.

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Summary: A wonderful introduction to Tibetan Buddhism
Review: I picked up this book at the local library, in my quest for spiritual writings as aids to the 12-step recovery program I'm working. Knowing nothing of Buddhism, I started reading this book with an open mind and finished with an open heart. I especially like one of the mantras found later in the book; I use it while meditating on the beach, and gain much peace from it. I think anyone - no matter his/her religious affiliation - with a desire to achieve serenity would benefit from reading this book.

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Summary: Macdonalds of Dzogchen
Review: perhaps impressive to those new to Dharma-this is in the opinion of many older students a rather trivial watered down approach to a subject of great depth and subtle distinctions.For a general introduction Sogyal Rinpoche's Tibetan Book of Living and dying is a far better place to start,and there are many books on this subject that will provide better longerlasting nutrition than this Dharma fast food approach.Also the numerous unsavory stories about the author,surya das,make this book even less appealing

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Summary: A great intro to buddhism, full of practical wisdom.
Review: I gave this book just about every available minute. It has been awhile since a book has given me so many new ideas for day to day life. I highly recommend it to anyone who needs another spark to rekindle their sacred fire. Excellently done!

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Summary: McDonalds of Dzogchen
Review: while others may sincerly like this book by self proclaimed best trained or whatever western Lama surya das,i found the book ,like the person himself to be like fast food dosnt satisfy hunger deeply leaves greasy aftertaste thats hard to qualify ,but i know i dont care for this style,thanks

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Summary: Opening my eyes to truth
Review: Lama Surya Das explains the Dharma in a way that relates to my real day-to-day life. He opened my eyes to the reality of life, the consequences of my thoughts, intentions and actions, and showed me practical means of living life. He brings the Buddha Dharma to life for my ever skeptical western mind! Definitely worth reading even if you're not interested in being a Buddhist!!!