Awakening the Buddha Within : Tibetan Wisdom for the Western World

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Summary: An excellent book to answer one's questions about Buddhism.
Review: This book is simply written and easy to understand. Written by a westerner for westerners, he seemed to answer all my questions regarding enlightenment, meditation, and how to apply these principles to my daily life. Half way through the book I felt as though I had finally come home.

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Summary: first step to enlightenment - buy the book!!
Review: its like an encyclopedia of spiritual notes written so effortlessly that you can pick it up for a 30 second skim, or pick it up and read the lot. a must have guide to inner peace written with respect for all religions. totally unforgetable - funny how something wouldn't be quite right if my copy went missing.....

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Summary: BE BUDDHA!!
Review: I am up to "Step 6" of the Eight Fold Path To Enlightenment. Every night I read a bit more and wake up feeling better and better. Lama Surya Das has written such an excellent and straightforward book on Buddhism which is accessible to all. I am loathe to finish the book! It is one that is definitely for keeps and for reading over and over again - he has given me the belief that I too can be enlightened within one lifetime. Embrace your own BUddha nature!

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Summary: a helpful tool on the road to enlightenment
Review: I am relatively new to the study of Buddhism, but in a short period of time have read quite a bit on the subject. If I could only recommend one book to introduce a spirtual seeker to the many benefits that Buddhism has to offer, this would be it. I have read other books that have given me insights into Buddhism, but none of them could match this one in combining such a significant amount of information, yet doing it in a way that a westerner can relate to. It was this book that convinced me that Buddhism could help me to cope with the difficulties that life puts before all of us. There are good lessons to be learned by people of all religions in this book.

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Summary: Great for everyday.
Review: I am a Czech guy living in Midwest close to Chicago, but moving right now to Hawaii - Oahu island. This book is guide for westeners to the simple basics of Buddhism. I hope that will help me find myself in the Paradise. Ivo

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Summary: This is one for the top shelf, and the nightstand
Review: I am a Christian who has read many great works from many accomplished masters of Buddhism, including HH Dalai Lama and Thich Nhat Hanh. Lama Surya Das is a saint with a pen (and a reasonable sense of humor) who is able to complement existing Western texts on Buddhism, while also nourishing the seeds those earlier books had planted. And he does so in a way that affirms each our own respective faith. I don't easily give a book five stars -- it had to earn them. I bought an extra copy to loan out while I re-read much of my own copy, which I am sure I will do for years to come.

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Summary: A wonderful book well worth reading
Review: I first read this book when I was a beginner and have recently re-read several portions. Lama Surya Das does an excellent job of explaining the basics, while at the same time providing enough depth for the more experienced practitioner who wishes to come back again. There are many things I only just sort of grasped when I first got involved in Buddhism. This book did a superb job of clearing them up. Now, when I hit things that I am confused about I know where to find a clear explanation.

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Summary: Practical Wisdom
Review: I've read perhaps 100 books on Buddhism and this is one of the best. Surya Das gives us very useful and practical advice on living a more whole and spiritual life. The writing is light and easy to digest. This book has enhanced my life and I will read it again. Very highly recommended.

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Summary: reverence....with a kick!
Review: This book discusses "The Four Noble Truths" and "The Eight Fold Path" in a way never before seen, from a "Western" eye. From a closet "Hippie" in the 60's to a traveling seaker in the 70's, and finally to an ordained Buddhist. I found his honisty, compassion, love, and espicially his insight into the problems of "Today" to be quite moving and enlightening, as well as Wounderfully Entertaining. Now I know why the Buddha is smiling!

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Summary: A Wonderful Resource - A MUST!
Review: The warming, and loving writings of Lama Surya Das are a must for anyone interested in Buddhism. Even as a "beginner" I felt like enlightenment was attainable to me, through dedicated Dharma practice. The book doesn't get hung up on so much of the bugaboo that many other books on the subject do. It is very accessible, easy to read, and wonderfully complete - a treasure for novices and experienced seekers alike.