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Summary: Boils down the wisdom of the Buddha for Westerners' use.
Review: Buddhism is still a mystery in the West. It is "organized" in ways we don't fathom. It's theology is not neatly contained in a Bible. It has countless traditions, from India to Tibet to China to Japan. Lama Surya Das, a Jew from New York, not only spent his life taking in the Buddhist experience, living in the East and digesting religious scripts. He also crystallized this experience into a form that we can use. He has obviously not lost touch with the West; he returns to it with a message.
That message can do no harm. It can only help "seekers" who are looking for an emotional base in a hectic world. Or those looking for peace in a hostile environment.
Best, he brings with him the Eastern notion that you don't have to lose your current religion to adopt Buddhist philosophy. (In many places in the East, people indeed claim several religions at once.)
I recommend the audio tape. What you may lose in detail on philosophy, you gain in listening to the author's soothing voice, and his coaching in basic meditation.
Peace.
Rating: 
Summary: Funny, you don't sound like a Buddhist....
Review: Superbly written and told -- both informative and entertaining. Lama Surya Das shares his personal search for enlightenment while teaching the basics of Buddhism in a way that is relevant to readers in Western society. How did this Jewish boy from New York end up becoming Lama Surya Das? You'll have to listen to the tape to hear! Highly recommended.
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Summary: Wonderful, well-written and applicable!
Review: Wonderful, well-written book that does a superior job explaining the function of Buddhism in Western society, then suggests many ways to apply your newfound knowledge. Enlightening, uplifting, no-nonsense-an honest and understandable perspective.
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Summary: Fantastic ! The best book on life.
Review: This is definitely the best book on ways to a more meaningful spiritual life. As a christian,these Buddhist principles and philosophy has and will guide me to more profound understanding of life on this earth and my religion.Highly recommended! Simple and entertaining while discovering yourself.
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Summary: Well worth the time to read
Review: I really enjoyed this book as an introduction to Buddism. The author shares his personal stories which makes you feel more and learn more. It's a long book with much detail...some times too much if your looking for an easy read. But, if you want a better understanding about being a buddist, you owe it to yourself to take the time and enjoy this well written book.
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Summary: Finally on the path of enlightment...
Review: This one of the best books I have ever read with respect to spirituality and life. For many years I have struggled to find true enlightment. God has always been in my life but I have had a strong disdain for organized religion for many years. I finally found a guide to provide a way for me to find and remain on my true path. The principles within this book are totally exclusive of any religious beliefs one may have, yet fully embrace spirituality. It is truly a way of life (and death!). I expect the teachings of this book to complete my journey for this lifetime and hopefully many beyond.
Thank you Surya Das, for sharing this information with us. I am grateful...
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Summary: The first step
Review: This text provides the student with his/her first step into a much larger world. Practical, easily understandable. As a beginner, I feel it was the appropriate first text to greater understand buddhist principles, concepts, and theories - and their application to living in Western society.
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Summary: I feel as if I have finally come home
Review: This book provides the best overall insight into what it means to dedicate one's life to the Buddha essence. Each page is an affirmation to those already on their path as well as a troubleshooting guide. The information is presented so completely and simply that the beginner can pick up this book and feel comfortable. A definite must for any beginning seeker of truth. It reminds us that Buddhism is a philosophy, not a religion, a point easily overlooked today. I recommend this book to Christians in North America as well. The straight-forward application of the Buddhist concepts can only stand to open every mind and every heart who reads this book. I act as a guide to many people on their spiritual path and whatever religion they tell me they are pursuing, I tell them to read this book. The truths within these pages apply to every religion, to every path.
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Summary: Practical heart-felt guide to Western Buddhism
Review: Surya Das really thinhs about his readers and offers a practical, heart-felt guide to the compassion and wisdom of Buddhism and applying in a Western context. One of the best introductions to Buddhism I have ever read.
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Summary: A book that offers a clear pathway toward "enlightenment".
Review: Surya Das has managed to translate his many years of intense study in the buddhist religion into clear and practical advice that can make a positive difference in one's life. In reading "The Buddha within I feel as if I have received a gift from the author who has culled the from the treasures of his experiences and produced a gem of a book that will help any reader along the path to "enlightenment".
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