Rating: 
Summary: But just one question....
Review: Isn't the title of this book self-contradictory? One of the main teachings of the Buddha is that, from the beginning, we are all whole and complete just as we are, lacking nothing. There are in truth no dummies. Our practice is to realize, to actualize this in our daily lives. The trouble with the title of this book is that it seems to violate the Tenth Cardinal Precept: not to revile the Three Treasures (Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha), but to cherish and uphold them. But perhaps this reaction lacks humor.
Rating: 
Summary: A good start, but not that simplistic
Review: Like most of the books for "Dummies" this one is neither simplistic nor easy. It's a fairly comprehensive guide to Buddhism, including a lot of its various myths, schools and competing dogmas. The title of the series has always been a bit off-putting for me.In fact, its attempt to be comprehensive is a bit of a drawback. It might be easier for the newcomer had the authors chosen to promote a specific line or school, rather than offer a meandering potpourri of all aspects of Buddhist thought, hisotry and practice. This book requires the reader pay attention and sift through this material more carefully than many of the practical guides - Awakening the Buddha Within, the Art of Happiness, etc. It's quetionable whether the novice reader needs to work through various myths surrounding the Buddha's life or the details of monastic practices in order to understand the basic concepts of Buddhism. This is a somewhat encyclopedic approach, and less of a hand-on roadmap for core belief and practice. It's a good book, but the depth may easily overwhelm the person seeking some basic information or answers to simple questions. It would work best when read in parallel with other works.
Rating:
Summary: Best introduction I've ever read!
Review: This book finally gives an overview of Buddhism, a kind of birds eye view of the history and concepts. I got more out of this book than any other book on Buddhism. It laid the foundation for further study and practice.
Highly recommended!
Rating:
Summary: Buddhism 101
Review: This book is an excellent resource for people interested in Buddhism, but don't know where to start. It covers all the basics in a clear and understandable way.
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