Rating: 
Summary: Plain, Simple, Good Read and ¿seeing¿ is believing.
Review: In every Amazon search I did on Introduction To Buddhism books - Buddhism Plain and Simple popped up. In some reviews of other books on intro to Buddhism this one gets mentioned - so I had to give it a read.I very much enjoyed Steve Hagen's style of explaining concepts. Particularly he gives us a chance to experience true "seeing" in his chapter "A Wheel Out of Kilter". I wont give it away here, but it's a terrific and original tool and it truly helped me to "see" more clearly. If you're looking for a little more than just an introduction to Buddhism give this a read. It really is a great lesson in being aware, right now...every day. Enjoy.
Rating: 
Summary: Easy to read and honest, but dull
Review: This book is a very good introduction to Buddhist philosophy, but it is also a little dull. The author explains the basic tenets of Buddhism in a way that anyone can understand. He repeatedly tells you Buddhism is about SEEING --- seeing who you are, where you are, and what is really going on. It only takes a moment for this advice to sink in. You realize as you read that you rarely see yourself accurately, and you are not that clear about what's going on in your life. Once that basic idea is established, the book gets boring. The author has more to say, but little of it has as much impact as the one important idea of SEEING. He tells you about the Buddhist practice of living in the "right" way, turning the clarity of your awareness into action and living a moral, gentle life. This approach means a lot to stressed-out, over-scheduled Westerners. The only drawback is that the information is too vague. When the author takes a moment to talk about his own experience, or to tell the story of a student, the book suddenly becomes much more interesting. Then he returns to plain philosophical points and it drags. If you're looking for an introduction to Buddhism, this book is pretty good. It is clear and easy to understand, but also dull and vague. It will whet your appetite for more...
Rating: 
Summary: Enlightenment without trying
Review: I've read a number of books about Zen and Buddhism, and feel that this is about the best. Especially for someone like me with a basic understanding this was very helpful. Hagen sets out the history of Buddhism and with few words spells out how you and I can find peace of mind and gain wisdom through simple practices, and without the need of a "guru", "teacher", or "spiritual guide". The author has a clear writing style that gets directly to the point without trying to be too cute or complex. I would recommend this book to any friend.
Rating: 
Summary: INTERESTING BOOK...BUT PLAIN AND "SIMPLE"?
Review: Buddhism is no stranger to me since I have followed its philosophies for many, many years; however, the mere words contained in the title of this book (plain and simple)indicate it might be particularly insightful to those who are novices or beginners to Buddhism. While this book certainly contains basic knowledge, I question if someone who has little or no prior understanding of the subject could fully comprehend the rather complex philosophies of Buddhism as explained by Mr. Hagen. It is one thing to know the subject, it is quite another matter to be able to explain it in laymen's terms. Through its 159 pages, the book says a lot, but its explanation is often confusing. On the other hand, if you are an experienced follower of these principles, you will probably find the material very elementary indeed, lacking any in-depth substance and extremely repetitious of other similar books. For those who are just beginning their insightful journey to Buddhism and enlightenment, I highly recommend you begin with the book, "Awakening the Buddha Within," by Lama Surya Das. It is easily understood with Buddhist philosophies adapted to the Western World, and well written in laymen's terms. The book is lengthier and far more complete in subject matter than "Buddhism Plain and Simple". May you find the Buddha within and the spiritual path to enlightenment.
Rating:
Summary: Plain and simple, but quite deep
Review: I'm new to the teachings of the Buddha, and this is the first book I've read on the subject. One thing that attracted me to this book was the author made a point of sidestepping the "cultural trappings" of Buddhism in favor of a down-to-earth explanation of the core concepts. As I read through this book, I kept thinking to myself... "This is too simple! Why does he keep rehashing the same basic stuff over and over again?" By the time I got to the end, I had my answer. Buddhism, at its core, is really that simple. It's all about being aware, about being here and now. I initially wondered why the author seemed to resist going into detailed explanations, but then I realized that's because no detail is necessary. This book is refreshing and enjoyable to read. Mr. Hagen has an engaging style that he uses very effectively to drive home the basics of Buddhism. I can think of no drawbacks to this book, and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about this intriguing religion (or simply life philosophy, depending on how far you wish to take it).
Rating:
Summary: excelent
Review: When I read 'Buddhism: Plain and Simple' the first time, I wasn't especially impressed. I've since gone back and re-read most of it and I have to recant. Hagen describes basic Buddhist philosophy in a way that speaks directly to our lives. There are no trappings of monasticism here, no obcurantist metaphysical mumbo-jumbo, just well, Buddhism: plain and simple! Especially useful were the sections on 'Morality' 'Freedom' and 'Practice.' There is a little nuts-n-bolts instruction here on the mechanics (or how-to) of meditation. I gather that Hagen feels that that is best left for personalized 'one-on-one' interaction with a spiritual teacher. And I don't think Hagen is concerned that you do it EXACTLY a certain way, only that you meditate in a way that helps you directly experience reality. I would recommend this book to the novice & experienced meditator. Hagen trained under the late Dainin Katagiri Roshi, a Japanese Zen master who moved to Minnesota after working with Shunryu Suzuki in California.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best books
Review: This book cuts to the chase. Its not page after page of fluff and abstract as many Buddist books are. This book goes straight to the heart of what the Buddha taught and not all the "extras" that have been tacked on by various sects. Mr. Hagen has an excellent straight forward writing style and he doesnt complicate the teachings. I have read over 30 books on Buddism and this book is light years ahead of the rest. For those who need a lot of airy-fairy gobbly gook type stuff, this is not your book. For those who take being AWAKE seriously..you wont find a better guide.
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Summary: Best Book I have read on Buddhism yet
Review: Buddhism has always interested me and i have read many dumb-downed and "how-to" books on the subject with great disappointment. This book summarizes the true philosophy of Buddhism. It is not boring, and you do not need much prior knowledge of Buddhism to get the jist of this book.
Rating:
Summary: Simple in nature, complex in context
Review: What an insight! The title, "Buddhism Plain and Simple," serves a-perhaps unintended-double meaning. First the content of the book itself is, for such a difficult subject to the 'western' mind, simplifying to the nature of Buddhism. In most of the so-called western world, Buddhism is another religion a kin to Hinduism and a slew of unnamed cast based worldviews. Hagen skillfully and logically reduces the original concepts preached by the Buddha as a way of seeing the world, a philosophy of sorts, and strips off the many colorful layers of lore and culture acquired through the religion's sweep into Indo-Tibet, thus presenting the most simplified form of Buddhist teaching available. The alternate understanding of the book's title is that Buddhism itself is, by nature, the idea of life as simplicity applied. While this concept may be difficult to grasp (especially for those who have not been raised with eastern philosophy) it is, nonetheless, simple. Get it? Anyone (really, anyone) desiring to gain an applicable understanding of "Buddhist philosophy" (for lack of a better term) should start with this book. Take the time to read it carefully, reread it, mull it, and then see how it affects you. The least you can expect to gain from Hagen's work, is a better understanding of the simplicity that life has to offer to those willing to let go.
Rating:
Summary: Delivers What It Promises
Review: Delivers exactly what it promises: an introductory survey for beginners, a review with some depth for those already practicing. There is SOME history of Buddhism, SOME meditation guidance, SOME analysis of the ethical and metaphysical tenets of Buddhism. None of this is exhaustive, but neither is any of it superficial. It is just enough to spark awareness during a leisurely walk, or help center you during the drive to or from work. Includes many great parables, some of them already well-known, but also several personally from this author, an ordained Buddhist preist. A good place to start, support, or revive an interest in Buddhism.
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