Simple Buddhism: A Guide to Enlightened Living

Rating:
Summary: historical perspective and a guide to enjoying life
Review: "Simple Buddhism" starts with a brief history of Buddhism and gives readers a perspective of the various philosophies that have evolved from the roots of Buddhism. More importantly it a useful guide to getting enjoyment out of every day life. It provides a framework for thinking, feeling, and coping with our world as well as a "how-to" primer on meditation.

Rating:
Summary: historical perspective and a guide to enjoying life
Review: "Simple Buddhism" starts with a brief history of Buddhism and gives readers a perspective of the various philosophies that have evolved from the roots of Buddhism. More importantly it a useful guide to getting enjoyment out of every day life. It provides a framework for thinking, feeling, and coping with our world as well as a "how-to" primer on meditation.

Rating:
Summary: An accessible introduction to Buddhist thought
Review: This accessible introduction to Buddhist thought and practices shows readers both how the mindful life is lived and how they can use these revered principles to promote harmony in their own lives. In addition to cornerstones such as the Four Noble Truths, the authors include meditation exercises for filling and clearing the mind, transcending negative experience, resolving conflict, and achieving inner balance.

Rating:
Summary: A Well Presented and Inspiring Guide to Buddhism
Review: This book offers a great introduction to Buddhism. It puts it in context with a clear history and interesting review of sutras. The themes give you a good sense of what Buddhism deals with. The third section is a very easy to follow guide to get you started. Buddhism can get you in touch with yourself and your life, to wake up! This book beautifully introduces the reader to these important ideas and methods as it also guides in applying them to life. I have read all the other books by the Simpkins in this series and found each one useful. I am looking forward to their new release, Buddhism in Ten: Easy Lessons for Spiritual Growth.

Rating:
Summary: Just what a newbie needs
Review: This is a clear and effective guide to Buddhism 101 but much less wordy or unserious as a "Dummies"-type guide. The first part is about the history of Buddhism, which isn't the most interesting thing I ever read, but was informative. Part 2 is about basic Buddhist themes, such as the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. Part 3 is about putting Buddhism into practice in one's daily life and is very practical and patient.

If you're already at the intermediate level with Buddhism, this will be too simple for you. But if you've only learned meditation or had a general idea about Buddhism, this is very enlightening and concise.