A great introduction to the Buddhist way of life.January 7, 2008 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I heard about this book in a Revolver magazine article featuring Tommy Lee, it's one of his recommendations (don't let that deter you from it). It's an excellent read for anyone who's ever wanted to learn about Buddhism. If you have real intentions of adopting a spiritual practice, reading this book is a great way to start. It's written in terms that are understandable to young adults of at least slightly above average intelligence. It's incredibly thought provoking, and even mind-blowing at some points. He does throw in some obscure Buddhist terminology, which is a bit excessive, but that doesn't take away from the message he's sending. If you're going through a tough time or seeking purpose in your life, read this book.
Your perfect first Buddhism book.October 29, 2007 2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I'd add another 5-star for this book.
If you are trying to pick up your first book about Buddhism, I'd enthusiastically recomdend this one.
I've read Thich Nhat Hanh's "The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching" which is another fantastic introduction to Buddhism and it inspired me a lot. However, "Awakening the Buddha Within" truly shook my world. It's so much more personal and "hands-on." I love the lama's warmth and sence of humour as well.
Probably it's because of the different teaching styles of Zen and Tibetan Buddhism... (If you are a proud atheist and just hate any mythtical stuff, Thich Nhat Hanh is the better choice, though)
Lama Surya Das is My teacher now. As a practicing Buddhist, I will follow his instructions for my life. Seriously and joyfully.
"Don't get too close to the page!!!!"October 5, 2007 2 out of 10 found this review helpful
Being a sceptical logically minded person of a catholic upbringing I have recently opened up my mind to new religions and faiths, in order to find the right one for me or to take the best of a few. This is why i bought this book. At first the story of the author drew me in and I began to listen to the lessons that were being tought. However over time I found the book disturbing in the way it led from offering points of view and describing what was believed right by the different buddhist faiths to force feeding the reader with what's right and wrong, and which path is ideally followed.
Overall I was dissapointed with how the book was written but I still learnt alot about the buddhist faith, I just think we should follow our faith in our own way, a non uniformist buddhist way is, i believe, what the future needs.
A Master....September 30, 2007 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Lama Surya Das has given us westerners a vital gift- he has interpreted the wisdom of the ancients and communicated Buddhism's core message in a way that has immediate relevance to our lives. Regardless of whether you practice a particular religion, or are more an independent seeker along the spiritual path, this sends forth Buddhisms philosophy and practice as clearly as a bell. A gift...
Good intro to Buddhism but too voluminous for what it offersJune 26, 2007 4 out of 7 found this review helpful
This is an easy to read book that touches on some basics on Tibetan Buddhism and meditation techniques. Although it briefly explains the basics, this book is not about the Buddha and Tibetan (Mahayana or Dzogchen) Buddhism. It is more about the views and experiences of a westerner (Lama Surya Das) who spent some time in Tibet and studied Buddhism. Overall, it is a positive book that is primarily focused on meditation for beginners. With that said, I found it a bit challenging to go through the entire 400 pages of it.
