- Paperback: 256 pages
- Publisher: Three Rivers Press (July 16 2002)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0609808966
- ISBN-13: 978-0609808962
- Product Dimensions: 13.2 x 1.4 x 20.3 cm
- Shipping Weight: 204 g
- Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
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Amazon Bestsellers Rank:
#17,196 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #10 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Buddhism > Buddha
- #55 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Other Eastern Religions
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Product Details |
Product Description
Product Description
“Writing a ‘nuts and bolts’ guide that is genuinely wise, charmingly conversational, and a pleasure to read requires a particular talent, and Jean Smith has proved once again that she has it.”—Sylvia Boorstein, author of Don’t Just Do Something, Sit There
The third of Jean Smith’s Beginner’s Guides focuses on the Buddha’s Eightfold Path—the concepts central to practicing the Buddha’s teachings in daily life. The eight steps on the path are: right understanding, thought, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration. Smith explains exactly what the Buddha had in mind, using translations of his own words and then elucidating them for us. Throughout the book are wonderful quotes from a broad range of Buddhist teachers, giving a taste of the very best each of them has to offer. The Beginner’s Guide to Walking the Buddha’s Eightfold Path is a prescription for happiness, not just for overcoming suffering, which is how many people think of Buddhism. Here is a book for Buddhists of every tradition.
The third of Jean Smith’s Beginner’s Guides focuses on the Buddha’s Eightfold Path—the concepts central to practicing the Buddha’s teachings in daily life. The eight steps on the path are: right understanding, thought, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration. Smith explains exactly what the Buddha had in mind, using translations of his own words and then elucidating them for us. Throughout the book are wonderful quotes from a broad range of Buddhist teachers, giving a taste of the very best each of them has to offer. The Beginner’s Guide to Walking the Buddha’s Eightfold Path is a prescription for happiness, not just for overcoming suffering, which is how many people think of Buddhism. Here is a book for Buddhists of every tradition.
About the Author
Jean Smith is the author of The Beginner’s Guide to Zen Buddhism, the coauthor of The Beginner’s Guide to Insight Meditation, and the editor of four much-admired collections of Buddhist teachings: Breath Sweeps Mind, Everyday Mind, Radiant Mind, and 365 Zen. She lives in Keene, New York, and Taos, New Mexico.
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Customer Reviews
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Most helpful customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Delightful introduction to Buddhism,
By Thomas Hochmann (Albuquerque, NM) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Beginner's Guide to Walking the Buddha's Eightfold Path (Paperback)
Buddhism is at once a very simple and very complex religion (or, if you prefer, philosophy). It can seem to be a very daunting topic to the newcomer who is not very familiar with Eastern traditions. Fortunately, Jean Smith comes to the rescue with this expertly crafted guide to the core principles of Buddhism. Reading this book is like having an old friend take you by the hand and gently walk you through the world, opening your eyes to the way things truly are. Jean's style of writing is both relaxed and wise, and each chapter is filled with quotations, stories, and analogies to help your mind (and heart) grasp the various aspects of the Eightfold Path.There is much wisdom between these two covers. If you've ever been mystified by Buddhism, I highly recommend this book above all others as your starting point.
Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta) Amazon.com:
4.8 out of 5 stars (6 customer reviews) 27 of 27 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Delightful introduction to Buddhism,
By Thomas Hochmann - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: The Beginner's Guide to Walking the Buddha's Eightfold Path (Paperback)
Buddhism is at once a very simple and very complex religion (or, if you prefer, philosophy). It can seem to be a very daunting topic to the newcomer who is not very familiar with Eastern traditions. Fortunately, Jean Smith comes to the rescue with this expertly crafted guide to the core principles of Buddhism. Reading this book is like having an old friend take you by the hand and gently walk you through the world, opening your eyes to the way things truly are. Jean's style of writing is both relaxed and wise, and each chapter is filled with quotations, stories, and analogies to help your mind (and heart) grasp the various aspects of the Eightfold Path.There is much wisdom between these two covers. If you've ever been mystified by Buddhism, I highly recommend this book above all others as your starting point. 5 of 6 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
Encyclopedic and warm, not really for beginners,
By David R. Halperin - Published on Amazon.com
I am not sure what book I would recommend for beginners. I would recommend Jean Smith's book for intermediates and beyond. Reminds me of the labels given to ski runs on a mountain. She covers a wide breath of thought using everyday speech peppered with personal stories, as well as quotes from other Buddhist teachers. Very inclusive. The ending section which reviews the major forms of meditation practice is extremely good. I have not encountered before such an extensive list of ways to meditate from various Buddhist traditions so well described. I don't give it five stars because I think it is mis-titled and the quality of the paper it is printed on is poor. Neither of these things may be Ms. Smith's choices.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Easy to understand yet comprehensive overview of this central Buddhist concept.,
By Erich Dieter Groebe - Published on Amazon.com
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: The Beginner's Guide to Walking the Buddha's Eightfold Path (Paperback)
Wow! many of us approach books with the word "Beginner" in its titles with apprehension, expecting a shallow, simplistic treatment of the subject matter. This book is a wonderful exception. The language used is familiar and non-threatening while being both wonderfully expressive and comprehensive. A detailed yet user friendly look into The Eightfold Path that is suitable for both the beginner and the more advanced student of Buddhism. This books clarity and warmth have quickly made it one of my favorites! A+
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