"Buddhism Plain and Simple" offers a clear, straightforward treatise on Buddhism in general and on awareness in particular. Steve Hagan presents the Buddha's uncluttered, original teachings in everyday, accessible language unencumbered by religious ritual.
Buddhism Plain and Simple
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You might want to digest this book slowly, a few pages at a time. Although Zen teacher Steve Hagen has a knack for putting the philosophy of Buddhism in a "plain and simple" package, it may take a while to sink in. There is so much there. Seeing reality, realizing the wisdom of the self, breaking free of dualistic thinking--this is pretty heady stuff. Thankfully, Hagen passes it along in the form of examples from life, psychological tidbits, and stories from Buddhist teachers past and present. And when it clicks in, it can be life-transforming. Hagen explains this shift in outlook and how the fundamental way we look at the world affects everything we do. As an outline, Hagen follows the basic teachings of the Buddha, and we see that, rather than dogmatic truths, they are reminders for us as we reconsider the life we have taken for granted for so long. As it turns out, Buddhism is life, plain and simple. --Brian Bruya
From Library Journal
Hagen's concise work, a brief introduction to Zen Buddhism, is arranged in a straightforward manner with lucid explanations. He describes techniques for meditation, making this a rather practical recording. Reading this abridgment of his own work, the Zen priest's soft, serene voice is pleasing to the ear; the pace is unhurried, allowing the listener to grasp the material. Libraries with a demand for New Age/Eastern religions should have this tape.AMichael T. Fein, Catawba Valley Community Coll., Hickory, NC
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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First Sentence
THE MAN KNOWN TO US AS BUDDHA lived in northern India (present-day Nepal) in the sixth century B.C.E. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt
THE MAN KNOWN TO US AS BUDDHA lived in northern India (present-day Nepal) in the sixth century B.C.E. Read the first page
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Most helpful customer reviews
By yogibob
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Simple to follow, practical and clear. Not dressed up in strange words and goes to the heart of Buddhism . A very good clarification of Buddhism.
Format:Hardcover
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.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By BATW
Format:Paperback
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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4.4 out of 5 stars
Most recent customer reviews
1.0 out of 5 stars
Boring and way too repetitive
I wanted to read this book to learn about the basic ideas of the buddhism and after reading it I am on the same page. Read more
Published on Jan 11 2011 by pgm
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent Book
Steve Hagen has put not just basic Buddhism but the essence of buddhism into plain and simple words. He explains the human situation in the first chapter extremely well. Read more
Published on Mar 27 2010 by Pearce
5.0 out of 5 stars
Split my third eye open
This was one of my first few books on buddhism and I thought it was an incredible study. It's not the type of book that you read it once and move on; it's study material. Read more
Published on Sep 3 2004 by Quantum Prescience
2.0 out of 5 stars
Inaccessible
I have to agree with petersmaclean. I have no prior knowledge of Buddhism and picked up this book out of intellectual curiosity. Read more
Published on July 5 2004 by Danger Mouse
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of the best books
This book cuts to the chase. Its not page after page of fluff and abstract as many Buddist books are. Read more
Published on May 30 2004 by D.M.K
5.0 out of 5 stars
Enlightenment without trying
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. Read more
Published on Feb 1 2004 by J. Charles Hansen
3.0 out of 5 stars
Easy to read and honest, but dull
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. Read more
Published on Jan 29 2004 by SPM
4.0 out of 5 stars
Plain, Simple, Good Read and �seeing� is believing.
In every Amazon search I did on Introduction To Buddhism books - Buddhism Plain and Simple popped up. Read more
Published on Dec 30 2003 by Buster Paris
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best Book I have read on Buddhism yet
Buddhism has always interested me and i have read many dumb-downed and "how-to" books on the subject with great disappointment. Read more
Published on Dec 6 2003 by Sonia C. Lovelace
5.0 out of 5 stars
awakening
i read this book with two or three misconceptions about Buddhism, but this book dealt with that problem and more. Read more
Published on May 20 2003 by Mesfera Alqahtani
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