The Complete Buddhism for Mothers

by Sarah Napthali

Sarah Napthali takes us on a journey through the challenges (and the pleasures!) of raising children, using Buddhist teachings and principles to help her answer the eternal questions of mothers Who am I now? Where am I going? And how can I do my best by my children and myself?

Genres: Parenting, Buddhism, Nonfiction, Spirituality

770 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2011

About the author

Sarah Napthali is a mother of two young boys who tries to apply Buddhist teachings in her daily life. Her working life has ranged from teaching English as a Second Language and corporate training, to human rights activism and interpreting. Since becoming a mother she has focussed on writing, initially for companies and later for individuals wanting to record their memoirs. With seven memoirs completed, she is also the author of Buddhism for Mothers (Allen & Unwin, 2003) which has sold 54,000 copies around the world and been translated into eight languages to date. Since the children started school, Sarah is very pleased to report that she manages to meditate daily.

from http://www.allenandunwin.com/default....

Reviews

[Laura Hofmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite parenting book. My copy is well worn, it's so full of peaceful philosophies on parenting at different ages. To be clear, my reality in the trenches with three children is not always as peaceful, though this book grounds, resets, and reminds me of the goals I have as a parent and for our family. I am not Buddhist and this book does not demand that one be, to benefit.

[Shauna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book with Buddhism in the title, that I have read. At first I was a bit skeptical of the length (Will I, as a busy mother, stick it through to the end?) but I started reading a chapter a day in September and quickly started to look forward to each new chapter, even setting my alarm 30 minutes earlier every morning when I went back to work following a leave, just so I could continue reading it in a routine way. As I read, my reading wish list grew (lots of book recommendations) and while I did not end with a solid meditation practice integrated into my life, I definitely started to dabble in the mindframes and perspectives recommended and I saw the value of starting each day with a brief reminder around acceptance, surrender and the collective experience attached to many of the challenges I've come face to face with so far, as a mother. I am not as unique as I think (I needed that reminder too). Looking back, I'm not sure I would have read more than 1 or 2 chapters at a time, even if I had the time. I benefitted from the bits and bites, the food for thought and gentle setting of the mind heading into each day. I'd like to think the author would be pleased by this approach... akin to rolling each piece of food around in one's mouth, savoring it, instead of rushing through the meal

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have finished the first book, it was wonderful. One to come back to again and again, whenever stressed or tired.

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

First book was brilliant. Second book somewhat repetitive without useful guidance. Third book so far so good.

[Rebekah Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for Mothers of all ages

[Cherie · Rating 3 out of 5]

LONG, thorough, covers so many different aspects of parenting, mothering, children from a Buddhist perspective. Should be a manual for Buddhist mothers. Great.

[S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some functional gentle reminders - other times repetitive. Overall, useful and applicable.

[Stella Cyrus · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite parenting book. (Trilogy) I will be rereading this over and over and giving a copy to every new mother I know.

[Missy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a thick book -- It combines Napthali's three Buddhist mama books, hence the complete part. I'm still in the middle of the first book. It slows up my day, it makes me think, breathe, notice, reflect. I'm not a Buddhist formally, but that's fine. I'm learning. One thing I'd say, not having to do with the text itself, is that the book is kind of unwieldy because of the size. If I had to do it over again, I might have bought them separately, cost savings be damned. Unless you're reading this on ebook. Then I guess the unwieldiness doesn't affect you. But I wouldn't recommend reading this on ebook. I just wouldn't. It's good to make an effort.

[Yanic · Rating 5 out of 5]

This trilogy has been with me since my first child was born. Reading her books, as years go by, has been such a comfort and a source of peace. I have given it to many mamas as a gift, I've re-read the first installment twice and am looking forward to re-reading the last installment as my second heads to school in a few years.

[Kate Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is HUGE. 3 books in one, actually. I've never actually finished it, because I've spent so much time reading and rereading the same parts. My copy is well marked, and well-loved. I learn something new every time I sit down with it. Highly recommend.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely read. I'm not a Buddhist, but that's the point of Buddhism really, you don't have to BE anything. It's a book that teaches mental calmness in the ever challenging world of raising little people.

[Ryanessl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful collection of three books with practical advice, based on Buddha's teachings, that everyone will find useful.

[Me · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buddhism is such a single male religion. These books are the first I read that applies Buddhism to my life.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great intro to Buddhist practice. I think anyone, regardless of their religion, would benefit from the calm wisdom in this book. Each day I would read a few pages and feel at peace. Great great book!

[Charmaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

All three books are great to return to time and time again.

[Stephanie]

I cannot call myself a Buddhist, but I found this book extremely helpful when I needed grounding during the first few years of motherhood.

[bluezola]

I didn't read this book straight through but use it more as a reference. It has been an invaluable resource and one I will constantly be in the process of reading.

[Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great reminder that nothing lasts forever...therefore, seize the moment and enjoy my little ones on good and bad days and embrace things as they are.