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Tell Me Something about Buddhism: Questions and Answers for the Curious Beginner
For anyone curious about the teachings of Buddha and modern Buddhist practice, Tell Me Something about Buddhism offers the perfect introduction. Written by Soto Zen priest Zenju Earthlyn Manuel and organized in an easy-to-use Question and Answer format, this brief book answers the many common questions people have about Buddhism, everything from who was Buddha to why do monks, nuns, and priests shave their heads.
Manuel, who was been involved in Buddhist practice for over twenty years, after an L.A. upbringing in an African-American Christian church, intertwines throughout the book her personal experiences as one of the first African-American Zen priests. Her life in the Sangha, her teaching in local communities, and her travels around the world meeting other Buddhist practitioners enliven her answers to the most fundamental questions about Buddhist practice. She writes, "Had I not opened myself to the many teachings from the earth, such as Buddha's wisdom, it would have been nearly impossible to survive the fires of my soul." Included are about 20 illustrations by the author in charcoal-and-pencil style.
Manuel, who was been involved in Buddhist practice for over twenty years, after an L.A. upbringing in an African-American Christian church, intertwines throughout the book her personal experiences as one of the first African-American Zen priests. Her life in the Sangha, her teaching in local communities, and her travels around the world meeting other Buddhist practitioners enliven her answers to the most fundamental questions about Buddhist practice. She writes, "Had I not opened myself to the many teachings from the earth, such as Buddha's wisdom, it would have been nearly impossible to survive the fires of my soul." Included are about 20 illustrations by the author in charcoal-and-pencil style.
144 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2011
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173 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 26, 2025
Beginning The Dharma With Ekai Zenju
Buddhism can be approached simply through short introductory books or in studies of great complexity. "Tell me Something about Buddhism: Questions and Answers for the Curious Beginner" is a work in the former category with moments of substantial insight. There is a freshness to the book.
Ekai Zenju is the Dharma name of an ordained Zen priest, a status the author explains in the course of the book. Her given name is Earthlyn Manuel, with the title "Zenju". Manuel has been practicing Buddhism for over 20 years. She began in the Nichren school, and in 2008 received ordination as a Zen priest. Manuel holds an MA in Urban Planning and a PhD in Transformation and Consciousness from the California Institute of Integral Studies. She is an African American woman with roots in Louisiana who was raised in California.
Her little book is effective in the way it combines her personal story with and introduction to Buddhism. Manuel begins with a discussion of how she became attracted to Buddhism, coming from a background of African American Christianity and civil rights activism. Manuel was approached by Buddhist teachers from Nichren. She resisted at first but gradually was drawn to the teachings. She aptly observes: "I did not choose Buddha's path as much as I had been chosen by it." When asked by relatives and other people what she, as an African American woman, found valuable about Buddhism, she says: "To follow the ancient teachings of Buddha was to be life affirming. On the path of Buddha's teachings, I returned, through chanting and meditation to that place within that had not been touched by the suffering of hatred. In following the path of Buddha, I began to peel off the masks that covered my original face. In the practice of Buddha's love, I eventually became aware of my life in all of its difficult and glorious moments."
The book is in a question and answer format. This is a device that I have found ineffective in other contexts, but it works here. Manuel poses and offers elementary answers to basic questions about Buddha and Buddhism. Her approach combines introductions to Buddhist teachings with her own life experience. She writes simply and often pithily. She uses small charcoal drawings and poems of her own making as well as quotations from other Buddhist teachers. The book has a feel of personal experience.
The questions range from "Who was the Buddha and What did he Teach" to questions regarding the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, the Doctrine of Karma, the nature of enlightenment, the purpose of meditation and chanting, Buddhism's teachings about death, Buddhism and theism, and much more. Towards the end of the book, several questions address Buddhism and women and Buddhism and multiculturalism, particularly as it involves African American practitioners.
Much of what Manuel says is striking. In discussing the eight-fold path, for example, she discusses and qualifies the usual translation of "right" action, "right" intention, and so forth by substituting the term "complete" for right. She does so "for the sake of avoiding a sense of right and wrong or confusing this path with rules." Manuel explains further: "Complete refers to doing what is beneficial to living an awakened life, living in a way that does not cause suffering. The path aligns with actions of the body, speech, and heart-mind."
Manuel makes a similar observation when discussing Buddhist precepts and comparing them to the Ten Commandments and other teachings of Western religions. She writes: "The precepts are meant to assist us in valuing life and in not judging the self or each other from a righteous place. They are not principles to measure someone's flaws or level of spirituality. There is no external punishment for breaking these precepts. Mostly, the precepts describe how an awakened person lives mindful of the possible suffering caused by his or her actions. In this way of caring for each other, we nurture a spiritually based social justice."
In discussing how Buddhism helps individuals deal with dissatisfaction with and in their lives, Manuel offers her experiences chanting the Heart Sutra and says as well: "take time to view life without an old story, to walk without thoughts of how you look, to listen without interpretation, to taste something as if for the first time, or to smell and not name what you are smelling. Move through the world without thoughts of liking or disliking this and that."
Overall, Manuel recognizes that Buddhist wisdom is not to be learned from a book, "even this one", but from patience, reflection, and an attempt at understanding. In "Final Words" at the end of the book, Manuel summarizes:
"Know that it it is difficult to learn Buddha's teachings through explanations. Know that I have made an attempt to concretize a teaching that cannot be solidified because wisdom comes from your own life. So you may still feel fuzzy about this practice. It is this fuzziness, coupled with curiosity, that has kept me on the path. I feel genuinely that Buddha intended the practice to be a continuous exploration. Once we become certain, there is no place for learning, and we find ourselves defending our idea with a partial view of things."
I have been studying and attempting to incorporate Buddhist teachings into my life for some time. Manuel's short book for beginners help reinvigorate my efforts. This book is valuable both to readers new to Buddhism and to readers with a substantial practice.
Robin Friedman
Buddhism can be approached simply through short introductory books or in studies of great complexity. "Tell me Something about Buddhism: Questions and Answers for the Curious Beginner" is a work in the former category with moments of substantial insight. There is a freshness to the book.
Ekai Zenju is the Dharma name of an ordained Zen priest, a status the author explains in the course of the book. Her given name is Earthlyn Manuel, with the title "Zenju". Manuel has been practicing Buddhism for over 20 years. She began in the Nichren school, and in 2008 received ordination as a Zen priest. Manuel holds an MA in Urban Planning and a PhD in Transformation and Consciousness from the California Institute of Integral Studies. She is an African American woman with roots in Louisiana who was raised in California.
Her little book is effective in the way it combines her personal story with and introduction to Buddhism. Manuel begins with a discussion of how she became attracted to Buddhism, coming from a background of African American Christianity and civil rights activism. Manuel was approached by Buddhist teachers from Nichren. She resisted at first but gradually was drawn to the teachings. She aptly observes: "I did not choose Buddha's path as much as I had been chosen by it." When asked by relatives and other people what she, as an African American woman, found valuable about Buddhism, she says: "To follow the ancient teachings of Buddha was to be life affirming. On the path of Buddha's teachings, I returned, through chanting and meditation to that place within that had not been touched by the suffering of hatred. In following the path of Buddha, I began to peel off the masks that covered my original face. In the practice of Buddha's love, I eventually became aware of my life in all of its difficult and glorious moments."
The book is in a question and answer format. This is a device that I have found ineffective in other contexts, but it works here. Manuel poses and offers elementary answers to basic questions about Buddha and Buddhism. Her approach combines introductions to Buddhist teachings with her own life experience. She writes simply and often pithily. She uses small charcoal drawings and poems of her own making as well as quotations from other Buddhist teachers. The book has a feel of personal experience.
The questions range from "Who was the Buddha and What did he Teach" to questions regarding the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, the Doctrine of Karma, the nature of enlightenment, the purpose of meditation and chanting, Buddhism's teachings about death, Buddhism and theism, and much more. Towards the end of the book, several questions address Buddhism and women and Buddhism and multiculturalism, particularly as it involves African American practitioners.
Much of what Manuel says is striking. In discussing the eight-fold path, for example, she discusses and qualifies the usual translation of "right" action, "right" intention, and so forth by substituting the term "complete" for right. She does so "for the sake of avoiding a sense of right and wrong or confusing this path with rules." Manuel explains further: "Complete refers to doing what is beneficial to living an awakened life, living in a way that does not cause suffering. The path aligns with actions of the body, speech, and heart-mind."
Manuel makes a similar observation when discussing Buddhist precepts and comparing them to the Ten Commandments and other teachings of Western religions. She writes: "The precepts are meant to assist us in valuing life and in not judging the self or each other from a righteous place. They are not principles to measure someone's flaws or level of spirituality. There is no external punishment for breaking these precepts. Mostly, the precepts describe how an awakened person lives mindful of the possible suffering caused by his or her actions. In this way of caring for each other, we nurture a spiritually based social justice."
In discussing how Buddhism helps individuals deal with dissatisfaction with and in their lives, Manuel offers her experiences chanting the Heart Sutra and says as well: "take time to view life without an old story, to walk without thoughts of how you look, to listen without interpretation, to taste something as if for the first time, or to smell and not name what you are smelling. Move through the world without thoughts of liking or disliking this and that."
Overall, Manuel recognizes that Buddhist wisdom is not to be learned from a book, "even this one", but from patience, reflection, and an attempt at understanding. In "Final Words" at the end of the book, Manuel summarizes:
"Know that it it is difficult to learn Buddha's teachings through explanations. Know that I have made an attempt to concretize a teaching that cannot be solidified because wisdom comes from your own life. So you may still feel fuzzy about this practice. It is this fuzziness, coupled with curiosity, that has kept me on the path. I feel genuinely that Buddha intended the practice to be a continuous exploration. Once we become certain, there is no place for learning, and we find ourselves defending our idea with a partial view of things."
I have been studying and attempting to incorporate Buddhist teachings into my life for some time. Manuel's short book for beginners help reinvigorate my efforts. This book is valuable both to readers new to Buddhism and to readers with a substantial practice.
Robin Friedman
October 8, 2018
Buddhism is such an ephemeral concept. This book offers some basic tenants of the philosophy and the author shares some of her experiences in the practice. I read it alongside a fictionalized account of the Buddha’s path to enlightenment and I think they very nicely complimented each other and expanded my understanding of each.
February 13, 2015
The explanations of Buddhist principles were concise and clear. As in most Buddhist books, the author makes frequent references to her own personal practice, and personally I could not relate. It seems that her meditation often leads to tears and/or weeping. I kept thinking that she would benefit more from psychotherapy than meditation.
January 10, 2012
Good book describing one person's path and perspective regarding Buddhism. Found the book easy to read, interesting, and overall made what can be a very heavy subject into a very light but meaningful read.
April 14, 2012
This a wonderful little book that touches on Buddhist philosophy and practice.
March 8, 2014
A lovely introduction. The author seems like a person it would be a gift to know in real life.
September 12, 2018
I really enjoyed reading this book cover to cover. One major practice in Buddhism is letting go of your self identity and realizing “we are one”. A practice Zenju Earthlyn Manuel admittedly had some troubles with. Growing up in the South, only a second generation born out of slavery, she had a strong identity tied to her body. However, through Buddhism she realized that holding onto this was holding onto suffering, effectively only filling her life with fear and hatred. After much meditation and soul seeking she realized she can mostly certainly honour her ancestors and the past they had while maintaining her oneness and wakefulness if she let go of her personal identity which clung to her body and its appearance. While Zenju Earthlyn Manuel admits she doesn’t think all of the world’s problems will be solved through meditation, I, however, believe a lot of the world’s problems would be solved if people let go of past sufferings - not forgetting them, but also not letting them fill our current day with fear and hatred. I admit that it was, at times, difficult to put myself in Zenju Earthlyn Manuel’s shoes as her path is nothing like mine, but it was ultimately humbling to read her personal sufferings. Also, I really enjoyed the poems and chants included in this book - they were very peaceful.
August 9, 2017
A delightful little introduction to the practice of Buddhism. Manuel mixes her own personal story with the teachings of the Buddha, showing readers not only what Buddhism is, but how it affects the people who practice it. A short read, but great for someone just starting to learn about Buddhism.
May 12, 2018
I’m new to Buddhism and found this book to be a little confusing at times. It did have some good explanations but overall I was ready for the book to end. There are probably better books for the new Buddhist out there.
October 13, 2019
I would have preferred clearer and simpler language.
January 7, 2023
Well written primer on a 101 on Buddhism. Especially interesting given the author formerly was a practicing Christian and grew up in Louisiana in a Black Evangelical culture.
October 3, 2023
Admittedly a bit superficial, but still contains some valuable insights.
April 2, 2024
This is a wonderful little book, told in question and answer form, with some terrific poems included.
October 27, 2021
Manuel did write a good book and definitely good examples for POC individuals and also to women. But I had trouble relating to everything she said in this brief text. I have just never been overcome in great spirituality where I feel like I have to constantly cry (or weep as she says so often). Never a less it was a concise book that delved into Buddhism that I enjoyed and will take into my practice.
November 21, 2025
The book has points to ponder and discusses multiculturalism within Buddhist spaces, which I appreciated. However, I wouldn't recommend it to someone just starting out on their Buddhist journey. There are better books for that.
July 12, 2015
A wonderful read for those just exploring Buddhism who want to know more. At first I thought it might be more of a true Q&A book which I would skip around looking up the answers for my questions, but it turns out that as I started reading it was much more fluid than I expected. Each question led to an answer, which led to another question and answer, etc. so that one flowed into another seamlessly. I felt more like I was reading a comprehensive work than a work broken up with questions and answers. I really loved reading everything the author brought to her ideas about Buddhism as well as the words she included from others. I especially liked the work on fire and it is something I will be referring back to. The end of the book mentioned several books I will be checking out to learn more and I'm glad those references were included.
August 15, 2016
I liked the perspective that the books was written with. It's not a point of view I've ever considered. I think everyone faces their own issues and challenges when entering a new religion, and I'm in awe of author Zenju Earthlyn Manuel.
That being said, I think as a white female looking into the Buddhist faith I have a different set of challenges I need to face. And while I found the perspective of the author very interesting, it was not a perspective I was able to see in myself very well.
Hopefully when I've gained more experience and understand Buddhism better as it relates to myself, I will be more open to how it relates to others and will be able to appreciate other perspectives more fully.
That being said, I think as a white female looking into the Buddhist faith I have a different set of challenges I need to face. And while I found the perspective of the author very interesting, it was not a perspective I was able to see in myself very well.
Hopefully when I've gained more experience and understand Buddhism better as it relates to myself, I will be more open to how it relates to others and will be able to appreciate other perspectives more fully.
May 5, 2014
As promised, questioned about Buddhism were answered in a straight-forward, easy for this western mind to understand way - very helpful - highly recommend to anyone interested in the subject. Gives generous insight from an African American who chose this path.
July 26, 2012
Not Pema Chodron. Meh.
July 12, 2012
Almost as difficult to understand as the practice itself. But it has lead me to other good books on the subject.
February 28, 2013
Earnest attempt on the part of the author but did not really explain enough of Buddhism for me. Too much reliance on terminology that does not mean anything to me.
August 4, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a nice understanding of Buddhism from the perspective of an Afrikan in America and a simple introduction to the value system itself.
March 18, 2020
A good book, which needs to be digested a little at a time.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews