The Buddha in Your Rearview Mirror: A Guide to Practicing Buddhism in Modern Life by Woody Hochswender

by Woody Hochswender

Five years ago, journalist and practicing Buddhist Woody Hochswender co-authored a book on Buddhism that focused on the teachings of Nichiren, a 13th-century Japanese monk who has become the spiritual teacher for more than 20 million Buddhists worldwide. That book, which is in its 10th printing and has sold more than 80,000 copies, was such a resounding success that Hochswender has written an insightful new work—at once a follow-up to the previous volume and a freestanding work of its own. A new breath of inspiration, The Buddha in Your Rearview Mirror speaks to the spiritual yearnings so many of us have amid the hustle and flux of contemporary life.

The book is a sophisticated but accessible introduction to Buddhism as well as an in-depth study of Buddhism in the Samurai period. Hochswender again focuses on the philosophy of Nichiren and applies its principles to everyday issues ranging from health to careers to family problems. The Buddha in Your Rearview Mirror is both cogent and compelling—informative history and inspiring self-help. Ideal for the novice or veteran Buddhist, the book will resonate with anyone interested in concrete methods for tapping into their own highest potential or enlightened self.

Genres: Buddhism, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Religion, Self Help, Philosophy

Paperback Bunko

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Mike · Rating 1 out of 5]

Although I'm an Atheist I've been interested in Buddhism for a number of years. When my daughter said she had this book "The Buddha in Your Rear View Mirror" and the precursor "The Buddha in the Mirror" I thought I'd give them a try. I flew through the first book and found it interesting although I was a little put off by the chanting thing: NAM MYOHO RENGE KYO. (I came across that chant and its chanters as a lad in the late 60s and it smelled of cult to me then - and does so today.)
I didn't actually finish the Buddha in Rearview because it was dawning on me that this is a religion. I have no desire for religion. I have no need of religion. And I'm good without god.
I'm so disappointed that this where it was leading to: a cult, in my estimation. I could be wrong but after a superficial search of Soka Gakkai International-USA, the destination to where the the author is guiding the reader, I feel fairly certain this is old-time religion and possibly a cult.
Having typed all of this I now wonder what the heck I was thinking was going to come of this reading? I suppose it was from a philosophical POV I was coming from and looking for. To that end Buddhism as a philosophy is still fascinating to me and I might read more about it but there would need to be another avenue that doesn't lead to a "religion" especially if that road leads to Soka Gakkai International-USA.

[Rakiya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this in 2 days!!! Awesome book about Nichiren Buddhism. It definitely enhances my practice!

[Lauren Chaump · Rating 4 out of 5]

really great. focus in on sections like pages 202 to 203, pg 140 to 141,p143, and the last chapter.. in no particularly order- seems like the most influential or significant

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all books about Nichiren buddhism!

[Safwan Zabalawi · Rating 1 out of 5]

A waste of time. Superficial interpretatios. Sometimes you can judge the book by its cover. Look at the cover inverting the image of the Buddha upside down. How respectful! Who would like to have his/her photo or image inverted upside down? The book hijacked the title of another book (The Buddha in Your Mirror) and instead of clarity - it adds confusion.

[Evelyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting information about the practice of Buddhism. I found it enlightening.

[Brigitte · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dull and disorganized writing. And the book only focused on one school of Buddhism. The practice chapter only focused on chanting, ignoring meditation and mindfulness. Disappointing overview.

[Meenakshi Malhotra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read, a practical guide that makes you chant everyday.. and helps deepen your faith in yourself.

[John Maberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full disclosure: I read this book as a fellow Buddhist writer to see how my book would compare. This book manages the unlikely feat of being both an excellent and persuasive introduction to the practice of Buddhism as well as providing a moderately detailed and well written explanation of the philosophy for readers looking for answers. If you are under 40 and/or consider yourself intellectually superior (I don't really mean conceited or arrogant--just confident about your stage of philosophical development) you should probably start with THIS book instead of the earlier book by Hochswender, Morino and Martin--The Buddha in your Mirror.

[Stephanie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Okay, okay, so I really haven't finished reading the book yet. BUT IT'S SOOOOO BORING. This thing reads like a really bad college professor essay. I either kept falling asleep while reading or would catch myself moving my eyes over the words as my mind was off daydreaming about something else. I'm not giving up totally on the book but I'm not very motivated either to pick it back up and try to plow through. Bummer too because I was really looking forward to this book.

[deena ensworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this book before I became a Nichiren Buddhist. I think it does a great job of explaining things in real people terms. I've since bought it several times for friends and family as a gift. I have re-read sections several times. It's brilliant.

[Izzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super charged book! Very, very informative. I'm not Buddhist, but I had a lot of questions which Woody Hochswender answered a good size chunk for me. I would recommend this book to anyone who desires to know more about Nichiren Buddhism.

[Steve Warnick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Boring. It did explain parts of Buddhism that I don't understand but didn't make me want to run out and be a Buddhist.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book about Buddhism for the common man that I have read. Recommend it to anyone interested in Buddhism.

[Tara Curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. I re-read regularly.