Build a Better Buddha: The Guide to Remaking Yourself Exactly As You Are

by James Robbins

These days, the search for self-actualization and liberation can be rather overwhelming. With so many spiritual systems and teachings readily available, many of us feel confused and intimidated. We want to find just the "right" system or teacher--but how? In this book, James Robbins guides you beyond the seeming complexities and idiosyncrasies of various beliefs and traditions, redirecting you toward a few, simple truths common to all paths of realization. In doing so, Robbins helps you recognize and distill the core teachings of both traditional and non-traditional paths into your own unique way. With this book you learn that you already have everything you need to expand your conscious awareness, recognize where you are on your path, and fully experience the profound beauty of life and the world we live in--right here, right now.

336 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2003

Reviews

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow. Over two years to finish this book. Kept coming back to it. It gives instructions on meditative practices, dream yoga and understanding your dreams or at least making them more lucid. It also combines Buddhist, Taoist, Christian and native traditions.

Do we unconsciously break into, interpret or favor the world in three categories such as good, bad, neutral or yes, no, maybe and past, present, future. Interesting and the author calls it the pervasive paradox of the three.

Do we skillfully restrict desire or fully embrace desire. Three classes of dreams are ordinary or common karmic trace dreams. Dreams of clarity and lastly clairvoyant dreams or ones you have about events or people and can be verified. He suggests ways to improve dreams such as a dream journal.

He discusses practices and methods of meditation, different mantras and how to improve concentration and contemplation.