The Beginner's Guide to Walking the Buddha's Eightfold Path by Jean Smith

by Jean Smith

“Writing a ‘nuts and bolts’ guide that is genuinely wise, charmingly conversational, and a pleasure to read requires a particular talent, and Jean Smith has proved once again that she has it.”—Sylvia Boorstein, author of Don’t Just Do Something, Sit There

The third of Jean Smith’s Beginner’s Guides focuses on the Buddha’s Eightfold Path—the concepts central to practicing the Buddha’s teachings in daily life. The eight steps on the path right understanding, thought, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration. Smith explains exactly what the Buddha had in mind, using translations of his own words and then elucidating them for us. Throughout the book are wonderful quotes from a broad range of Buddhist teachers, giving a taste of the very best each of them has to offer. The Beginner’s Guide to Walking the Buddha’s Eightfold Path is a prescription for happiness, not just for overcoming suffering, which is how many people think of Buddhism. Here is a book for Buddhists of every tradition.

Genres: Buddhism, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Religion, Philosophy

Paperback Bunko

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[brian garcia]

quite challenging to review a book on Buddhism, as judgments are a way of attaching values. I accept this book for what it is and have learned/re-learned things. I have read other books on Buddhism -- including one by this author -- that speak to me more profoundly.

[Vicky · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are two subjects for which I am always seeking, and never finding, a true "beginner's guide": one is quantum physics and the other is Buddhism. Smith's book was a DNF for me. It seemed rambling and off the mark and jumped too quickly into complex concepts that are surely of only secondary interest to readers new to Buddhism.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

In layman's terms the core Buddhist teachings, organized in the structure of the 8 fold path. Rigorous but accessible. Comprehensive with detailed instructions on meditation methods of most branches of Buddhism

[Romulo Vallejo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful read, full of valuable teachings

I enjoyed the coverage of the topic from the perspective of different Buddhist traditions and the practical advice on how to incorporate the teachings into my life.

[Andy Wang · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some cool meditation stuff.

[Bruce Gunther · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent overview of the Eightfold Path. There are many highlights, but there's so much good info packed in the final chapter on Right Concentration - including a variety of meditation techniques.

[Lucky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read several of Jean Smith's introductory books and find them to be exactly what I was looking for. They are easy to understand with definitions of Buddhist lingo and they are organized in a way that makes sense.

[Jamnjazzz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good step by step examination of the Eight Fold Path.

Very clear and straight forward, a good reference for the future.

[Viv JM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clearly written with useful content.

[Liser · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book helped me memorize the eightfold path through the careful deconstruction of each.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful! Easy to understand! I learned a lot!