Coffee with the Buddha

Coffee with...

by Joan Duncan Oliver, Annie Lennox (Foreword)

The earth trembles. Lions, tigers, and scorpions grow tame. Humans shower one another with kindness. Such marvels herald a wondrous event: Siddhartha Gautama, known as The Buddha. What knowledge would such a sage have to impart? The Way of the Bodhisattva becomes clear as The Buddha speaks here about suffering and the hardships of life (reminding us that help is always near), impermanence, reincarnation, karma, desire, morality, mindfulness, compassion, love, and the body.  Joan Duncan Oliver—editorial director of the One Spirit book club and contributor to Tricycle: The Buddhist Review—conducts the “interview,” while singer/composer Annie Lennox, a practicing Buddhist, provides the enlightening preface.

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion, Buddhism, Philosophy, Spirituality

144 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2007

Reviews

[Eva · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 αστεράκια για την ακρίβεια.
Ευκολοδιάβαστο και ενδιαφέρον βιβλιαράκι! Ειδικά οι ενοτήτες σχετικά με την "παροδικότητα", την "επιθυμία", την "ηθικότητα" και τη "συνειδητή προσοχή" δίνουν πολλά ερεθίσματα.

[Gary · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was OK. I liked it enough. I wouldn't recommend it to someone who is looking to find out what Buddhism is all about. I fear someone with no background knowledge of Buddhism would get the wrong impression from this book.

I think it concentrates too much on Mahayana Buddhism, which developed hundreds of years after the Buddha's death. Mahayana contains too much supernatural filigree for my tastes. I prefer the basic philosophical worldview of Theravadin -- or Old School -- Buddhism. I think readers without basic knowledge of Buddhism would be confused, which seems contrary to what this series is all about. Still, if you just want some light reading for the bus or beach, this book will do.

For readers who want a basic introduction to Buddhism, I would recommend Thich Nhat Hanh's The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching and Henepola Gunaratana's Mindfulness in Plain English.

I like the concept of the "Coffee With..." series. The Coffee with Einstein volume has a foreword by Roger Penrose, so maybe I'll give that one a try.

[Chuck · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book gives some insight to the beliefs and basis of Buddhism. I do not wish to review it for it's content simply because my view of someone else's religion just is not important. The behaviors and values that this and most religions espouse, however, are noble and unselfish and by common sense alone are worthwhile. I had no idea, however, how unhappy I was supposed to be and I may need some enlightenment to determine if that is true. Religion has evolved over the past centuries to the point that it's main remaining function is to explain death. The issue in this growing secular world seems to be that many simply no longer have a need for an explanation.

[Mohit Rauniyar · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the rare types when I finished an entire book in one seating. A good book that helps you reflect on your life with Buddha's principles. There were a few instances when I was questioning things, but the author addresses them in the very next question. Also, felt like Buddha was actually answering the question, so kudos to the writer for that!
Overall, a good read!

[Phwade143 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This tiny little book took me by surprise. I just loved it! It was so thought provoking. It took me a while to get through it because I really had to stop and think. Once I got it through my head that "everything changes" it altered my life.

[Esme · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still reading-will info later.

[Thomas Pentecost · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a bad summary or introduction to Buddhism.

[Daniel Jones · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great idea, however executed very simply. This is a book for someone looking for conversational knowledge only.

[Dan Mantena · Rating 1 out of 5]

my rating - overall Score: 1.2/5.0
- the quality of writing (2/5)
- the quality of the content (2/5)
- impact on my perspective (1/5)
- personal resonance (2/5)
- rereading potential (0/5)

[Carmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative. Learned a lot. I definitely have some new ideas and behaviours to consider.

[Maureen Parker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Concise book about the basics of Buddhist philosophy and how to apply to life.

[Jerry Winsett · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK, any book on Spirituality with a forward by Annie Lennox is a must read! And Joan Duncan Oliver’s “Coffee with the Buddha” is a gem! A small book you can easily travel with for daily inspiration or affirmation. It is written as if the author is sitting, sipping coffee, and chatting with The Buddha and is therefore so accessible, even for those not spirituality inclined. Filled with wonderful quotes, I highly recommended it.

"As you become aware that nothing lasts forever, you can deepen your appreciation for things as they are now, and not pin your hopes on what may or may not happen in the future."

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're unfamiliar with Buddhism or need reminding of some of the basics, this is a very appropriate book. It's short, it's light, and it remains conversational while still probing deep subjects. While it touches on some differing ideas or understandings between different Buddhisms, it is still Mahayana-focused. If you wish to probe the details and intricacies at greater length, find a longer book. But as I stated, this light read can also be handy for reminding the basics to those who are already familiar with Buddhism.

[Ron · Rating 2 out of 5]

Basic and short introduction to the Buddha, in a conversational style. Still makes me realize why I am not a Buddhist, since the first Noble Truth is "Life is Suffering". I just don't agree with this, nor with the prospect that it is preferable to not be reincarnated. This only makes sense if you don't enjoy your life. If you do enjoy your life, and want others to enjoy their lives, then being reincarnated would be a good thing.

[Esmeralda Plangesis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joan Duncan Oliver's "Coffee with the Buddha"(prologue by Annie Lennox) was translated into Modern Greek in 2009. It consists of a hypothetical discussion with Sidharta Gautama(the Buddha.

Very readable version recommended for anyone interested to learn more about"The Buddha"

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that really makes you ponder and reflect. You are in no hurry to finish reading this, in fact, it stretches the time you have bonding with 'Siddhārtha'. Thought provoking and the least aggressive way of life I have ever come across. Why am I not a Buddhist again?

[Bradley Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like the title says, a nice chat with Buddha.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed. Easy to read. Helped to educate me.

[Neehal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful light reading!

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Leaves a lot to be discovered. A decent primer.

[Dale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this little book. If you want to know what Buddhism is all about this is an excellent starter book.

[Todd Sorensen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh. Total bathroom read.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice introduction to the beliefs of Buddhism.