Life Hacks from the Buddha: How to be calm and content in a chaotic world

by Dr Tony Fernando

How to be calm and content in a chaotic world
50 ancient pearls of wisdom anyone can use for a stress-free and happy life

In this practical and easy-to-follow book, clinical psychiatrist and ordained Buddhist monk Tony Fernando draws on the transformational techniques developed by the Buddha to show you how you can create a peaceful environment to live in, quieten the mind, become more compassionate, and use simple mental practices to help be content and happy.

You don't have to be a Buddhist to appreciate these hacks - although some Buddhists might learn a few tricks along the way! If you are Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Jewish, of another faith, agnostic, or even an atheist, the core teachings of the Buddha on managing stress and suffering will not threaten what you believe. Life Hacks from the Buddha will help anyone live an easier life and become a kinder, calmer, more chilled-out version of themselves.

Genres: Nonfiction, Spirituality

297 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 4, 2024

Reviews

[Carla Boniolo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately I did not love this. A cool message about taking lessons from Buddhism and applying them to modern life - but I felt like this could have been a Ted Talk, rather than a book. I enjoyed the memoir parts of the book that focused on his childhood in the Philippines and his time spent in various Buddhist monasteries. Perhaps a full on memoir would have been a better structure for this book? Or maybe the book is good and I’m just not in the right headspace to learn about meditation.

[Holly Fleet · Rating 4 out of 5]

i absolutely loved this book only reason it’s 4 stars instead of 5 is because the actual life hacks were a bit hit or miss they got quite repetitive i felt like multiple of the life hacks were the same thing just worded differently. still an incredible read though his life is so so interesting i would happily read a bio from this man my favourite part was reading about his time in all the different monastery’s. would definitely recommend this book there were so many good points to take from it and amazing self practices i’ll be trying to incorporate into my life !!

[Dreydon Sobanja · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very happy when I saw that my personal friend and swim buddy, Dr Tony Fernando had written a book because I thought it would finally help me understand how this man could bridge the ancient world of Buddha (as a Monk) and the modern world of psychiatric medical practices - let alone day-to-day life.

I'm pleased to say that it did help me understand this complex relationship he has between conflicting worlds and more importantly gave me an understanding of the teachings of the Buddha and how I might incorporate some of these into my own life. The key word here is 'might' - because Dr Tony only gently encourages you to explore what works for you and quietly accepts what you choose to pass by.

I would not describe myself as spiritual, but I thoroughly enjoyed this read because (as a fellow author) I can see the hours of thought and then rethinking that have gone into the book. It was predominately a new subject matter for me, but I was surprised how many of the 'hacks' resonated with me and even more surprised about how many I already undertake as part of my nature.

Dr Tony uses many examples of people he has encountered during his life and career to illustrate the teachings and hacks. It would be unlikely that you would not connect with any of their stories.

So, if you are looking for a different viewpoint on the modern world or just want to read about a man who has lived and continues to live an interesting life then it is well worth grabbing a copy or listening online.

[Tamara · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF after 50 pages. Vague quotes about stress and life aren't "hacks". If you're looking for actual "hacks", meaning quick/ simple tips and tricks, you will be disappointed.

Also left a bad taste in my mouth when the author, despite being a Dr, said he thought it was absurd for people to cut off friends based on their political beliefs bc politicians don't matter and we shouldn't do that for the sake of a political. Like? People aren't cutting off friends for the sake of politicians, they're cutting them off for the sake of human rights and basic morals. How such a highly educated person can't grasp that friends who don't think you should have rights, aren't good friends, is just wild to me.

[Doug Newdick · Rating 4 out of 5]

A straight-forward presentation of the key bits of Buddhist wisdom minus the metaphysical and supernatural elements. If you know a bit about Buddhism or stoicism there will be nothing startling here. If you are not familiar with these schools, then this book may be enlightening. Either way it will be useful. And Fernando has a light touch. He leads you in a conversational style through the important Buddhist wisdom in a gentle, kind way. And these "hacks" really will help you get through the difficulties of modern life if you let them. Recommended if you are interested in Buddhism, meditation, or are struggling to cope with life.

[Pranay · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’d give this book a 2.5/5.

To be honest, it wasn’t what I expected based on the title, and it wasn’t really what I was looking for. A lot of it felt like fairly basic or common-sense advice rather than anything particularly new or insightful.

That said, I haven’t actually tried many of the techniques yet, such as the metta meditation. I tend to annotate self-help books first so I can properly absorb and reflect on them, and I plan to do that here before giving the practices a fair go.

I’ll see over time whether applying the ideas actually helps, but on an initial read, it didn’t quite land for me.

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice book, read by the author in the audio - although the 'calm' in this instance means that it is a slower read, but some interesting thoughts on both stress, life, Buddhism and psychology. Author is a NZ psychologist and Buddhist and has tried a number of techniques over the years, and relates it to his own life's experiences, both in personal and work life, so also is a little bit of a biography. Some good ideas which he calls 'hacks' and some practical solutions to everyday problems, and you don't have to be a Buddhist in order to be able to try/practice them.

[Jimmy Teddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book in Dec 28th 2024

This book is so good, i thank Dr Tony reminds me how to be mindfull

He wrote easily to be present with the Buddhist meditation. Easy way like watch breathe in , breathe out and smile. or The loving kindness meditation to 5 people ( family, friends, people who hate us, netral people and all sentinents beings)

I find a peace of mind with accepting the reality

[Roshini Jupiter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seeing all these negative reviews is disheartening and makes me feel like many may have missed the deeper message of the book. Dr. Tony, thank you for your vulnerability in sharing your story and for the invaluable insights you've provided. I truly appreciate the time and effort you put into this book—it’s one that will stay with me for a long time.

[Cara Baxter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting in respect of Buddhism, a little judgey regarding life. Main takeaway for me was to hold things lightly, nothing is concrete. Also felt the author purposefully held back about his own life, sharing only his childhood and career. For me, a deeper more heartfelt book would’ve shared his own stories rather than his clients.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love supporting NZ authors. This is an easy intro to applying Buddhist precepts and practices in the day-to-day. However, I thought it could have be shortened - it got a bit repetitive and 50 hacks was too many (some were very similar).

[Ping · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a wonderful read. With 20 years of experience, Dr Tony offers practical advice & helps readers discover the power of kindness, compassion and inner peace for a happier & healthier life.

[Aimee Lowe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice, easy introduction to Buddhism for people who aren't necessarily interested in becoming Buddhists - but may consider it after reading!

[Inna Caps · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Edmund, such a great read that made me aware of Buddhist teachings. I am very much interested to learn more

[Judith Tyras · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book so informed & interesting regarding Buddha teachings

[Jean · Rating 2 out of 5]

Couldn't finish. Not helpful to people who's not calm and content. I got stressed listening to the cases where people are miserable.' because they are craving.' because they are obsessed! '