The Daily Buddhist: 366 Days of Wisdom for Happiness, Inner Freedom, and Mindful Living – Meditations and Reflections for Transformation, Resilience, and Joy
366 daily doses of profound and practical Buddhist teachings for true transformation.
Why do so many people still embrace the wisdom of Buddhism, even after twenty-five hundred years? The answer lies in the fact that, although the world may look different now, humans still grapple with the same fundamental overwhelming emotions, discontentment, and a longing for happiness.
These are the very challenges that Buddhist philosophy can help us overcome, empowering us to transform into fearless, compassionate, and joyful individuals. Buddhism provides a framework we can use to lead a great life—one in which we are kinder, have greater resilience, are more adaptable to change, and experience greater lightness and joy.
The Daily Buddhist offers daily teachings of Buddhist wisdom and practices to help us navigate the challenges of everyday life. Drawing from many of the greatest Buddhist masters throughout history—renowned Indian philosophers like Nagarjuna and Santideva; Tibetan masters like Milarepa, Patrul Rinpoche, and Chögyam Trungpa; and, of course, the Buddha himself—the authors, Buddhist scholars and practitioners, deliver daily doses of Buddhist insights tailored for 21st century living. Each day of the year, you’ll receive an insightful quote from a Buddhist master paired with a thought-provoking reflection that’s accessible, practical, and modern.
Over the course of the year, you’ll
How mindfulness can help you find inner peaceHow to make friends with yourself through meditationHow to overcome difficult emotions like anger, jealousy, and anxietyWhy cultivating compassion leads to happinessWhy you are not your thoughtsHow to tame your inner criticHow to discover happiness that actually lasts This profound yet practical approach to Buddhist philosophy provides tools for true transformation. By the end of the year, you'll see the world and your mind in a new light, propelling you along the path to lasting happiness, self-mastery, and inner freedom.
Meant to be read as a daily meditational exercise or devotional, every day has a passage of Buddhist wisdom to reflect on and put forward in your daily life. For the nature of a review, I obviously did not read this organically or daily as is intended, however the wisdom within is beneficial and worthy of a spot on your bedside table. This would be a wonderful gift for Bodhi day (December 8th every year) to give to a Buddhist or interested friend (or even yourself) to start a year's worth of Buddhist focused mindfulness and meditative introspection. At the moment, it's slated to come out about 2 weeks after Vesak, but you could also give as a gift on July 10th for Dharma day/Asala. The meditations are all written with a lot of heart and love to share with you, the reader.
Thank you to NetGalley, the authors, and the publisher for this early copy in exchange for an honest review.
Whether you're new to Buddhism or have years of experience, The Daily Buddhist offers something deeply nourishing.
The book begins with a helpful overview of Buddhist philosophy, giving you just enough context to appreciate the wisdom that follows. You can start reading at any point in the year, no need to begin from the first page.
That said, reading from the beginning reveals a subtle progression, with each chapter building on the last, gently helping you develop new insights and skills.
Reading just one page a day helps me orient myself toward love and compassion, especially important in an increasingly chaotic world. This book serves as gentle reminder of what matters most
This is a wonderful perpetual calendar format of Buddhist teachings and little snippets of information. The entries I have read so far make the teachings understandable and they fit into my daily life. I will enjoy these mini readings throughout the coming 365 days.
12/19: Feelings: we are not our feelings; we need to see that feelings or something that is happening to us rather than something that is innate to us
12/21: Quell Agitated Mind: reflect (redirect your mind ) on the impermanence of the moment
12/25: when someone lashes out in anger…or is unfairly critical…relate to their shortcomings and suffering. so instead of getting upset, we can acknowledge that they are confused and in pain, just like we have been in the past, and that they need our love now, more than ever . . . .
“His students recorded his teachings, and Buddhism spread across Asia…and to the Middle East…As Buddhist philosophy expanded, it adapted to the religious and cultural contexts of each region, giving rise to various schools of thought, such as Tibetan Buddhism, Chan Buddhism, Zen Buddhism, and Paramita Buddhism
this an an audiobook, love that it is set up by daily chapters so I was able to set up any early morning calendar reminder to listen to that day’s passages.
From internet: Buddhism has three main forms, or "vehicles," that developed from the Buddha's teachings: Theravada (Way of the Elders, oldest, common in SE Asia), Mahayana (Great Vehicle, emphasizes universal enlightenment, includes Zen, Pure Land, Tibetan), and Vajrayana (Diamond Vehicle, Tantric, often seen as part of Mahayana, strong in Tibet/Himalayas). While sharing core beliefs like the Four Noble Truths, they differ in scriptures, practices, and views on achieving Buddhahood, with Mahayana/Vajrayana focusing on the Bodhisattva ideal (helping all beings) versus Theravada's emphasis on the Arhat path (individual liberation
1. Theravada ("Way of the Elders") Focus: Oldest surviving school, adhering closely to the earliest Pali Canon (Tipitaka). Goal: Becoming an Arhat, achieving personal enlightenment. Practices: Emphasis on monastic life, meditation (Vipassanā/Mindfulness). Geography: Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia. 2. Mahayana ("Great Vehicle") Focus: Expanded scriptures (Mahayana Sutras), universal compassion, Bodhisattva path (delaying Nirvana to help others). Goal: Becoming a Bodhisattva, achieving Buddhahood for all beings. Sub-Schools: Zen (Chan), Pure Land, Nichiren. Geography: China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Tibet. 3. Vajrayana ("Diamond Vehicle") Focus: Esoteric, Tantric practices (mantras, mandalas, deities) for rapid enlightenment, often considered a branch of Mahayana. Goal: Quick realization of Buddhahood. Practices: Rituals, yogic techniques. Geography: Tibet (Tibetan Buddhism), Bhutan, Mongolia. Key Differences Scriptures: Theravada uses Pali Canon; Mahayana adds Sanskrit Sutras. Ideal Practitioner: Theravada: Arhat; Mahayana/Vajrayana: Bodhisattva. Path: Theravada: Gradual; Vajrayana: Faster, ritualistic
This is a 365 day bite-sized lessons in Buddhism for the year. The year is split into quarters and each quarter focuses on one of the four noble truths of Buddhism. The introduction clearly states you do not have to be a Buddhist or become a Buddhist to benefit from this book. Think of it as “how to be a good human—a step by step philosophical and practical daily guide”.
The four noble truths are: 1. There is suffering 2. There is a cause of suffering 3. There is an end to suffering 4. There is a path to end suffering
The sections are dated and January, February and March cover the first Noble truth by discussing change—impermanence. This is a VERY IMPORTANT concept to understand and accept. April, May and June covers the second noble truth by looking inward. By looking outward, July, August and September explores the third noble truth. These first 9 months are not just philosophical wondering but they do propose practical thought experiments and actions. The last three months cover the path through meditation. While the introduction says you could start anywhere (how inviting), I’d stick with starting at the beginning. Write your own start date at the top if you like. Cross off the dates as you go.
Each day starts with a quote from a Buddhist writer/philosopher/monk/nun. The body of the text then is a very modern approach to that inspiration. I appreciate the small biographical blurbs about the philosophers at the end of the book.
It is not a deep dive into any one particular aspect of Buddhism. For example, it is not a book on Love by Thich Nhat Hanh. That is not its purpose.
I look forward to re-reading it daily/slowly and think it is a very practical approach to daily Western Buddhism.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harvest for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Well, this book didn't give me exactly what I thought it would. I'll start with the positives. The introduction was great, it was very interesting to learn about Buddhist history and the facts surrounding it. Also the end descriptions of all the Buddhist masters, very interesting and fun to read about. Now with the rest of the book, it was okay I guess. I was really thinking there would be more tips and tricks with this one. Such as, if you're feeling this way try this, or if this happened here's how to change your mindset. I will say there were some great daily quotes and the response to those quotes occasionally had some helpful tips. But, the majority of what I learned while reading this is, the world sucks, everyone sucks, everyone is equal, we are all going to die, don't ever form attachments to anything or anyone, pretty much just be an emotionless robot. If you just accept this all as fact you will live your life without suffering. It became somewhat repetitive throughout as well. So overall I was disappointed, I was looking for more positive stances and advice, and I don't really feel I got that. I enjoyed the quotes, and it was a decent book, but maybe my expectations were just too high?
Thank you William Morrow publishing for providing me an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for my review.
Perhaps I asked too much of this book, wanting to find some peace in such a tumultuous time. The daily lessons each start with a Buddhist quote and then there are a few paragraphs about how to act, think or train your mind relating to the quote. The months are broken into themes related to Buddhism like right mind, right action.
Mostly it just felt a little light. It didn’t cover nearly deep enough problems other than we all have to realize like we’re all going to die and we age. But the examples for what we are supposedly wrestling with are so frequently so trite, like envying someone’s designer bag. Um, no. I’m wrestling with human rights, climate change, the deaths of loved ones, concerns about my children, my husband’s chronic pain, financial fears, worries for people whose lives are at risk under the current regimes around the world… And these little paragraphs about controlling my mind and wishing well to people I disagree with feel like bandaids on bullet wounds.
I have no doubt that Buddhist teachings can help bring comfort and happiness, but this book just didn’t have the oomph I needed right now.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an ARC of this book for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This was not quite what I was hoping for. I think my experience of daily lessons has probably been shaped a lot by Christian devotionals, and I wanted something perhaps a little more removed from those, but this felt very similar. I latched onto some good ideas and practices, but I didn't connect with a lot of the examples given. It uses family relationships and career situations a lot in its examples, and I had a hard time connecting my own life to the scenarios given. Perhaps this book would be more impactful to people in a different life situation than me, maybe parents with kids or someone who is actually Buddhist. The book says everyone can use the lessons within, not just Buddhists, but I felt a severe disconnect with the teachings within, so I think that isn't quite true.
To give the book credit, I do believe reading this whole book at once probably hindered my ability to really absorb some of the lessons held within. Reading one entry a day would likely have allowed me to absorb more of the contents, and perhaps I would have a greater appreciation for them.
This book came to me at a time when I was searching for something to help ground myself. As someone who grew up in TCV and was raised with Tibetan Buddhist values, many of the teachings in the book were familiar lessons I had learned as a child and often reflected on. But life in New York City, with its fast-paced hustle and constant pursuit of success, had pulled me far from those roots. I found myself caught in a cycle of striving for more—more money, better opportunities, and rarely feeling content.
A friend recommended this book, and reading it felt almost uncanny. It was as if the authors had been watching me, sensing exactly how I felt and offering the wisdom I needed at the right moment. The book didn’t just remind me of the values I had grown up with; it helped me reconnect with them in a deeper, more personal way. Amid the chaos of city life, it offered stillness, clarity, and a sense of return.
This book isn’t your typical feel-good daily reader filled with generic advice. It takes a real, honest look at everyday struggles, like feeling envious of someone, getting annoyed when a friend is late, or being so caught up in your goals that you forget to enjoy the present. The reflections are thoughtful and practical, and offers ways to shift your mindset without pretending things are easier than they are. What really stands out is how the book brings deep Buddhist ideas like emptiness and interdependence into ordinary situations. It doesn’t feel like reading philosophy, it feels like learning how to live with more awareness, patience, and compassion. This book is wise without being preachy, and gentle without being fluffy. I plan to read one reflection a day to keep my head on my shoulder. Thank you to Harvest and the authors for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I am really liking this book. I keep it on my nightstand and read one reflection each morning which is only a page at a time. Each chapter has its own theme like impermanence, interdependence, antidote to negative emotions, meditation but I basically flip to whatever chapter I am feel drawn to.
One thing that stood out to me right away is that the book begins with impermanence. So much of mindfulness these days is about optimizing or staying in control or becoming more efficient, this felt like such a breath of fresh air. It’s one of those books that keep it very relatable yet profound and thought-provoking at the same time. If you are looking for convincing daily reminders that life is unpredictable and instead of resisting that, there’s something freeing about leaning into it, then this book is for you.
Thanks to the Harvest and the authors for the ARC copy.
I received the Daily Buddhist as a giveaway win, and I can honestly say it came into my life at the perfect time. During my journey through sobriety, this book became a grounding force - offering simple yet powerful daily reflections that helped me stay centered and present. Each page felt like a gentle reminder to breathe, reflect, and keep moving forward with intention.
Not only is it a great read, but the authors themselves are incredibly kind and genuine. You can feel their sincerity in every word. Though I was lucky to win a copy, I wouldn’t hesitate to purchase it! it’s been worth far more than its price in the peace and clarity it’s brought me. 10/10 would recommend to anyone, regardless of their religion. The wisdom it offers is universal, gentle, and deeply human!
I really enjoyed daily reads and books on spirituality and religion. This book is a daily devotional or meditation. It includes 366 readings, one for every day including leap year. The book is split into quarters based on the four noble truths, and each quarter is filled with daily reads that directly correlate with one of the four noble truths. Bite size wisdom doled out in daily doses, easy to read and filled with wisdom. I think each person will get from this book what they are looking to get from it and that may change each time you read through it, from one year to another. You don't have to be or want to become a Buddhist in order to appreciate the wisdom and lessons in this book!
I'm not even finished with this book yet, but just a few weeks with it has already left a strong enough impact for me to want to share with a few friends! For someone that struggles to set aside time for meditation, the bite sized daily format is a great motivator (and it's also helped a little with that first problem too).
The curated quotes are quite poignant on their own, but the contextualization really helps center it to my understanding. I'm looking forward to seeing what other treasures it has that I can direct towards my mindfulness practice.
This book is a true gift for me as a psychology student and practicing Buddhist. It offers ancient wisdom tailored for today's mind.
In a world where mindfulness is a buzzword, this book calls us back to the teachings: deeply and authentically. Each daily contemplation evokes traditional Buddhist principles without being dogmatic or exclusive. It shares insights anyone can relate to and grow from, regardless of specific spiritual beliefs. I appreciate its layout; there's no need to consume the book at once. It encourages you to engage with it daily, breathing in its lessons. Some entries are meditative, others contemplative, and many are simple reminders to return to presence, compassion, and inner peace. This book resonates with your feelings, whether you're anxious, lost, or seeking to start your day. It can do that and more.
Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or curious about mindfulness and Eastern thought doesn't matter. The Daily Buddhist encourages you to slow down and connect with yourself, others, and the wisdom within you!
Highly recommended. This is not just a book; it's a journey!
*Thank you to NetGalley and Harvest for the free copy*
This is a simple daily prompt book, each day featuring a different quote and a brief blurb to expand on the idea to consider for the day. While you can start in the beginning, you can also go by date with no issue. This is an easy to pick up book if you want some prompts to think about or journal with, even if you’re not a Buddhist many of the passages can still ring true to you.
I enjoy starting my day with inspirational stories and thoughts, so this book makes a great additional to my morning reading. The entries are short, which works wonderfully for my morning routine. One doesn't have to be a Buddhist to appreciate the Buddhist nuggets of wisdom to find this book practical and inspirational. It keeps things light but still meaningful. Four stars.
not a buddhist, but I found plenty of lessons that could benefit me (that is to say, I did find a few less understandable ones, though I am open to reinterpreting if authors put in more insights to them). the structure of the book is clearly meant for daily reading in small chunks, but I found binge-reading okay too, just that some themes could get repetitive.
I don't want to finish this book. I want to read it over and over. Reading one or more of the entries has become part of my daily practice. It's beautifully written and wisely organized, with well-chosen quotations. It will become a classic.
The Daily Buddhist offers a daily passage from a Buddhist master, followed by a short commentary that brings the ancient wisdom into a modern context. It’s a book to keep on the nightstand, return to in times of stress, and share with others seeking a gentler way to live.
A practical guide to introduce someone to the various forms of Buddhism. This book is for all stages of practice from beginners to long time practioners.
تخيل كم ستكون الحياة صعبة لو لم نقبل بوجود الجاذبية، لو حاولنا محاربتها باستمرار. سنشعر وكأن البقالة تقاومنا، وصعود السلالم سيصبح محنة مُزعجة، وسقوط الآيس كريم سيكون أكثر إزعاجا. لكننا نقبل الجاذبية كما هي. لا نتظاهر بعدم وجودها لمجرد أنها قد تكون مزعجة أحيانًا، وهذا القبول يسمح لنا بالتصالح معها.
وكما هو الحال مع قانون الجاذبية، هناك حقائق كونية أخرى تُحدد واقعنا، مثل حقيقة أن كل شيء في تغير دائم، وأن لكل فعل عواقبه. مع أننا لا ننكر هذه الحقائق نظريًا، إلا أننا نكافح لاستيعابها وتجسيدها. عندما تفقد وظيفة، أو تنتهي علاقة، أو يتحول الخريف إلى شتاء، فإنك لا تعاني فقط من ألم التغيير، بل أيضًا من المعاناة الإضافية الناجمة عن التشبث بما كانت عليه الأمور. عندما لا تتقبل حقيقة الواقع، فإن ذلك يؤدي إلى الارتباك والمعاناة. . Pema Sherpa The Daily Buddhist Translated By #Maher_Razouk
I like books with life lessons, quotes, etc for each day of the year. This book has a lot of good ones. Each month focuses on different subjects such as patience, compassion, meditation, etc. It's an easy read and insightful. If you only have a couple minutes to spare here and there, this is an easy read. I recommend it. Thank you to the authors, Pema Sherpa, Brendan Barca, Harvest and Goodreads for my uncorrected proof copy. Happy reading! 🧘💆♀️