How Would Buddha Act?: 801 Right-Action Teachings for Living with Awareness and Intention

by Barbara Ann Kipfer

How much better would our lives be if we fully understood the consequences of our actions, and if we stopped to think before acting or reacting? Based on the Buddhist teachings of Right Action, this inspirational guide will help you gain insight into the importance of your actions, improve your relationships, and live a more meaningful life. In How Would Buddha Act? , best-selling author Barbara Ann Kipfer offers a unique, modern take on the ancient teachings of Right Action—the Buddhist concept of acting in loving, compassionate ways and responding to others with the intention of doing no harm. In the book, you'll learn that every thought, word, and deed has a consequence, and that by trying to be a better person in day-to-day life, you will be taking meaningful steps toward true enlightenment. If you’re like many others, you probably live an overbooked, stressful life. And when you feel frustrated, overwhelmed, and rushed, it's easier to engage in negative behaviors like overindulging in food or alcohol, watching too much television, maxing out your credit card, or neglecting those you love. You might find yourself on autopilot, completely unable to connect with your friends, family, and community. This book offers 801 affirmations to help you avoid these common pitfalls, and stay on the path to enlightenment.

Genres: Buddhism, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Self Help, Religion

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 2, 2016

About the author

Dr. Barbara Ann Kipfer (born in 1954) is a lexicographer,as well as an archaeologist. She has written more than 60 books, including 14,000 Things to be Happy About (Workman), which has more than a million copies in print and has given rise to many Page-a-Day calendars. The 25th anniversary edition of the book was published in October 2014. She is the editor of Roget's International Thesaurus.

Kipfer is Chief Lexicographer of the company Temnos. She has worked for such companies as Google, Dictionary.com and Thesaurus.com, Answers.com, Ask Jeeves, Bellcore/Telcordia, Federated Media Publishing, General Electric Research, IBM Research, idealab, Knowledge Adventure, Textdigger, The Chicago Tribune, and WolframAlpha. Barbara holds a PhD and MPhil in Linguistics (University of Exeter), a PhD in Archaeology (Greenwich University), an MA and a PhD in Buddhist Studies (Akamai University), and a BS in Physical Education (Valparaiso University).

(from Wikipedia)

Reviews

[Samurdhi · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Attachment to the self causes all of the
harm, fear, and suffering in the world. Let
go of the self and let go of fear and
suffering—and stop doing harm."

I got this book for an honest review from Netgalley.com

The first thing that appealed to me was the title. Being a Buddhist I wanted to see the Western take on what Buddhism means to them. True to the title the book gives inspirations and life teachings from Lord Buddha.I'm not saying that I didn't love it....I did like it but there was something missing. Throughout reading what I could think was what if the author gave us where she found this from? If the author did give it it would've helped the reader to find that specific part and read it further. I do understand that some look just for the inspiration and not for the places to find it but if it was available then an interested reader maybe able to find it.
Other than that it's a beautifully written book, concise and to the point. Doesn't drag over teachings unnecessarily. It would inspire you and help you get in touch with the Buddhist Philosophy.

[Jordan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think I made it 30 some pages in before all the "right-action teachings" just started sounding like the same platitudes over and over again. Not that there's not some good advice in there, it's just so cluttered with all the junk that it's near impossible to pull out. Even having only read that far in, many of the teachings sounded like the same things just slightly rephrased. And frustratingly there were no citations or even hints at all about where these teachings were being pulled from or based on, which helped contribute to their feeling of shallowness. Instead of having the 801 teachings touted on the cover, I would have rather had just 8 meaningful ones. Quality over quantity please. There was just too much repetition, lack of organization, and no even vague references to where these teachings were being pulled from. I skimmed the essays and meditations in the back of the book, but didn't really see anything to catch my eye after being put off by the teachings that take up the vast majority of the book.

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This amazing book is divided into three parts: teachings, essays and meditation exercises. On each page, you find messages that will inspire you to be a better person.

I'm not exactly a buddhist. I can't say that I just follow one religion, because I think all of them have something good that we can bring to our lives. In my humble opinion, no religion is 100% wrong or right. I like to read a bit about each one of them, so I can see what's relatable to me.

I really like the buddhist sayings and I want to be able to see the world like they do. I want to find that inner peace. I think this book was very helpful to me, because it actually made me feel better. I'm gonna try to practice what I've learned.

Thanks to New Harbinger Publications for the ARC!

[Montzalee Wittmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

How Would Buddha Act has lots of short, one or two sentence teachings on how to live a balanced life. It discusses mindfulness, compassion, priorities, wisdom, practicing awareness, interconnectedness, controlling behavior, living generously, and so much more. I read this in one sitting but will probably go back and read one or two daily for motivation/encouragement/meditations. There are also a variety of one page essays on thought provoking subjects. A very soothing book.

[Trina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Goodreads win. Will read and review once received.

I will say this I am unsure what my religion is. I just believe there is a god or a higher being. I have never been a big religious type of person. This book on the other hand what very interesting to me. It was something that made me think. I can see myself reading this again and coming back to it.

[Karol K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes this was good but took a while to get thru. Not difficult but you must digest it slowly. Please read meditations in the back of the book. I don't meditate as such but will use 2 of these in my daily life if I can become disciplined enough. 1.meditation for enough and 2. meditation for traveling.

[matty creen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good

There are some wise words here, but I wish they were attributed in proper quotation style. Still, lots of highlightable sentences.

[David Dickman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book filled with wise advice on living in our modern world.
Loved the short verses to read that you could meditate on and
put into practice in your daily life.

[Andrea Norton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of How Would Buddha Act? from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Although I am Christian, other religions and beliefs have always been a huge interest to me. I love learning about them and understanding them. Over the years, I've found that when you start to learn about a religion, whether it is your own or a different one, it is critically important to choose the right book, website or mentor. The wrong one can not only lead to confusion but a lot of anger and aggression.

I don't know a lot about Buddhism. I know some basic things, but I am just beginning to learn. How Would Buddha Act? was the perfect book for someone like me. I wasn't overwhelmed, and I feel like I got a really great grasp on Buddhist Teachings. This book was like a door opening for me into the world of Buddhism, and I am ready to learn more.

Speaking of Teachings, I loved that section of this book. The introduction explained things to me, and then as I read through the Teachings, I felt as though I was gaining quite an understanding of what Buddha would do in this or that situation. The Teachings in this book pertain to life today and they were very, very easy to read. I feel very confident in saying that Ms. Kipfer knows her readers.

I really enjoyed the Essays too. They expanded on the Teachings and gave more detail and explanations. The Essays touch on things that every single person struggles with or has wondered about.

At the end are the Meditations, and they are set to specific things in life. I have read books that have a way to meditate or a generic meditation, but How Would Buddha Act? gives specific meditations for specific needs. That really stood out to me.

I really enjoyed this one. It was easy to read, fun and a great learning experience. Ms. Kipfer's writing style makes me want to read more of her work. This book doesn't have to be read by just Buddhists - I really think anyone, from any religion, belief, walk of life or situation can read How Would Buddha Act? and get something out of it. I will be referring back to this one in the future.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always curious about different religions, I found this a very easy to read and informative book. This is a nice collection of teachings, essays and meditations. Each entry is short which make this a quick read; I finished it in an evening. That said, it will be a book I keep on my shelf and return to for perspective and reminders of the benefits of mindfulness etc.

Many thanks to NetGalley and New Harbinger Publications for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[David Joseph Mikels · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book free for giving my review on Goodreads. It's was a very informative book. Don't think I'm cut out for the Buddha lifestyle but at least I tried to open eyes at least once before they close forever to other lifestyles.

[AJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really easy read with easy to apply real life practices.

[Stacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay.

[Cherie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great stuff for teaching. Little mindfulness passages and then longer essays, with some meditation activities too.