Buddhism Made Easy: Buddhism for Beginners and Busy People

by Shalu Sharma

This book is a must read for anyone looking to study up on Buddhism. It covers all aspects of Buddhism and defines what it is in such a way that everyone can understand it. Despite Buddhism being one of the oldest religions in the world, there are many people who still do not understand it. In fact, they misinterpret the teachings so much because they only know what they see in television and movies. These depictions of Buddhism are often wrong and send out the wrong message of what Buddhism actually teaches. In a nutshell, it teaches that suffering is bad, but it is also guaranteed in our physical world. It doesn’t matter how rich or poor a person is because they will eventually endure suffering in their life. However, the state of mind you carry with you determines the amount of suffering you will endure. That is where the teachings of Buddha come into play. He will show you that refraining from cheating lying, sexual misconduct, killing and intoxication are the key ways to overcome suffering upon yourself and others.

Buddhism was created by a young prince named Siddhartha Gautama, who later became known as Buddha. He is the central figure of this book because he was the one who created the Buddhist religion in the first place. Even to this day, Buddha is celebrated all over eastern society with big statues in his honor. Despite how godly they make Buddha out to be, he was still just a man. In fact, he was a prince who left his throne and wealth in order to become a wandering preacher that spread his teachings on ending suffering and finding peace. How many rich people in the modern age do you think would leave their wealth behind to become a poor humanitarian? There probably aren’t too many, unless they were of the Buddhist faith because Buddhists do not care about monetary gains. Now no one is saying that you have to give away all your money and become a poor Buddhist on the streets. You will learn by reading this book that there are all kinds of Buddhist followers, not just monks and nuns. You can become a lay follower that still lives a life filled with money, sex and material things. Just as long as you are not hurting anybody then you can enjoy all the sensual pleasure that you want. Buddha isn't going to send you to hell for it.

What’s covered in this book?

Preface
Introduction to Buddhism
Who was Buddha?
Buddha’s life
Basics of Buddhism
Principles of Buddhism
Teachings of Buddha
Karma in Buddhism
Rebirth in Buddhism
What is Nirvana?
God in Buddhism
Three marks of existence
The three jewels in Buddhism - Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha
Buddhist philosophy
Buddhist spirituality
Types and major divisions of Buddhism
Zen Meditation
Four noble truths
The eight fold path
Vipassana Meditation
Buddhist precepts and how to keep them
Buddhism and sex
Buddhism and alcohol
Animals in Buddhism
Human suffering or Dukkha in Buddhism
Western Buddhism
Buddhism in America
Buddhism and vegetarianism
Buddhism can change your life
Inner peace through Buddhism
Buddhism and Christianity – Differences and similarities
Buddhist ethics
Buddhism and homosexuality
How to become a Buddhist?
How to practice Buddhism without converting?
Buddhist meditation
Power of meditation
How to find enlightenment?
Conclusion

Genres: Buddhism

124 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 4, 2015

Reviews

[John Dizon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buddhism Made Easy by Shalu Sharma is a delightful romp through the world of Buddhism alongside one of indie lit’s fave travel guides. The author spices it up with a holistic flair, showing 21st century audiences how it can be sampled and savored (and even ingested) as a philosophy, a lifestyle, or part of a spiritual journey. Many are familiar with the Butterbean character sitting cross-legged on his pedestal with his belly resting comfortably in his lap, but how many know he was a historical figure? Sharma gives us a factual discourse on the life of the real-life Buddha and explains how his teachings became venerated by his followers to the present day. There is all you need to know about its four noble truths, its major divisions, and its teachings on current issues from vegetarianism to alcoholism, homosexuality and animal rights. Maybe you won’t be persuaded but you certainly will be impressed. Pick up a copy of Buddhism Made Easy by Shalu Sharma and find out what has 350 million people converted and convinced.

[Julia M Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent overview

I found this to be a decent overview. However, It came across as being very religious in scope. I still found the book to be useful in presenting Buddhism as a peaceful philosophy and lifestyle. Would recommend to others seeking to learn about Buddhism in a general way.

[Lilly C · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a decent-enough overview for anyone unfamiliar with Buddhism - it covers the basics and spans a wide variety of topics. However, there was a LOT of repetition and it didn't feel proof-read at all. The author seemed knowledgeable about the topic and I learned a couple of new things, but I felt that the layout could have been a lot more succinct and aesthetically appealing.

[Melissa Everly-kosek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great information on Buddhism

This book was very informative on the varying aspects of Buddhism. Whether you are an ardent adherent, a novice, or just curious about Buddhism, this book provides lots of information.

[P.S. Winn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very interesting, informative read. The author tells you about Buddhism and goes in depth to where the origins of the Buddhism started over 2500 years ago with Siddhartha Gautama. Then the reader is filled in on the steps of Buddhism and the various things the religion entails. I found this book to be extremely useful. I have thought about this religion quite a lot mostly because of the goodness and peace it represents. It isn't easy to be a Buddhist and it is something you would have to work on every day of your life. There is so much good from even thinking about not causing suffering to others, not being selfish and trying to be a better person so you can come back into this life as a better person. If everyone practiced even a few of these things in their daily life, we would all be better for it. Thanks to the author for explaining in terms we all can understand and in an unbiased way how special Buddhism really is.