Just As You Are: Buddhism for Foolish Beings

by Kaspalita Thompson, Satya Robyn, David Brazier (Foreword)

'Just As You Are: Buddhism for Foolish Beings' is for anyone who wants to live a good life but is tired of endlessly trying to perfect themselves.

Pureland Buddhism takes a realistic view of our foolish natures as human beings, and offers us an alternative to the ‘do it yourself’ self-help movement. With anecdotes of temple life and instructions for simple Pureland practices, the authors introduce us to this ancient and unique tradition of Buddhism and show us how it can make a powerful difference to our everyday lives.

Covering topics such as trust, overcoming suffering, grace, being kind and self-care, the book also contains the voices of different Pureland Buddhists speaking of their own diverse experiences. This book shows us how we are all loveable just as we are, and that understanding this is the key to deep and lasting change.

Genres: Buddhism

324 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 5, 2015

About the author

Kaspa Thompson is a psychotherapist and a Buddhist teacher. He lives in Malvern, Worcestershire and has been an ordained Buddhist priest since 2007.

My Buddhist name is Kaspalita, which means ‘protected by the light’, but everyone calls me Kaspa.

Reviews

[Philippa]

A very accessible and warmly-written introduction to Pureland Buddhism and what daily life is like in a Buddhist temple in the UK. Kaspa and Satya share their personal journeys with openness and compassion, for themselves and those they've encountered along the way. The various methods and practices of the lesser known Pureland Buddhism are explained, as well as the authors' own insights into life within this practice, interspersed with wonderful and deep insights into human nature. Basically, we are all imperfect beings, doing the best we can. And we don't have to be 'perfect' before we attempt to explore our inner lives. Positive, uplifting and helpful, this is a worthwhile read for anyone who is spiritually curious.

[Annette]

Great short chapters on how to love and accept yourself as who you are. Husband and wife alternate chapters on what it's like to embrace Buddhism as adults and to make the decision to become monks.

Their deep self reflection; lessons learned and shared with the reader are wonderfully fresh and helpful to anyone looking to deepen a relationship with yourself.

A great bedside table read. One chapter a day is a great discipline.

[Claire Sherman]

Interesting read

Having read lots about Buddhism this as my first on pure land Buddhism. It is very interesting & informative.. The book covers how the sangha works & how pureland Buddhists live.

[Kendall]

It was okay