Buddhism: Beginner’s Guide to Understanding & Practicing Buddhism to Become Stress and Anxiety Free

by Michael Williams

4th Edition Now Available with New Beautiful Images and also as Audiobook!

"No matter how hard the past, you can always begin again." - Buddha

An ancient and deeply revered practice, Buddhism is even more popular now than it has been in decades. The secret behind its steady rise is due in part to the plethora of benefits Buddhism reaps upon those who practice it and apply its teachings to their lives. Through mindfulness and meditation, Buddhism injects peace and clarity into the minds and lives of those who dedicate themselves to it. Those wonderful benefits can be a part of your life as well through the careful study of its various tenets.

In Buddhism, this thoughtful and carefully detailed guidebook acts as a beginner's guide to those who may be interested in learning more about this ancient and wise practice. Placing emphasis on meditation, yoga, and understanding the core concepts of Buddhism allows the reader to apply its teachings to make their lives fuller and healthier.

If you are curious about Buddhism and want to find the answers you seek, then look no further than this qualitative guidebook. Full of information on the various aspects of Buddhism, meditation, yoga, and more, Buddhism stands apart as a concise and practical guide to infusing your life with its many teachings.

Here's what to expect in the Beginner's guide:

What Buddhism is and what its teachings are
The core concepts of Buddhism: karma, suffering, nirvana, and reincarnation
The practice and benefits of yoga
The four noble truths
Practices, treasures, and poisons of Buddhism
How to practice the five precepts of Buddhism
How to practice mindfulness in order to reduce stress and anxiety
And much, much more!


The choice is now yours. Open yourself to the benefits of a life free of stress and anxiety through the understanding and practice of Buddhism. A clear and peaceful mind awaits you along your spiritual journey through its tenets and teachings. Begin your journey towards a better life and grab your copy of Buddhism: Beginner's Guide today!

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

208 pages, Paperback

Published September 29, 2016

About the author

Michael Williams is a globetrotter whose prolific traveling has taken him across every continent on earth and allowed him to cross paths with a diverse collection of cultures and people. His extensive travels have gifted him with an incredible amount of insight that he has, in turn, adapted to his teachings in the various practices of Buddhism, meditation, yoga, wellness, and happiness.

Reviews

[Jenna]

Did not finish. I was looking for the "mindfulness" aspect of Buddhism, so when the author started in on how reincarnation affected one's life I knew this wasn't the book I wanted.

[Diana Isaura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before this book I had very few knowledge, if anything, about Buddhism. This is a good introduction in my opinion, it introduces the major principles of Buddhism and a straightforward definition, but not much of an elaboration, and that is just fine since that is the whole object of this book, otherwise it would have to be a much longer book.

I'm attracted to Buddhism, but after reading this book, I'm not too certain I'll be dedicating my life to it. It is definitely a complete lifestyle. Nonetheless, I still respect it, and will do my best to integrate the most basic principles into my life such as loving kindness, empathy, do the least harm possible, take care of my body and mind, meditation and yoga, and mindfulness.

[Lubov Leonova · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome book for beginning Buddhas

I never belonged to any religion, but from my birth my life was influenced by this philosophy that I learned from my parents.

It was great to get deeper into buddhist teachings and learn more about the ways of improving my approach to my own life.

I really recommend this book to all people who want to live on harmony with themselves and have a positive impact on people around.

[Nando Gigaba]

I listened to the audiobook “Buddhism: Beginner’s Guide to Understanding and Practicing Buddhism to Become Stress & Anxiety Free,” narrated by Peter Berkrot. He does an excellent job of bringing the content to life through his engaging narration.

While this is not my first exploration of Buddhism literature, and I anticipate it won’t be my last, I have decided not to rate this book. My choice stems from a desire to revisit it in the future, but more importantly, I believe that without having applied the principles discussed in the book, I cannot accurately assess its practical applications.

[Lynn Mitra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meditation, yoga, and principles of Buddhism

This book was well written. It begins and ends with the basic principles of Buddhism, which are very admirable. The techniques of meditation and its benefits are discussed. Yoga and the different positions are described. The only criticism I have is pictures would be very very helpful ! It’s an easy book to read and understand, all I have to do is out all this new knowledge to work

[Chris Hyde · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is way too basic in some ways...and yet way too intricate in other ways. I was looking for a book that explained the basics of Buddhism. But what this book did was lay out a ton of Buddhist ideologies with very little explanation to them. So I was left with lots of words and an outline of Buddhism but little that I could grasp and hold onto.

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a great intro book. I recommend taking notes while reading. I didn't but I probably will if I get around to rereading it.

It doesn't come off as preachy and is very respectful to the reader. I don't want to say that reading the book will make life happier but provided a new perspective on life that makes it easier to stay positive.

[Dameon Fowler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Place to Start!

I have a good amount of flashcards covering all the basics I need to know in order to discuss the teaching of the Buddha. My meditations have improved so much along with my daily life. I am forever grateful that I took the time to read the basics and now it's time to expand along with practice, practice and practice! Onward I go!

[scot clontz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great introduction to Buddhism

Thank you. This was a good read and a great introduction to Buddhism. I have started meditating every morning, started at five minutes and worked up to 30 minutes.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good introduction

For someone who wanted to learn more about Buddhism, this was a great starting point. It provides general information and I came out the other side with many more things to study.

[Eric Wroblewski · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good introduction to the basics without being too preachy or evangelical. Just right for the curious

[Will McMillan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Don’t get me wrong, this felt like a good place to start with Buddhism for most of this book. But it’s super vague in some areas but super specific in others. For example, he lists multiple yoga poses and styles of yoga practice…. But when he first mentions the Dhammapada, you’re basically at the end of the book.

For those not aware, the Dhammapada is apparently a collection of Bhudda’s verse. I had to Google this, because Michael Williams doesn’t tell you that in this “Beginners Guide to Buddhism”. That feels like something you should tell me before the book is over, Michael. And frankly, if the you missed the fact that we still have this dudes (Buddha, I mean) direct teachings until the end of the book, I don’t know how much water this book in particular holds.

For reference, the chapter titled “The Teachings of Buddha” starts on page 151. There are 183 pages in this book. He does not give you a list of other texts that you can go and read, he just includes a few verses that he likes and credits them to the Dhammapada.

How do we have the Buddha’s own stories and words, and this dude can’t be bothered to mention it until he’s done saying what he’s got to say??? I double checked- in the first chapter titled “What Is Buddhism?”, he has the following line:

“Though there are many tales and teachings in Buddhism, there is no one holy book such as the Bible or Quran. Instead, the “bible” of Buddhism can be found in every natural effect on the planet, from the leaves on trees to the works in the ground.”

….

Also, Michael, this *might* be a good time to say something like: “Oh, right, that Buddha guy? The dude we named this WHOLE RELIGION with MILLIONS of followers after? He also wrote some stuff that’s worth reading, but it’s not just one book. It’s a lot. And I’ll only name drop one of these scriptures at the end of this book because everything I have to say is more important than the dude who FOUNDED this religion.”

I thought this book was great until I got to the end and realized we literally have translations of things the Buddha actually wrote and said. I don’t know how you have a “Beginners Guide to Buddhism” and don’t mention that in the chapter title “What Is Buddhism?” That alone really pissed me off, whereas some of the content here actually seems really good. I genuinely didn’t know anything about Buddhism going into this book, and in googling for five seconds I found that there are various actual texts. He doesn’t even cite any of them! He actually cites absolutely NOBODY!

Sure, Michael, maybe there is no ONE book of Buddhism -a la the Bible of Quran- But missing out on what appears to be an entire goddamn bibliography of Eastern philosophy and not recognizing it at all feels a little ridiculous.

That’s all.

[Jerry Wall · Rating 2 out of 5]

Basic Buddhism
A good start or reminder of teachings.
As do most of such books, they spend a lot of time emphasizing the importance of meditation.
I have to take time with these recommendations to think about it.

5 Precepts
Do not kill any living being
Take only what is given to you
do not misuse the senses
refrain from false speech
avoid intoxicants -- no substance cause a lack of attentiveness
4 divine abodes
Loving kindness
Compassion
Sympathetic bliss
equanimity [Ataraxia]

6 perfections
Generosity
Moral behavior
Patience
Effort
Concentration
Wisdom
[Delusion, Greed, ill will.]

[John Mendez · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly competent guide to the basic practices and theory of the Buddhist faith. Like it says on the tin, it's a 'Beginner's Guide,' so if you are a more advanced student you might not get as much out of this. HOWEVER, as a beginner meditator myself, I found the how-to instructions on breathing and posture to be very useful, and the instructions on multiple types of meditation (concentration vs mindfulness) to be eye-opening.

While I'm not Buddhist myself, this was very useful in improving my personal meditation habits. I can highly recommend it.

[Jan-e · Rating 4 out of 5]

Any Beginner's Guide faces the same problems: how do you break down a complex topic without oversimplification and/or distortion? With a subject matter such as Buddhism, which spans a history of 2,500 years and has divided into countless distinct schools in the meantime, this is especially true.

Michael Williams's "Understanding & Practicing Buddhism" is not free of those pitfalls - it virtually cannot be - and it sometimes betrays a very "Western" understanding of spirituality: but it still does its job well.
This book offered me new insights, and I could not have reached the same results in the same amount of time researching the internet. I can highly recommend it to anyone who's interested in Buddhism or even wants to start practicing it.

[Anne · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was not sure how to describe my reaction to this book, but I will just echo the words of another reviewer who captured it perfectly. I was looking for an explanation of Buddhism. This book throws out a lot of concepts (too many), but fails to go into depth with any of them. It was not totally unenlightening, but not the exploration I was looking for.

[J. Gonzalez- Blitz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Somehow this made me feel like Buddhism was a prettier form of nihilism but the author didn't realize it. Though at least nihilism doesn't try to tell you that karma or anything else is "a plausible explanation for inequality" I don't think.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Introduction to What Buddhism Is and Isn't. This is a great introduction to the History and how Buddhism came to be. It includes many helpful ideas to reduce stress like medication. I highly recommend this to to anyone interested in learning about Buddhism.

[Dr Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great starter in learning concepts and basic principles

[Arianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This provides a clear and basic introduction into Buddhism. This includes the foundation and history. Very easy to follow and understand.

[Adrian Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting opening chapter but makes less sense as it progresses.

[Denise Pokorny · Rating 1 out of 5]

didn't actually finish. lost interest

[Anjalica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read. Learned so much. Thank you for all of your knowledge and wisdom

[William Piper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beginners Buddha

This is a great beginners book as it provides a basic vocabulary and understanding of the Buddha’s ways. It is a quick and easy read.

[Steven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great introduction to Buddhism. Breaks down what is a more complicated belief system than you may think.

[Arica With-An-A]

Very good book

I thoroughly e joked this book. Well written. I would recommend it to anyone looking to learn more about Buddhism.

[Jessica Riddle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very easy explanation, great Buddha’s insights

[Sandeep Sudhakaran · Rating 5 out of 5]

A simple & straightforward introduction to the practice of Buddhism and it's principal tenets

[preston · Rating 4 out of 5]

More of an intro book with an overview of the history, spirituality and belief system.

I'd recommend for those wanting a better overview of Buddhist beliefs but not for Buddhists.