In this simple and accessible but beautifully written book, David Michie opens the door to the core teachings of Tibetan Buddhism, and shows us how he himself first began incorporating Buddhist practices into his daily life.What does it take to be happy? We've all asked ourselves this question at some point, but few of us have found the path to lasting fulfillment. David Michie thought he had achieved his life's goals--the high-level job, the expensive city apartment, the luxury car, the great vacations--but a small voice was telling him he wasn't really happy. A chance remark from a naturopath sent him to his local Buddhist center. There he began the most important journey of his life. In Buddhism for Busy People Michie explains how he came to understand the difference between the temporary pleasures of ordinary life and the profound sense of well-being and heartfelt serenity that comes from connecting with our inner nature.
David Michie is the internationally best-selling author of The Magician of Lhasa series, The Dalai Lama's Cat series, and several non-fiction titles on meditation and Buddhism. His books are published in over 30 languages and 50 countries.
I really liked this book and found it very helpful. I enjoyed the personal stories and found them relatable. However, upon reading it a second time I found myself skipping sections. I think it suffers from a problem that a lot of books about Buddhism/spirituality do, which is taking aspects of the philosophy/faith too literally and going into too much detail. Of course it is impossible to please everyone when it comes to that. Some readers would appreciate the thorough explanations, but I found myself saying, “Well, I don’t really believe that...” All this said, it is still one of my favorite books about Buddhism and mindfulness.
I really wanted to give this 5 stars, I was so looking forward to read this. I personally found it hard going and therefore took a long time to read, but other time I had no problem at all understanding it. This maybe because I stopped part way through. Through I did try from the start again, I found it easier to keep going. I did finish it and for that I am proud. Just not for me.
It was a very valuable read for me both from the perspective of how David Michie became involved with Buddhism as well as learning some of the basic principles/lessons. He makes it understandable and easily relatable.
It’s a VERY introductory book to the point that I felt he fell short in explaining a lot of the topics that are relevant for Buddhism, especially the topic of the Guru. A lot of the book is also his story and experience with it which makes it lighter for somebody who is giving his first steps on the topic. However, I believe it’s too light. Information and depth is missing to the point that now I feel I need to get another book on the topic to have a better grasp of it.
Having read and really enjoying The Dalai Lama's Cat series, I decided to read this. It is not as much fun as the cat books, but is a good introduction to some main concepts of Buddhism.
The stories of his own life are distracting from the Buddhism teachings, but are very helpful as his progression from novice to somewhat knowledgeable was interesting as were his observations on entering a learning center for the first time as well as how to pick out a good teacher (guru).
If you are religious or not religious at all, this book will teaches you or even help you manage life trough your busy schedule. Just know Buddhism is and is not a religion. Don’t think of it as going against your religion.
This was a great introduction into Buddhism and how it can be implemented into daily life. I really enjoyed the recommendations for specific meditations.