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Buddhism for Beginners: All you need to start your journey
Whether you are interested in learning about Buddhism or looking to make changes in your life, Buddhism for Beginners has you covered. Written in a style that is simple and engaging, it explores the history of Buddhism, its philosophies, and its relevance in today’s society. The book provides numerous meditative exercises that will allow you to experience the wondrous teachings of this ancient wisdom. Inside you will read about... ✓ A Brief History of Buddhism ✓ The Spread of Buddhism ✓ The Servant or the Which One are You? ✓ Self-Identification with the Mind and Body ✓ Meditation ✓ The Presence of Mindfulness ✓ The Principle of Karma ✓ Dualistic versus Non-Dualistic Perspectives ✓ The Principle of Non-Substantiality ✓ One’s Life and the Environment ✓ Sentient and Non-Sentient Beings ✓ Attachment ✓ The Ten Worlds The author explains how Buddhism is more than a religion; it’s an internal science. Rather than relying on dogma or sacred texts, Buddhism teaches us to look inward and challenge our most deep-seated beliefs for the purpose liberating ourselves from our minds.
47 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 19, 2017
346 people are currently reading
222 people want to read
About the author
Richard Johnson
2 booksLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
May 18, 2019
I don’t feel as though I learned a lot about Buddhism as a whole. It felt more like a guide to beginning meditation. The first chapter probably has the most information on what Buddhism specifically is. I was looking more for things like the believe system, practices, celebrations, frowned upon issues and other suck information on the life style and practices.
July 20, 2018
Nice Overview. Short & Sweet.
I give this book four stars as I liked it a lot for the basic concepts of Buddhism it taught me. I appreciated the small meditation segments as much as the background information. The author has a great way of using metaphoric analogies to explain Buddhist concepts in a way that makes sense, even for the very beginner, like the title suggested.
I had hoped for a bit more in-depth information but I did learn a lot in a very short amount of time. Thank you!
I give this book four stars as I liked it a lot for the basic concepts of Buddhism it taught me. I appreciated the small meditation segments as much as the background information. The author has a great way of using metaphoric analogies to explain Buddhist concepts in a way that makes sense, even for the very beginner, like the title suggested.
I had hoped for a bit more in-depth information but I did learn a lot in a very short amount of time. Thank you!
December 23, 2018
You have helped change my life.
I have not finished a book since 2017. Now 2018 is almost at an end and i can say with certainty that this book has helped me understand myself and given me steps on my new journey through Buddhism. Thank you and please continue to help others as you have helped me
I have not finished a book since 2017. Now 2018 is almost at an end and i can say with certainty that this book has helped me understand myself and given me steps on my new journey through Buddhism. Thank you and please continue to help others as you have helped me
November 19, 2022
The more I have read or learned about Buddhism, the more I have liked.
So much of the beliefs seem sensible, rational, and likely to make you a better person for believing those guidelines.
This book is great, and gives an excellent overview and intro.
Listened in a meditative states via Kindle Paperwhite read aloud feature. at 2x
So much of the beliefs seem sensible, rational, and likely to make you a better person for believing those guidelines.
This book is great, and gives an excellent overview and intro.
Listened in a meditative states via Kindle Paperwhite read aloud feature. at 2x
February 13, 2019
Crisp!
This is a very crisp introduction to Buddhism. It will create a yearning in the reader to further explore....This wasn't my first book on the subject, yet I found it quite useful.
This is a very crisp introduction to Buddhism. It will create a yearning in the reader to further explore....This wasn't my first book on the subject, yet I found it quite useful.
February 20, 2019
Great and insightful introduction
Anyone interested in Buddhism would greatly benefit from this short read. No matter if it is to cure their curiosity or take a refresher, give it a try!
Anyone interested in Buddhism would greatly benefit from this short read. No matter if it is to cure their curiosity or take a refresher, give it a try!
May 21, 2019
Good for Beginners
I consider this book a diamond for those who want a good understanding of buddhism at Beginners level,author simple terminology and the way author connect its exceptional
I consider this book a diamond for those who want a good understanding of buddhism at Beginners level,author simple terminology and the way author connect its exceptional
October 10, 2019
Life- approach changing literature.
For the urban human who is engrossed in the Topsy turvy world of mania and depression, a thorough reading and internalization of this work shall prove to be a panacea and set the happiness state back in order.
For the urban human who is engrossed in the Topsy turvy world of mania and depression, a thorough reading and internalization of this work shall prove to be a panacea and set the happiness state back in order.
November 7, 2019
Terse but vivid
Vedy brief yet beautifull description of the insides of buddhism. All the parables incorporated were meaningful and challenges erudition and discernment of an individual.
Vedy brief yet beautifull description of the insides of buddhism. All the parables incorporated were meaningful and challenges erudition and discernment of an individual.
January 5, 2020
The book is truly insightful, intellectual and thoroughly informative. It's basically a simple guide on buddhism. If you're new to buddhism, this should be the first book you read as an introductory to get the gist of buddhism.
July 4, 2020
Succinct starter guide to Buddhism
A great book if you want a simple, well-explained manual to Buddhism and Buddhist principles. All concepts have been explained so simply and beautifully that anyone can understand. The examples are really well chosen.
A great book if you want a simple, well-explained manual to Buddhism and Buddhist principles. All concepts have been explained so simply and beautifully that anyone can understand. The examples are really well chosen.
July 4, 2020
A very succinct, easy-to-understand, and well-explained starter guide to Buddhism and Buddhist principles. Can be easily finished and even reread in an hour. Examples are truly well chosen and relevant.
January 19, 2021
Highly recommend for anyone seeking knowledge about Buddhism from an introductory aspect. Contains relatable examples, easy to understand and keeps the reader interested. From start to finish it felt like a journey to discovering the true meaning and essence of living meaningfully.
January 23, 2021
Enlightening
Very easy to read. Exercises are very good would recommend recording yourself reading the instructions so you can listen and perform the exercise as instructions are long.
Very easy to read. Exercises are very good would recommend recording yourself reading the instructions so you can listen and perform the exercise as instructions are long.
December 23, 2021
Brilliant book. Gives a clear understanding.
This was easy to understand for this subject. Gives a good clear understanding of the basics. Totally recommend to all interested in Buddhism.
This was easy to understand for this subject. Gives a good clear understanding of the basics. Totally recommend to all interested in Buddhism.
October 30, 2022
Nice book. Gives you the jolt and an urge to read more about Buddhism.
Recommended for the beginners. The book could have been more detailed but it's understood that it's for beginners. Good work. I appreciate the clarity.
Recommended for the beginners. The book could have been more detailed but it's understood that it's for beginners. Good work. I appreciate the clarity.
July 3, 2023
A good read
Easy read. Very impactful. Highly recommended for beginners to Buddhism. Very practical approach to practicing Buddhism. at least it shows a path in which direction one wants to go
Easy read. Very impactful. Highly recommended for beginners to Buddhism. Very practical approach to practicing Buddhism. at least it shows a path in which direction one wants to go
September 20, 2023
Very informative book
Loved this book. It was very informative and easy to understand. It was good to have the exercises in each chapter. It has helped me to learn a bit more about buddhism.
Loved this book. It was very informative and easy to understand. It was good to have the exercises in each chapter. It has helped me to learn a bit more about buddhism.
December 17, 2024
Excellent explanation on key Buddhism points
I will recommend others to start the Buddhism journey by reading the book.
Most notable points about Buddhism are clearly interpreted in the book. Richard Johnson has a very clear Dharma view.
I will recommend others to start the Buddhism journey by reading the book.
Most notable points about Buddhism are clearly interpreted in the book. Richard Johnson has a very clear Dharma view.
July 13, 2025
Brilliant!
This is a fantastic introduction to Buddhism. I read it as a quick refresher, as I felt I had lost my way a little of late. I'm back on track now, and this short book helped me refocus and appreciate life!
This is a fantastic introduction to Buddhism. I read it as a quick refresher, as I felt I had lost my way a little of late. I'm back on track now, and this short book helped me refocus and appreciate life!
February 8, 2018
A must read book for all age groups
I liked 2 thing. The clarity on karma and the ten worlds. Also the small meditation after each lesson was good.
I liked 2 thing. The clarity on karma and the ten worlds. Also the small meditation after each lesson was good.
March 24, 2018
Great
Awesome book, helps ms understand a lot about life and gives me somd sort of mental clarity and peace. Thank you
Awesome book, helps ms understand a lot about life and gives me somd sort of mental clarity and peace. Thank you
August 14, 2018
Very quick read and quite informative.
August 21, 2018
A very concise book on the basics of Buddhism and an engaging style of writing. It provided a lot of information in a few pages. There were a few places where things became a little confusing but still the book is worth reading!
October 9, 2018
A good introductory book for beginners.
This is a very concise and quick guide for understanding the basics of Buddhism for people who are new to the concept and ideology.
This is a very concise and quick guide for understanding the basics of Buddhism for people who are new to the concept and ideology.
June 23, 2019
Crisp, informative, with guide to meditative practices, clear explanation
October 3, 2019
Educational read
A good read. Hopefully can put some of what I got from this book into my everyday life to become a better person.
A good read. Hopefully can put some of what I got from this book into my everyday life to become a better person.
October 23, 2019
Good read
Ready to go ahead and delve deeper into buddhism.
Next books downloaded.
Thanks for the great content.
Look forward to my journey
Ready to go ahead and delve deeper into buddhism.
Next books downloaded.
Thanks for the great content.
Look forward to my journey
October 25, 2019
Understanding & enlightenment
A good but short book, I have often wondered what Buddhism is based on and what it means. This book is clear and concise.
A good but short book, I have often wondered what Buddhism is based on and what it means. This book is clear and concise.
January 19, 2020
Interesting read
The author provided numerous exercises to participate in when exploring Buddhism. The author did an excellent job of explaining the 10 worlds of Buddhism.
The author provided numerous exercises to participate in when exploring Buddhism. The author did an excellent job of explaining the 10 worlds of Buddhism.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews