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The Buddha's Teachings for Beginners
Buddhism is a rich and layered belief system, which means exploring it for the first time can be overwhelming—and it’s not always easy to connect the teachings to our lives today. This guide breaks down the central philosophies of Buddhism in clear and concise language that makes them easy to understand and apply to the modern world.
116 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 14, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
February 11, 2022
When I hear of Buddhism or Buddhists, meditation retreats, monks, Zen, or even see large statues of Buddha or Buddhist temples, I have a vague idea about the tenants and beliefs behind it. Karma, reincarnation, yoga, and mindfulness are part of our general society, but what is it all about? I was not interested in a jump into the deep end of the pool, but a gentle wading in to get a feel for what it was all about so I reached for this beginner level book when I came across it.
The Buddha’s Teaching for Beginners easily fulfills the promise in the title and my own personal goal in reading it. The author starts by giving an introduction of herself and her credentials, her reasons for writing the book, and a bit of an overview of what the reader could expect and something of how to make the most use from the book. I was glad the author took the approach that the person picking up the book was all-together ignorant, but was gracious and didn’t talk down to readers. The order of the book took the reader from the foundational truths needing to be grasped that led to the practices that built from these truths. Her examples were every day and helpful and there were a few practical meditation guides sprinkled throughout to help the reader get a small experience in internalizing what is being taught.
The author began with the background of Buddhism in a quick summation before explaining in three sections: The Three Marks of Existence (impermanence, suffering, and not self), the Four Noble Truths (Truth of Suffering, Cause, Freedom and Path of Liberation) , and the Noble Eight-Fold Path (Right View, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, Right Concentration) before leaving a few closing remarks about other Buddhist teachings, resources and index.
I confess that The Three Marks of Existence really bent my brain a bit and I’m still confused, but I kept reading into the Four Noble Truths about suffering in hope that things would make sense eventually. It did and it also had me understanding that it is no easy task to distill lots of profound teaching to a basic guide such as this.
My first big aha was to learn that the focus of Buddhism as a practice seems to be suffering. Acknowledging it and learning to work one’s life so suffering doesn’t dominate it and eventually the individual can become more enlightened and hopefully reach Nirvana, a state devoid of suffering.
Another insightful moment was learning the connection between all the outward observances that had caught my eye and what they were accomplishing in those practicing.
I learned that there are more than one school of thought within Bhuddists and it is perfectly fine to go with whatever one most resonates. The author also made it clear that any of the teachings that are studied might be unpalatable at first or confusing and it is perfectly fine to go to another and come back to that which was an earlier struggle. For example, the Noble Eight-Fold Path is not a series of stepping stones which have to be accomplished in order before moving on, but rather can be taken in any order. Though, that said, some naturally cycle into another like having a Right View before a Right Livelihood.
This is clearly just what it states- a beginning, a jumping off point. It isn’t an exhaustive study into a complex religion, but a quick though helpful overview. I can recommend it to others who want a better understanding or an entry into Buddhism.
I rec'd an eARC through Callisto Publishing to read in exchange for an honest review.
The Buddha’s Teaching for Beginners easily fulfills the promise in the title and my own personal goal in reading it. The author starts by giving an introduction of herself and her credentials, her reasons for writing the book, and a bit of an overview of what the reader could expect and something of how to make the most use from the book. I was glad the author took the approach that the person picking up the book was all-together ignorant, but was gracious and didn’t talk down to readers. The order of the book took the reader from the foundational truths needing to be grasped that led to the practices that built from these truths. Her examples were every day and helpful and there were a few practical meditation guides sprinkled throughout to help the reader get a small experience in internalizing what is being taught.
The author began with the background of Buddhism in a quick summation before explaining in three sections: The Three Marks of Existence (impermanence, suffering, and not self), the Four Noble Truths (Truth of Suffering, Cause, Freedom and Path of Liberation) , and the Noble Eight-Fold Path (Right View, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, Right Concentration) before leaving a few closing remarks about other Buddhist teachings, resources and index.
I confess that The Three Marks of Existence really bent my brain a bit and I’m still confused, but I kept reading into the Four Noble Truths about suffering in hope that things would make sense eventually. It did and it also had me understanding that it is no easy task to distill lots of profound teaching to a basic guide such as this.
My first big aha was to learn that the focus of Buddhism as a practice seems to be suffering. Acknowledging it and learning to work one’s life so suffering doesn’t dominate it and eventually the individual can become more enlightened and hopefully reach Nirvana, a state devoid of suffering.
Another insightful moment was learning the connection between all the outward observances that had caught my eye and what they were accomplishing in those practicing.
I learned that there are more than one school of thought within Bhuddists and it is perfectly fine to go with whatever one most resonates. The author also made it clear that any of the teachings that are studied might be unpalatable at first or confusing and it is perfectly fine to go to another and come back to that which was an earlier struggle. For example, the Noble Eight-Fold Path is not a series of stepping stones which have to be accomplished in order before moving on, but rather can be taken in any order. Though, that said, some naturally cycle into another like having a Right View before a Right Livelihood.
This is clearly just what it states- a beginning, a jumping off point. It isn’t an exhaustive study into a complex religion, but a quick though helpful overview. I can recommend it to others who want a better understanding or an entry into Buddhism.
I rec'd an eARC through Callisto Publishing to read in exchange for an honest review.
July 2, 2022
Perfect for novices.
Clear, organized, and easy to comprehend. The definitions are vivid and are organized in a step by step manner that takes the reader from that the more tangible aspects of Buddhism to the more mystical esoteric.
Clear, organized, and easy to comprehend. The definitions are vivid and are organized in a step by step manner that takes the reader from that the more tangible aspects of Buddhism to the more mystical esoteric.
October 27, 2023
great read
This was my third book about Buddhism and it was very helpful just like the other books. It’s a great thing to read and indulgent more points of view to better understand the path. You may be walking highly recommend this book please read.
This was my third book about Buddhism and it was very helpful just like the other books. It’s a great thing to read and indulgent more points of view to better understand the path. You may be walking highly recommend this book please read.
July 22, 2023
quick read but lots of information.
Really helpful introduction to Buddha’s teachings. Took only a few days to read. Going to get to work on this
Really helpful introduction to Buddha’s teachings. Took only a few days to read. Going to get to work on this
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews