Awakening the Buddha Within: Tibetan Wisdom for the Western World

by Surya Das, Thich Nhat Hanh (Introduction)

Lama Surya Das, the most highly trained American lama in the Tibetan tradition, presents the first comprehensive book of Western Buddhism for the modern-day spiritual seeker.

Buddhism offers a profound yet practical path to enlightenment.  In this loving and generous book, the American-born and Tibetan-trained Lama Surya Das offers at once a definitive and nonsectarian guide to the wisdom found in ancient Tibetan teachings and a tried and true path of spiritual transformation.

The radical and compelling message of Buddhism tells us that each of us has the wisdom, awareness, love, and power of the Buddha within; yet most of us are too often like sleeping Buddhas.  Surya Das shows how we can awaken to who we really are and thus walk the liberating, peaceful path of mindful and compassionate living.  With lively language, meditations, and spiritual practices, this unique book provides a bridge between East and West, past, present, and future.

Awakening the Buddha Within   offers a complete yet accessible understanding of the unique Buddhist teachings embodied in the traditional Noble Eight-Fold Path and its Three Enlightenment Trainings, common to all schools of Buddhism:

Wisdom Training: Developing clear vision, insight, and inner understanding--seeing reality and ourselves as we really are.

  Ethics Training: Cultivating virtue, self-discipline, integrity, and compassion in what we say and do.

  Meditation Training: Practicing mindfulness, concentration, and awareness of the present moment.

This fresh and original work illuminates such key principles as karma (what we do does matter), rebirth (every moment is an opportunity to start afresh), letting go (simplifying our lives by clarifying our hearts and minds), as well as conscious living and dying, and Dzogchen, the ultimate, mystical teaching of Tibet.

In this wonderful marriage of the timeless and the timely, Surya Das has written an invaluable, authoritative text for the novice and the experienced student of Buddhism alike.   Awakening the Buddha Within reveals how sacred wisdom, contemplative practice, and altruism can be integrated into our outer and inner lives--in our relationships, in the workplace, and at home.

Here is a guidebook to enlightenment--a sourcebook of the sacred for anyone who wants to lead a more serene and beautiful life.

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

432 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Lama Surya Das is one of the foremost Western Buddhist meditation teachers and scholars, one of the main interpreters of Tibetan Buddhism in the West, and a leading spokesperson for the emerging American Buddhism. The Dalai Lama affectionately calls him “The Western Lama.”

His most recent book is Make Me One with Everything: Buddhist Meditations to Awaken from the Illusion of Separation. He is well known for his internationally bestselling Awakening the Buddha Within: Tibetan Wisdom for the Western World and the sequels in the “Awakening” trilogy, Awakening to the Sacred: Creating a Spiritual Life from Scratch and Awakening the Buddhist Heart: Integrating Love, Meaning and Connection into Every Part of Your Life. His other books include:

Buddha Standard Time: Awakening to the Infinite Possibilities of Now
The Mind Is Mightier Than the Sword: Enlightening the Mind, Opening the Heart
Natural Radiance: Awakening to Your Great Perfection
Buddha Is as Buddha Does: The Ten Transformative Practices of Enlightened Living
The Big Questions: How to Find Your Own Answers to Life’s Essential Mysteries
Letting Go of the Person You Used to Be
Awakening the Buddhist Heart: Integrating Love, Meaning,
Natural Great Perfection: Dzogchen Teachings and Vajra Songs, with Nyoshul Khenpo
The Snow Lion’s Turquoise Mane: Wisdom Tales from Tibet

Lama Surya Das has spent over forty years studying Zen, Vipassana, yoga, and Tibetan Buddhism with the great masters of Asia, including the Dalai Lama’s own teachers. He is an authorized lama and lineage holder in the Nyingmapa School of Tibetan Buddhism, and a personal disciple of the leading grand lamas of that tradition. He is the founder of the Dzogchen Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts and its branch centers around the United States. Surya has brought many Tibetan lamas to this country to teach and start centers and retreats over the years. As founder of the Western Buddhist Teachers Network with the Dalai Lama, he regularly helps organize its international Buddhist Teachers Conferences. He is also active in interfaith dialogue and charitable projects in the Third World, and has recently turned his efforts towards youth and contemplative education initiatives, what he calls “True higher education and wisdom for life training.”

As a sought after speaker, Lama Surya Das teaches and lectures around the world, conducting meditation retreats and workshops. He is also a published poet, translator, and chant master. His blog, “Ask the Lama,” can be found at www.askthelama.com and his lecture and retreat schedule are listed on his website www.surya.org. Follow him on Facebook--Lama Surya Das--and Twitter--@LamaSuryaDas.

Reviews

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

In a very un-Buddha-like way, my wife manipulated me into reading this. She also talked bribed me into accompanying her to a meditation center. I promised her I wouldn't ask the meditation instructor about tantric sex. I didn't keep my promise. To avoid incurring negative karma, I gave this book an extra star.

[Heather Doherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book that turned me on to Buddhism. I read it originally in 1999, at my therapist's recommendation and it changed my life. I started meditating twice every day and shifted my focus away from how miserable I felt and toward how I could be a positive force in the world. This shift pulled me out of a major depression, improved my relationships with my family and allowed me to find my soul mate. Since then it has been a sort of Bible for me. Whenever I need help in dealing with a difficult situation or person or just need an attitude adjustment I return to it and it has never failed me.


It is an introduction to Buddhism for Westerners. The Lama grew up in a Jewish family on Long Island; his mom jokingly referred to him as the Deli Lama. He has a way of presenting the ideals of a very Eastern tradition that makes perfect sense to those of us raised in other faiths. One of the things I like best about his approach is that there is very little to believe and very much to practice. If you are curious about Buddhism or just need an attitude adjustment yourself, you should check it out.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book tells you how to live like a Buddhist, without being a monk. There are behaviors in life we can all practice and you don't have to renounce Christianity to be a part of it. Treat others better, find meditation in everything you do, and be a better person.

[Steve Minard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite spiritual book ever, and in fact, my favorite non-fiction book of all-time. If I can only suggest one introduction to Buddhism from a Western perspective, this would be it. Lama Surya Das simply and effectively presents the principles and outlooks of the East, with a foot firmly planted in our "real world" of the West.

I always highlight all of my books with my favorite passages and quotes to turn back to. This one has beeen re-read so many times it is highlighted, starred, dog-eared, and post-it-ed for four levels of awesomeness. Cannot recommend highly enough. Absolutely my desert island book.

[Richelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those rare, mind-boggling books that has the power to stay with you for a very long time. While I have read other books on Buddhism before, this was an excellent introduction and refresher that covered everything from the Four Noble Truths and the Eight-Fold Path to the power of meditation. There are many aspects of Buddhism that resonate with me, and very few that do not. Here are some of the notes that I took while reading- about ten pages of notes (some are direct quotes from the author, quotes from others, or just notes that had meaning to me):

- "You're not going to find truth outside yourself. Truth is found by living truly- in your own authentic way."
- Search inward for answers.
- Unrealistic expectations tarnish our appreciation of life.
- Do not reduce life to an ongoing competition.
- "No one has a corner on the market of truth."
- You must acknowledge that enlightenment is a real possibility.
- "The Buddha never said he would save you; in Buddhism you save yourself." (This is a big one for me. Love this idea.)
- Do not overlook the miracle of the present moment.
- "Small doubt, small enlightenment; big doubt, big enlightenment."
- "With Buddha Dharma there is nothing to believe and everything to discover. The Buddha encouraged seekers to investigate and inquire for themselves."
- Do not be overly influenced by and dependent on the opinions and reactions of others.
- Nothing in pure Buddhism encourages blind faith or cult-like environments. The Buddha challenged his followers to open their minds and think for themselves.
- "Only our searching for happiness prevents us from seeing it."

I can't recommend this book enough to all those who are intellectually curious and concerned about leading a meaningful life.

[Linda Hollingsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have already read this book twice on my Kindle, so you know I value the wisdom and light shown on the history of Western Buddhism. If you want to better understand how Buddhism came to the US and its ongoing evolution in our culture, this is a very readable description of how that is coming about. If you want to better understand the tenets of Butddhism, the eightfold path, and the three enlightenment trainings present in all types of Buddhism, this book will painlessly heighten your understanding. If you want some practices to help you settle into meditation, you will find them here. This book Is a bit more structured in its approach than the simpler presentations from the heart of the books of Thich Nhat Hahn but no less valuable.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first buddhist book I ever read. It is the reason for me finding my home in spirituality. It is well written, clear and moving. You will learn a lot from this book and it will help you find your path. I recommend this book to anyone searching for a spiritual direction.

[Chris Dietzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was excellent. I've read a couple books that are similar, most notably I Am That: Talks with Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj. What makes this book so much more enjoyable than the others I've read is that it is accessible and casual at every turn. There were huge chunks of 'I Am That' that were dense and just didn't make sense to a novice like me. This book excels by being extremely easy to follow while also not preaching. Highly recommended if this subject matter interests you at all.

[Jennifer Laurent · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that will remain with me throughout my life. I have read it a couple of times and listened to it as well. It is a definite must read for anyone seeking growth and spiritual awakening.

[Katie Curlee Hamblen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend lent this book to me some six months ago. I held onto to it for most of that time, and only began it about a month ago. This often happens when I put a book on my "to read" list-I have to wait for the time to be right.



There is so much information in this book. It is, in some ways, a primer of Buddhism, and it was helpful for me to really get a window into that tradition for the first time. I've read many things in the past about Buddhism and mindfulness, but this book has been one of the books that has helped things "click" for me. I've commented to several people that I think there is something to the fact that the author is a native English speaker. So much of understanding is nuance, and I have always felt that I am not getting the full, original meaning in a translated work, or even a work written by someone whose native language is not English. Even with an excellent translator, in my mind, it really isn't the same. This may not be true...maybe this book was just better than other things I've read.



This book really progressed me, I think, in terms of examining my own thoughts and motivations. It's been helpful in terms of mindfulness and meditation. It's no coincidence that, in the midst of reading this book, I came across another book that I am reading now, Mindfulness in Plain English, which I believe will be even more helpful.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are a number of books which follow this book's format (4 noble truths and the 8 fold path) in illustrating Buddhist philosophy. This version was just right for me. The writing is clear, personal and instructive. The author's observations and anecdotes are effectively woven into this standard introduction to Buddhism. I haven't read any of the author's other books, but I imagine they're worth reading as well.

[Jim · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not for me. I didn't get very far into it before I became bored. I was expecting something along the lines of Buddhism-lite....maybe some EZ-step beginning approaches that a modern, urban person actively participating in life could incorporate - to channel more inner harmony and all. Obviously I would have to have more patience, but right off the bat it seemed heavy handed on the religious aspect and the alleged superior wisdom of lamas who live heirarchical, cloistered lives and yet possess all the answers (not unlike catholic monastics)

For some reason I'd thought Buddhism was kind of like a religion for non-religious people, a way to achieve spiritual tranquility without dogma, and he at one point says something to that effect...but then at other points he lists out fun stuff you have to give up - if you really want to be at peace, that is. I didn't see much space for fun or humor. There are rules and dogmas after all. Drinking and drugs get in the way. Recreational sex gets in the way.

It seems that in order to achieve real englightenment you do indeed have to pray and meditate a lot and devote your life to it. Yes, I know, nothing worthwhile is easily gotten, and life's answers aren't to found in a ten-step brochure but if this was supposed to be an introduction to Buddhism, it was a turn-off.

[Doug Dillon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written by an American who became a Tibetan Lama, this book gives readers a solid course in Buddhist concepts. Giving clear step-by-step explanations, the author uses an engaging and even humorous tone that makes him as much of a friend as he is an expert in this field. His stories are wonderful and very instructive.

The steps mentioned above are actually the Buddhist Eightfold Noble Path to enlightenment but greatly expanded upon. Lama Surya Das continues to enlarge his explanations with the following 3 important sections that are valuable "how to" guides:

Wisdom Training
Ethics Training
Meditation Training

These chapter titles are examples of how the author continually points out to the reader that they already have the knowledge he is telling them about: “Seeing Things as They Are”, “Plumbing Your Wise Buddha-Nature”, and “Keeping Your Eyes Open”. Surya Das is, he says, simply helping people to unveil the "Buddha within."

[Alda Petrocchi · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me, this is the quintessential life guide. I have read it a few times throughout the years; I re-visit it when I feel I need a refresher, and will continue to do so probably for the rest of my life. It's so simple and approachable, yet intricate and profound at the same time. Highly recommended.

[Barbara (The Bibliophage) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review at TheBibliophage.com.

In this short book, Lama Surya Das introduces readers to Buddhism, and the process of Awakening the Buddha Within. It is subtitled Tibetan Wisdom for the Western World, which is an accurate description. Lama Surya Das tells how a guy from Long Island ends up in Tibet and India studying Buddhism in the 1970s. He escapes the psychedelic era for one of contemplation and compassion.

However, this book isn’t a memoir. Das just provides readers with the context of what makes him a unique teacher. He now teaches, writes, and runs the Dzogchen Center in New York State.

Das walks readers through the main principles of Buddhism, always relating them to life in the West. The steps are calming, introspective, and brought me much peace. According to Das and Buddhism, walking the Eight-fold Path leads to Enlightenment. Das breaks each step down, including examples from the reality of our Western lives. He understands that his typical reader isn’t sitting on a mountaintop, but driving in traffic. I certainly was, since I listened to the audio book!

If you’re looking for a short, relevant explanation of Buddhist principles, Lama Surya Das is your guy. Because he’s a Westerner, his ability to place the principles in a context that makes sense for Western lives is unique. That said, this is an older book. It was published in 1997, so it doesn’t address 21st-century lifestyle changes. Nevertheless, I found it to be a place of peace and comfort in my busy life.

[Jordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent introduction to Buddhism. Surya Das does a nice job of translating practices and traditions into more easily understood concepts for Westerners. He addresses issues like trying to meditate during a busy day on the subway and compares the Buddha mind to a pan coated with teflon. He pays attention to the idea of a new Western Dharma that is evolving out of the synthesis of traditional Eastern practices and the Western mentality. There's a lot of emphasis put on practice and especially on meditation practice. He regularly gives ideas for meditation practices or even just recitations to help people out. I'd have loved an index of all his practice suggestions somewhere in the book, though since most come at the end of segments they're not too hard to find. Something about the format of the book bogged me down about halfway through. There was just something in the organization of his segments that made it a bit of a slower read for me.

[Clint Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a Great Read.

For anyone considering either practicing Buddhism or gaining a general understanding of the philosophy of Buddhism, I would recommend this Book.

Regardless of your religion, beliefs, etc. you can gain a great insight into a way to view the world and more importantly, as Buddhism drives, View Yourself!

The insight into meditation, calming your mind, practicing Awareness and Mindfulness are beneficial to anyone in any walk of life. Whether it be with your family, your friends, your co-workers, etc. you can benefit by living in The Moment, This Moment, Every Moment.

[Rhesa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lama Surya Das is a Jew, before he travelled to Tibet and converted to Buddhism, now he is a leading Buddhist leader in America. This book is a "relaxing" read because I feel he is sincere on what he is talking, no wonder to many, it even "enrich their spiritual lives". It contains many wits, wisdoms as well as humours. I love nature and all of Emerson & Thoreau's thoughts, so I enjoy reading this book, that's all I can say.

[Carlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was recommend as an introduction to Buddhism. Suyra Das writes of his experiences learning from elders in Tibet, spending years in silence and bringing his teaching to the modern world. He breaks down core principles and applies an ancient "religion" to our fast paced western culture.

[Colette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm rereading this book SLOWLY. I tend to read very fast and loose the content days later.

This is an amazing book on Lama Surya Das' journey from Long Island to Tibet. And a great Buddhism for beginners book though that that description does not do it justice.

Enjoy:).

[Kamakana · Rating 4 out of 5]

if you like this review, i now have website: www.michaelkamakana.com

201122: prescriptive, descriptive, not analytic. more religion than philosophy. more ‘way’. more heart than head. perhaps this is the true way to know buddhist thoughts, probably should have started here if i had been primarily interested in enlightenment rather than understanding arguments etc as is i have read a lot of both buddhism and philosophy so while this is very good it is familiar, formal, does not encourage me to read bibliography... but very good in its way...

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone who is interested in the basic/fundamentals of Buddhism, this is the book for you. It is written in lay man terms and easy to understand. THis book lays out all the fundamentals of practice in a clear and concise manner, adding to it a sense of humor. It takes the precepts of Buddhism and places them in our modern day world and teaches one how to begin and stay on the path.

[Natalie Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really opened my eyes and helped me regain my spiritual path. You don't have to be Buddhist to benefit from Lama Das's words. If you are interested in uplifting and inspirational spiritual message, I recommend this book.

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book that focuses on the wisdom of Buddha. Following this wisdom is very important to lead a happy life. It can (should) be followed by members or all religions. I recommend it to everyone

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have learned how to live... and breathe.

[Christian Zarka · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the beginning I did not like Lama Surya Das’ style nor the structure of the book. But he won me over. Das writes in a poetic, simple style with the intent of distilling Buddhism down to its core components thereby making it accessible to westerners while preserving the innate beauty of the philosophy/religion/ethical code. Sometimes it feels like you are reading an author who is the guy you hate in your high school English class that uses words like ephemeral, duality, and esoteric, but other times pure wisdom shines through. Definitely worth the read for a broad understanding and for thinking more deeply about the question of “Who am I”.

[Wade · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author was born Jeffrey Miller to a Jewish family from Long Island. In his 20’s he began a spiritual journey that took him to Tibetan Buddhism where he eventually became a respected scholar and teacher, he now goes by the name and title of Lama Surya Das. His objective in this book is to explore and explain Eastern wisdom and practice to a Western audience. His emphasis is in Dzogchen, which is a Tibetan non-sectarian tradition of Buddhism. I found it a great compliment to Thich Nhat Hanh's overview of Buddhist thought in The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching .

Lama Surya Das argues that within each of us lies a potential enlightened-self, which he calls the Buddha within: “Enlightenment- whether you call it spiritual awakening, liberation, illumination, or satori-- means prolonged inner transformation and self-realization.” p 14. By unlocking our potential we can achieve a more fulfilled and transcendent life, more aware and mindful of our surroundings. He discusses the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path to Enlightenment, and focuses on practical strategies to achieve Bodhicitta (an awakened mind) in our busy and easily distracted lives. “The secret wisdom of Dzogchen teaches us that whatever we are looking for, it is always right here. We are usually elsewhere. That's the problem.” p 70. Meditation is the exercise that helps us become fully present, to awaken our Buddha within. He emphasizes that these ideas can build onto the foundations of other faith traditions and philosophies without replacing anything, I like his ecumenical and universal approach.

[Lon · Rating 4 out of 5]

What did the Dalai Lama say to the hot dog vendor? Make me one with everything.

A thorough exploration of a Buddhist conceptual framework for being spiritually awake. Some surprising resonances with other faith traditions, such as the passage that reminds us, "Spiritual masters are able to be in the world but not of it. They are sometimes likened to graceful, snow-colored swans who travel the lakes of the world without making waves. . . . [they are like] the lotus, which grows up through the water and raises its face to the shining sun; it is in the mud, but not of it." Other lovely images abound. As we practice taming the mind through meditation, the author offers this advice: "each time the mind wanders, bring it back again to the breath. Bring it back by tugging gently on the leash of mindfulness." Isn't that great? Then there's the line where he refers to a Buddha mind as being Teflon-coated. Nothing sticks, no mess. Let things slide off. Das' genius is that he can teach westerners this oriental philosophy without watering it down or turning it into spiritual cotton candy.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think a lot of people I know who would read this book would think "Yeah, that makes sense" or "I knew that innately but now here are the words to confirm it."

I studied Buddhism - among other religions - while in college so the concepts were familiar to me. What I like about this book, though, is that it is clever, has fun and practical anecdotes that are easy to relate to and is a great resource. One to keep in the nightstand and read a bit before bed or in the morning so that every so often, you can look at the Eight Fold path to remind yourself what to do every day, every moment. Confused about priorities and feeling stressed? The Five Remembrances can help bring things into perspective and focus. I used to have the list from the "Mingling Dharma with Your Every Day Life" posted on the fridge to remind me how to "cultivate mindful awareness".

[Steve Kemp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely the best thing I've read ever . This book has put me on the path to Enlightenment ! Lama Surya Das lays Buddhism out in a way anyone can understand . The hard part will be making the changes within yourself , but the rewards are so worth it. I am already reading it a second time ! I carry this book with me everywhere I go , yes it's that special ! Thank you so very much ,Lama Surya Das ! I have found my path in this life . I recommend this to every single person that sees this ! Together we can all live in peace and love for one another .