The Lotus Still Blooms: Sacred Buddhist Teachings for the Western Mind

by Joan Gattuso

The Lotus Still Blooms is the ideal book for every reader who would like to understand Buddhist principles, but doesn’t know where to start. Eastern wisdom traditions are often baffling for Western minds – where to begin in uncovering the often complicated steps, precepts, concepts and ideas? Aimed at people who are curious about Buddhism and want a basic book that will help them to understand – and apply – Buddhist principles in their life, The Lotus Still Blooms is a practical book that goes through all of the major Buddhist principles, step-by-step, and then shows how to apply them to our busy, hectic lives. Filled with Joan Gattuso’s trademark delightful stories and warmth, as well as exercises to help readers begin using the principles right away, this is a book that will be a welcomed new introduction to this exciting spiritual tradition.

Genres: Buddhism, Nonfiction, Religion, Spirituality

210 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Becca Rejis · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would prefer to give 2.5 stars, but not enough to round to 3. While I found some useful verses or tidbits of information, the author writes in such a pretentious manner it’s difficult to get through many portions. It really felt like a vanity piece to showcase her “holier than thou” existence. Many of her examples were blatantly judgmental and out of touch with reality and it was frustrating. My head hurt from eye rolling by the end.

[Bella Cornell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book overall. It is a good introduction to Buddhism for people with a Christian background, especially those who are practicing Christians. It give a good overview of essential topics. It isn't as in depth as what I was looking for, however. That is more of a personal issue than one to take up with the book. One criticism I do have is that at times it seemed as if the author was trying to show off her spiritual relationship with the Dalai Lama as her teacher. This occurred on multiple occasions. Also, she seemed to mention her retreats in a way that said, "look at how Buddhist I am." That could just be my interpretation of the reading, and another person may not get that feeling at all. I don't know if I would read any of her other books.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent "beginner" or basic book on Buddhism. It walks you through the basics of the Four Noble Truths, the Eight-Fold Path, the Middle Way, the Four Immeasurables, and the Three Jewels, as well as the Three Dharma Seals and the Six Perfections.

The author also includes many of her personal experiences to illustrate the teachings. She has extensive knowledge and has studied with the Dalai Lama and Thich Haht Nahn.

The author has also included a few meditation exercises, as well as some mantras. One that still resonates with me is the "just like me" teaching. Its very simple, yet effective. When you start to have a negative though about someone, just include the phrase "just like me" after your thought. Example: "That person is really selfish - just like me." It really brings to light that we are all alike, and we all share suffering. So, before we judge another for their behavior, if we include "just like me" we will bring ourselves to realize that we, too, have experiences what that person is experiencing, and should have compassion rather than judge.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and would find it helpful to all people of all religions and faiths.

[Amy Renshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book, full of gems of wisdom about living life with more compassion. I kept taking notes of my favorite quotes and ideas. The author points out beliefs that different religions have in common, too. One of the lovely gems: "As we practice Love, Compassion, Joy and Equanimity, our hearts are healed. They soften and become open to all people and animals and to the environment and nature as a whole, seeing all as precious treasures to be highly valued."

[Frankie Ness · Rating 3 out of 5]

Don’t trust me rating, it’s very subjective but not in a manner where this book isn’t good or just propaganda. It’s more like I read this late where a lot of the things she’s saying, I already read or heard somewhere. I didn’t necessarily learn anything new nor did I feel a certain sense of enlightenment. I think the teachings of this book would’ve been more impactful if I ran into this 14 years ago versus now.

That being said, great exercises for meditation and retraining your brain and emotions to be more positive and focus on the good.

[Joshua Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite book on Buddhism

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though personally I find this book a bit preachy, practical knowledge for living with and growing from suffering can be pulled from the pages. The author uses life experience to highlight her own personal growth through religious soul searching, primarily in the realm of Buddhism. A good read for those looking to relate to one who’s travelled the road of pain and come out as whole.

[Kay · Rating 2 out of 5]

Why I stopped reading: I don't want Buddhism with a Christian slant and a side of racist stories, thanks.

By "the Western mind", Gattuso actually means "the Christian mind". -_- Maybe also for the child's mind, because it feels like Gattuso thinks her reader is a bit of an idiot. The examples seem overly simplistic.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

My sister and I read this book together. We were drawn to it because it was one of the last books my father read before he passed. This book is perfect for the person who is curious about Buddism and would like to acquire a basic understanding of its teachings. It is written for the Western Mind and its concepts and spiritual principles are easily applied to other forms of spirituality/religions. I loved this book and learned a lot about how to quiet my mind, the importance of advancing spiritually, and how to achieve true happiness. Will definately re-read this book and apply its concepts to my life. Having now read it, I wish I could have "book club" with my dad to discuss his views on it. I am sure he enjoyed it as much as my sister and I did.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is up there with the best of feel-good books! I quote this from page 102-103, "to advance without angst, to be content with who you are, where you are, what you have with the circumstances of life, to cease from the painful desire to accumulate more and more, brings peace." This book is reminded me to appreciate the simple things of life and I'm again reminded what is important. To have right view, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration, truly bring peace.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stumbled upon this book at the library, borrowed it and then bought a hard copy. The information is insightful and well stated. I feel like a whole new layer has been peeled back from my existing self and I'm on a much clearer path to englightment and oneness. If you're interested in the basics of Buddhist teachings or are interested in learning about yourself and developing a more spiritual personal path this book is for you. I highly recommend it and cannot wait to read other literature by this author.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book! Although I knew most of the Buddhist teaching described in this book, I think the author had a real down to earth way of explaining things that made me able to relate to her and personalize my quest for enlightenment. I really liked the exercises she gave, I found myself constantly thinking and reminding myself of them throughout the day. This is a book I need to read over and over again when I forget the way I want to live my life.

[Willette · Rating 4 out of 5]

In my continued exploration of Buddhism, this was a good "workbook" for me. I read it on the 5-hour plane trip from DC to Seattle (I guess if the plane had crashed I would have been at peace, LOL). It is a helpful tool to live in the present moment instead of falling into the ever-present trap of "things will be perfect when...{insert whatever myth here}".

[Abby Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I go back to this book time and again, and have been for years. I do occasionally tire of the author's personal stories and tone, and repeated references to Christianity, but it's a good place to start learning about the Eightfold Path and gain some practical knowledge you can out into action.

Whenever I need a spirit boost, I pick up this book.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks, Emily, for this one. Am reading it slowly, and rereading it and thinking about it and loving it. This is one to keep around so you can just pick it up and renew.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something I will definitely read over and over again as a spiritual guide.

[Phyllis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buddhism for the western mind.

[Alicia Durand · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had a major impact on me and my life.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book changed my life and encouraged me to start mediating and take yoga seriously.