Buddhism Plain and Simple: The Practice of Being Aware Right Now, Every Day

I love this bookNeed to read again to help understand its great lessonsThank you for this great gift

As soon as I noticed this book on Amazon, I had a feeling that I would enjoy it. I think I ran through this book in a week; I couldn't help myself... Meanwhile if you want, you can read one chapter a day and absorb the material slowly. I'm sure I will go back to this little gem and reread it. This is definitely a good book to have with you no matter where you go. Any chapter you turn to - has an array of wonderful lessons that somehow, we all forget from time to time.I am not a Buddhist, but I have to admit, I cannot imagine a better place to start your journey: whether that journey is becoming a Buddha, reaching enlightenment or just an average layman looking for some encouraging words to help him realize each day for what it's worth. This book is packed with magnificent words to live by. This is one of those rare treasures that really makes you think how beautiful the world could be --- IF --- everyone thought differently, even for a day...This short read is comprehensible to anyone, and yet it covers a lot of ground. My favorite chapter was the one on Morality. It discusses many valuable lessons that we should pay attention to:1. Right speech, how to talk, how to think,2. What our true intentions are; to keep an eye on those intentions3. Not to judge others or ourselves, & always consider the source4. Speech is never 100%; believe rather what you SEE5. How we accept things before we ever have a chance to weigh them for ourselves6. Do not ignore Reality; & Observe your heart and mindI could keep going but I think that's plenty for now. Even though certain things seem like common sense, we still don't apply them (for a multitude of reasons). In any event, it is splendid to see these thoughts in writing to remind us, human beings of what it's all about.I purchased a few more books on ZEN, and Buddhism including:Steve Hagen's other book "Buddhism is Not What You Think","Being Zen", by Ezra Bayda, and 2 books from the Dalai Lama as well.Reviews to follow...I think I'm onto something. But honestly, who wouldn't want to read something like this where you get positive words of wisdom that can help you get through your day, clear your mind, and just SEE what is all around us (without all of the confusing elements that surprisingly, we put there in the first place). I say here/now, thank you to the author Steve Hagen for allowing me to begin to SEE: to SEE the present moment for what it is, to SEE myself, my thoughts, my mind, and to SEE all around me. We all have the necessary tools, now all we need to do is AWAKEN: to SEE for our self, for the first time... You can only find truth within yourself, and no one else -- so go to it...

The book is a lyrical first step toward understanding the subject. As someone who has only just dipped his toe into this particular water, I quite enjoyed this little book and it has motivated me to read more...

Great book good read

(Revised 02Jan2014 to remove the one con since fixed in the latest printing.) I bought this book as part of a personal research project. I'm studying the Toyota Production System (TPS) - a series of counterintuitive manufacturing techniques - and knew little, if anything, about Buddhism. Apparently, Buddhism is a belief system (like vegetarianism) and it isn't really a religion. If it helps the uninitiated digest my point, you could be Catholic Buddhism Vegetarian. These belief systems can harmoniously coexist with one another.I came to this topic and book, totally by chance, and I have been richly rewarded beyond any hope or dream I could have ever had imagined. Below I offer some pro and con points - some may not apply to those seeking wisdom from a different direction than which I arrived, but hope you can at least appreciate some of the other points.Pro:+ Plain and simple as promised. Author did not try to run on and on, nor dress up concepts+ Part of simplicity is brevity. This book is relatively short and points are made and then the author moves on+ Clearly states what Buddhism is... and is not - good contrast made!+ Book was not dull. It was smooth and lively, moving well+ Startling number of items that could be credited with core TPS concepts such as go and see at the actual place, reduce duhkha "out of kilter" (variation that induces stress/suferring), be awake/see what is really going on right now+ Behaviors of letting people figure things out for themselves, including the journey metaphor, I believe are also clear parallels to TPS and how it is passed to others and even improvedCon:- The most recent printing eliminated my complaint on the book binding.Bottom line: Highly recommended as one of the best books I've ever read, and certainly the most applicable and useful to everybody. No matter your station in life, age, or direction, you should get a copy of this book. Coming back to my research, this book is a must have for the aspiring TPS sensei (teacher). A hidden gem. Since my initial review, I bought a second copy and gave it to a friend.