This is a good introduction to Buddhism, but it doesn't stand out from similar books (even as an audiobook). This is a shame as Lama Surya Das has a unique take/personality and could've written a more unusual/spirited book.

As usual, what you get out out of this book depends on what you put in. It's a very readable history of Buddhism, told from a Western perspective. And lots of suggestions for meditations and guides for how to make decisions on life choices, without telling you what those choices should be. You make the decision. As it should be.

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.

If you know nothing about Buddhism but want to begin this is the book. So insightful and interesting.

Another reread~

This is a superb and friendly guide to the basics and more, flavored with both Tibetan tradition and appreciation (even advocacy) for the eclecticism of the new Western Buddhism. It's worth the read for anyone looking to start a practice or deepen a practice. It looks deeply into the four noble truths and the eightfold path, treating eloquently on the subject of "enlightenment"--what it is and isn't.

I would emphasize the bountiful kind-heartedness and good nature of the author. Lama Surya Das welcomes us into his world with the greatness of his wide-open heart, all compassion and positivity and encouragement. The numerous exemplary exercises and meditations, and the stories of personal experience peppered throughout, make this a relatable book, and a useful one as well.

The warmth of Lama Surya Das with you throughout the book. Ultimately, this is a book for the practitioner--a guide and an inspiration written by a person who cares.

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.

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 n  The Heart of the Buddha's Teachingn.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This is a decent introduction to some core Buddhist beliefs from a Western perspective. I think Lama Das could have spent a little less time talking about himself. About half the book was on meditation and there's so much more to discuss like Dharma and noble choices but, overall, not bad.