Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 86 votes)
5 stars
30(35%)
4 stars
28(33%)
3 stars
28(33%)
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0(0%)
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86 reviews
July 14,2025
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I truly had a great fondness for this book. The language used was extremely simple, which made it effortless to understand and follow along. I was highly impressed by the practical nature of its steps. It provided me with valuable insights and techniques that I could easily apply in my daily life.


In my personal opinion, this book serves as an excellent introduction to Buddhism. It presents the fundamental concepts and teachings of Buddhism in a clear and accessible manner. Whether you are completely new to Buddhism or have some prior knowledge, this book offers a wealth of information that can deepen your understanding and appreciation of this ancient religion.


I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in exploring Buddhism or seeking practical guidance for personal growth and development. It is a gem that combines simplicity with profound wisdom, making it a must-read for anyone on a spiritual journey.

July 14,2025
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It is truly a challenging task to elaborate on the Eightfold Path. One risks coming across as rigid, dogmatic, and pedantic. This is precisely how the book presented the concept. Even for those who are well-versed in the subtleties of Buddhist teachings, the concise nature of the description in the book led to a situation where one could easily get lost in the details and fail to see the big picture.

The Eightfold Path is a fundamental concept in Buddhism, encompassing various aspects such as right understanding, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration. Each of these elements is crucial and interrelated, yet presenting them in a way that is both comprehensive and accessible is no easy feat.

Perhaps a more detailed and engaging approach could have been taken in the book to better convey the essence and significance of the Eightfold Path. This might involve using real-life examples, case studies, or personal anecdotes to illustrate how these principles can be applied in daily life. By doing so, readers would be able to gain a deeper understanding of the concept and its practical implications, rather than simply being presented with a dry and academic description.
July 14,2025
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This is a really nice and concise set of pointers and descriptions.

It centers around the concept of integrating the practice of mindfulness (sati) into each step of the classical Buddhist eight-fold path.

All of HG's books are highly accessible, whether you're a beginner or a more advanced practitioner.

Not only do they present conceptual ideas about how the eightfold path functions and how all its elements fit together, but there's always some practical takeaway that can be implemented right away.

This particular work is a great addition to your Buddhism library.

It can also be considered as a complement to his other books, offering valuable insights and practical guidance on the path of Buddhist practice.

Whether you're looking to deepen your understanding of the eightfold path or seeking practical ways to incorporate mindfulness into your daily life, this set of pointers and descriptions is well worth exploring.

It provides a unique perspective on the intersection of mindfulness and the eightfold path, and can help you on your journey towards greater spiritual growth and self-awareness.
July 14,2025
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In a simple word, this book brought me back in present!

It is truly a remarkable experience. As I turned the pages, I felt as if time itself had stopped and I was transported to a different realm. The vivid descriptions and engaging storylines made it easy for me to lose myself in the book.

I could picture every scene in my mind's eye, as if I were actually there. The characters came to life, and I found myself empathizing with their joys and sorrows.

This book has not only entertained me but also taught me valuable lessons about life, love, and perseverance. It has made me look at the present moment with a newfound appreciation and has reminded me to cherish every single second.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a captivating read that will leave them feeling inspired and rejuvenated.
July 14,2025
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I had to go back through some sections

because I didn't quite understand what he was talking about.

The applications he presented were truly very interesting.

There were so many unique and innovative ideas that I had never considered before.

It made me realize how much potential there is in this field.

As I went back and re-read those sections, I was able to gain a better understanding of the concepts.

I found myself getting more and more intrigued by the possibilities.

It was a great learning experience for me, and I look forward to exploring these applications further in the future.

I'm sure there are many more exciting things to discover.
July 14,2025
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The review gives a rating of 3.7 stars.

It mentions that there are some good lessons and takeaways from the experience or product being reviewed. However, it also points out that it was really repetitive at some points.

This could potentially be a drawback for some people, as too much repetition can make the content seem dull or unoriginal.

On the other hand, the good lessons and takeaways might still make it worthwhile for others.

Perhaps the author could have provided more specific examples of the repetitive parts to give a better understanding of what they meant.

Overall, the review seems to have a mix of positive and negative aspects, and it would be up to the individual reader to decide if the good outweighs the bad.
July 14,2025
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This is a very good book.

From the moment I picked it up, I was completely drawn into its pages.

The story is engaging and full of twists and turns that keep me on the edge of my seat.

The characters are well-developed and I find myself easily relating to them.

The author's writing style is smooth and easy to read, making it a pleasure to spend time with this book.

I like it not only because of the interesting plot but also because it has taught me many valuable lessons.

It has broadened my perspective and made me think about things in a different way.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves reading and wants to have an enjoyable and enlightening experience.

Overall, it is truly a remarkable book that I will cherish for a long time.

July 14,2025
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We are currently reading this in my Dharma-theory class.

I really like the simple way he explains the steps of the Noble Eightfold Path. It makes it easier for us to understand such a profound concept.

Although some of the examples he gives are a bit far out and might seem a little strange at first, when you think about them more deeply, they do help to illustrate the points.

Overall, this is a well-written introduction to a core part of Buddhism. It provides a good foundation for us to further explore and study the teachings of Buddhism.

I look forward to learning more about the Noble Eightfold Path and how it can be applied in our daily lives.

It's fascinating to see how these ancient teachings still have relevance and can offer valuable insights in today's modern world.

July 14,2025
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This is the textbook for living life according to the Buddha's prescription. It is extremely helpful and serves as a kind of manual for daily life.

It is an important adjunct to my own daily practice. I read a chapter at least once a week. It is necessary for me to be constantly reminded of the aiming point.

It makes accessible some of the more esoteric aspects of the Eightfold path. The path to the end of suffering, as set out as the last of the four noble truths.

Re-reading it constantly brings to the fore the realisation of just how big a task living according to this prescription can be. At the same time, it provides reassurance that it is possible for any of us.

This book offers valuable guidance and insights into leading a life in accordance with the teachings of the Buddha. It helps us understand and navigate the complex and often challenging aspects of life.

By regularly referring to this text, we can stay focused on our spiritual journey and strive towards achieving inner peace and enlightenment.

Whether we are beginners or more advanced practitioners, this book has something to offer. It is a source of inspiration and motivation, encouraging us to continue on the path of self-discovery and growth.

In conclusion, this textbook is an essential tool for anyone interested in living a more meaningful and purposeful life according to the Buddha's prescription.
July 14,2025
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Despite being a white male with a reasonably secure job, COVID-19 has been emotionally tough on me.

The pandemic has brought about so many uncertainties and changes in our lives. The constant fear, the restrictions, and the isolation have taken a toll on my mental well-being.

Thankfully, I came across Bhante Gunaratana's book. It is truly one of the best books on practical Buddhism I've ever read, and I've read quite a number of them.

The teachings in the book have provided me with a new perspective and a sense of calm in these chaotic times. It has taught me to be more mindful, to accept the present moment, and to find inner peace within myself.

Bhante Gunaratana's practical approach to Buddhism has made it accessible and applicable to my daily life. His words have given me the strength and courage to face the challenges brought by COVID-19.

I am truly grateful for this book and the impact it has had on my emotional state. It has become a source of inspiration and guidance for me during these difficult times.

July 14,2025
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A more accurate title for this book: Symptoms of a Healthy Mind. I truly wish the title didn't contain the words "Buddha's Path" as it might act as an automatic deterrent for people of other faiths. To test this hypothesis, I engaged in conversations with some Jehovah's Witnesses regarding the symptoms of a healthy mind as presented in the text. They concurred with all the guidelines for ethical conduct. They showed great interest when I pointed out the resemblance between meditation and prayer. The only variance between different faiths regarding ethical conduct lies in the entity that acts as the judge. We are either judged by an all-knowing God or by ourselves. My concern with outsourcing the judge is that we sometimes delude ourselves into believing that we can evade consequences. However, this is not the case.


The problem with western psychology and western medicine is that they meticulously catalog disorders but erroneously assume that health is merely the absence of these disorders. We are well aware of what occurs to our bodies when they lack exercise. We also understand how erratic our minds can become when left to roam freely.


This book urges us to engage in self-reflection, closely examine our behaviors, and become cognizant of how they make us feel. You are not obligated to blindly accept any of these symptoms of mental health. Instead, you can experiment with them all, just as you would when trying on a set of clothes, and determine which ones suit you best.


When I presented this book to my significant other, who was grappling with some of the stress-inducing conflicts it addressed, I advised her to disregard everything said about rebirth. If you concentrate on good ethical conduct and the symptoms of a healthy mind, you will reap rewards regardless of your religious affiliation, and, more importantly, you will experience these benefits in the present moment.


I have come to firmly believe in the Buddhist path through years and years of personal exploration. Initially, I delved into it out of curiosity; later, I discovered that it brought me greater happiness.


This book offers us practical steps that we can take right now to enhance the quality of our lives both now and in the future.

July 14,2025
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I already forgot all 8 steps. It seems that as time goes by, the details of those steps have gradually faded from my memory. However, despite this, I do feel more complete. Maybe it's because the experience of going through those steps, even if I don't remember them specifically, has still had an impact on me. It has contributed to my growth and development in some way. I believe that this sense of completeness is not just a physical or mental state, but also a spiritual one. It makes me feel more confident and capable in facing the challenges and opportunities of life. Although the 8 steps may be gone from my mind, their essence and the lessons I learned from them will always stay with me. 8/8

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