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2023/02/15

If the Buddha Got Stuck: A Handbook for Change on a Spiritual Path by Charlotte Kasl | Goodreads

If the Buddha Got Stuck: A Handbook for Change on a Spiritual Path by Charlotte Kasl | Goodreads

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Zen and the art of getting unstuck . . .
Perennial favorites, Charlotte Kasl's If the Buddha Dated, If the Buddha Married and If the Buddha Had Kids have inspired readers with their empowering balance of spiritual and psychological wisdom. This wise yet lighthearted book extends on Dr. Kasl's trademark insight to speak to anyone who's ever experienced being stuck in life. With her signature clarity, wisdom, and wit, she presents seven simple yet profound steps on the path to change: Notice Where You're Stuck; Show Up; Pay Attention; Live in Reality; Connect with Others, Connect with Life; Move from Thought to Action; and Let Go.

Full of insight from Buddhist and other teachings that emphasize the joy that comes with letting go of fears and attachments, If the Buddha Got Stuck is an inspirational and practical roadmap to a happier, more peaceful, and more fulfilling life.

Product description
Review
Praise for If the Buddha Got Stuck and Charlotte Kasl

"If the Buddha Got Stuck provides a roadmap to freedom and greater possibilities. Regardless of your starting place, Kasl will help you achieve greater joy, authenticity, and peace of mind. . . . Encouraging, practical, beautifully written." --Laura Davis, author of I Thought We'd Never Speak Again and coauthor of The Courage to Heal

"Charlotte Kasl's new book overflows with insight, humor and eminently practical suggestions." --Anita Doyle, former Director of the Jeannette Rankin Peace Center

"[Charlotte Kasl] adds an entirely new level of understanding to our lives through love and not fear." --Geneen Roth, author of When Food is Love

"If previous attempts to work with your life from a Western philosophical or psychological perspective encountered gaps . . . [consider this] your bridge." --Rowan Conrad, PhD, Director, Open Way Mindfulness Center

"If The Buddha Got Stuck brings perspective, inspiring stories, and useful exercises to feel less overwhelmed by life's difficulties." --Lisa M. Najavits, Ph.D., Associate Professor in Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School and author of Seeking Safety: A Treatment Manual for PTSD and Substance Abuse

"[If The Buddha Had Kids] brings the wisdom of the ages to bear to help parents inways that are extraordinarily inspiring and remarkably practical.You discover compassion for your child and compassion for yourself." --Marti Erikson, PhD, coauthor of Last Child in the Woods





Charlotte Kasl

4.13
783 ratings68 reviews

Perennial favorites, Charlotte Kasl’s If the Buddha Dated and If the Buddha Married have inspired readers with their empowering blend of spiritual and psychological insights. Her latest, If the Buddha Got Stuck, is a wise yet lighthearted book that will speak to anyone who's ever experienced being stuck in life and wanted to break free. With her signature clarity, wisdom, and warm heart, Kasl presents readers with seven steps that tap into life’s bigger picture: Notice Where You’re Stuck; Show Up; Pay Attention; Live in Reality; Connect with Others; Move From Thought to Action; and Let Go. Full of insight from Buddhist and other teachings that emphasize the joy that comes with letting go of attachments to events and things, If the Buddha Got Stuck is an inspirational and practical roadmap to a more joyful, peaceful, and fulfilling life.

GenresSelf HelpNonfictionSpiritualityBuddhismPsychologyPhilosophyPersonal Development
...more



240 pages, Paperback

First published January 4, 2005
Original title
If the Buddha Got Stuck: A Handbook for Change on a Spiritual Path



This edition
Format
240 pages, Paperback

Published
January 4, 2005 by Penguin Books

ISBN
9780142196281 (ISBN10: 0142196282)

Language
English




Cara
776 reviews65 followers

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August 30, 2013
This book is completely meh. There are good parts, helpful parts. There's also quite a bit of BS (reiki healing, dowsing, and unabashed orientalism), but mostly it's just more meh. The author quotes so much from other books, I thought I might as well put this book down and read those instead.

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Kathleen
140 reviews1 follower

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November 15, 2008
Normally, I LOATHE self-help books. They only seem to help the writer be able to free whatever is troubling them by writing through it and helps their bank account when people buy it. This one (which I got from the library) seems to be a bit different. More of a spiritual approach to life's path and not "here's how I got better."

That's what I said when I started. It was an interesting read but I guess not memorable because I returned it without really finishing it. I guess I dislike people who figure "it" out and have to tell me what "it" is. I might give it another try but for now, I read all that I can.
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Anita Zinn
21 reviews2 followers

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October 14, 2012
Read 6-2012
Please read this one! Quotes: "Our moods, our perspective, and emotional status are directly related to the chemistry in the brain, which is generally affected by exercise, restorative sleep, and healthy eating."

"A peaceful body helps us focus, concentrate, and bring a meditative mindset to what ever we are doing."


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Elle
571 reviews13 followers

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May 14, 2012
I wanted this too be more helpful. I was hooked by the very beginning where it gives an example of a person who isn't excited by things any more (this is a type of stuck) and I was thinking I could be more excited about the simple things in life so I wanted to know particularly about that aspect. But there was no link between the initial examples of stuck and they ways those examples would approach each of the steps ... so I found I was just sort of floating while I read this and had trouble figuring out how to apply some of the stuff to my situation.

...Maybe this wasn't the book for me and I'm not the target audience.
for-your-knowledge
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Sylwia
1,132 reviews27 followers

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November 11, 2017
This was a different experience from the first two books of Kasl's that I read (and rated 5 stars each) If the Buddha Dated andIf the Buddha Got Married. I strongly related and needed the information in those books, whereas as a therapist I already knew a lot of the information in this one. And as a person currently not experiencing any depressive symptoms and not "feeling stuck", I didn't necessarily "need" this book personally. So the experience was different.

Why You Might Bump This Up On Your TBR: Kasl once again teaches us how to incorporate Buddhist practices into our daily thinking patterns in order to reduce a lot of the stress and problems that we might not even realize that we have created for ourselves. She also utilized her PhD in psychology to teach us how to utilize basic therapeutic methods in order to improve our thinking patterns. I will be recommending this to everyone I know who seems "stuck" or is experiencing certain types of depressive symptoms.

Why You Might Bump This Down On Your TBR: I think sections 44 and 48 were not healthy or evidence-based. And unlike the other two books of hers that I read, this one couldn't hold my attention in the very last (7th?) part.

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jill crotty
131 reviews2 followers

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May 7, 2022
There are 62 insights to help you stay awake through life. It is not a book to read all at once. Maybe a daily reading. In the Buddhist teachings, it is all about being in the present..right? To live in the moment and not get attached to the past or future. We only have now. So You cannot be awake and asleep at the same time. These teachings are thoughts and ideas on how to feel at ease in the world. To help us get unstuck in the habits we create that have us going through life asleep. Wake up and Be. I love this Author and her thoughts on this. A good read!

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Amanda
697 reviews107 followers

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March 25, 2009
I wouldn't call myself stuck in a rut but I would describe my life as a bit chaotic. I have been thinking "is there more to this life deal that I should be doing?" even while moving forward towards some goals. I just didn't want to take the chaos with me.

This book is excellent! The reader is walked through how to recognize that they are stuck and then through the steps to get unstuck. I really appreciated the information and have been trying to put a lot of it into practice. Baby steps.

One piece of advice Kasl gives is to just show up to your life. To be aware of what is going on around you and to be aware and in tune with yourself. This is a surprisingly difficult task to accomplish. Even just sitting and chatting with friends, I know that my mind wanders to other things often. I'm making an effort now to be completely present. World of difference.

The reader is advised to live in reality, no more making up stories or not telling the truth. We're shown exercises to practice to connect with ourselves and with life.

Lastly, we're advised on how to get ourselves into action and just let go. Letting go is probably the scariest part, just like stepping off a cliff. Whatever the outcome of whatever our plans, we're advised to just accept them, even if things didn't go our way. But you have to move in order to change. You may lose something in the process of action - quitting a job you hate may lose you status and money - but you move forward into a life that you want to live in.

This book was very inspirational and while I have some ways to go in practicing what it preaches, I'm on the path and moving forward.


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Danielle Buie
1 review2 followers

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March 9, 2019
I just re-read of this book after a decade+, and it still resonates. Great, quick mental health tune-up type of book, with a grounded, genuinely spiritual sensibility that many "self help" books tend to lack. This is a very accessible book full of wisdom and mindfulness - not fluff, for the most part. Even though it's a quick read, it's full of ideas that stick, and words worth coming back to from time to time.

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LemontreeLime
3,157 reviews17 followers

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December 9, 2009
This really was an excellent book, full of thoughtful observations. Its not really so much about the spiritual path persay, but about trying to live life itself. I was impressed. (and felt better too!)
goofy-self-help-more
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Angela
10 reviews

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February 22, 2009
Lovely, straightforward writing about buddhist ideas brought to a white middle class level. It was more self help-y than I liked with lots "you shoulds," so I abandoned it half way through. For what its worth.

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If the Buddha Got Stuck: A Handbook for Change on a Spiritual Path Paperback – 4 January 2005
by Charlotte Kasl PH.D. (Author)
4.8 out of 5 stars    153 ratings
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Zen and the art of getting unstuck . . .
Perennial favorites, Charlotte Kasl's If the Buddha Dated, If the Buddha Married and If the Buddha Had Kids have inspired readers with their empowering balance of spiritual and psychological wisdom. This wise yet lighthearted book extends on Dr. Kasl's trademark insight to speak to anyone who's ever experienced being stuck in life. With her signature clarity, wisdom, and wit, she presents seven simple yet profound steps on the path to change: Notice Where You're Stuck; Show Up; Pay Attention; Live in Reality; Connect with Others, Connect with Life; Move from Thought to Action; and Let Go.

Full of insight from Buddhist and other teachings that emphasize the joy that comes with letting go of fears and attachments, If the Buddha Got Stuck is an inspirational and practical roadmap to a happier, more peaceful, and more fulfilling life.

Product description
Review
Praise for If the Buddha Got Stuck and Charlotte Kasl

"If the Buddha Got Stuck provides a roadmap to freedom and greater possibilities. Regardless of your starting place, Kasl will help you achieve greater joy, authenticity, and peace of mind. . . . Encouraging, practical, beautifully written." --Laura Davis, author of I Thought We'd Never Speak Again and coauthor of The Courage to Heal

"Charlotte Kasl's new book overflows with insight, humor and eminently practical suggestions." --Anita Doyle, former Director of the Jeannette Rankin Peace Center

"[Charlotte Kasl] adds an entirely new level of understanding to our lives through love and not fear." --Geneen Roth, author of When Food is Love

"If previous attempts to work with your life from a Western philosophical or psychological perspective encountered gaps . . . [consider this] your bridge." --Rowan Conrad, PhD, Director, Open Way Mindfulness Center

"If The Buddha Got Stuck brings perspective, inspiring stories, and useful exercises to feel less overwhelmed by life's difficulties." --Lisa M. Najavits, Ph.D., Associate Professor in Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School and author of Seeking Safety: A Treatment Manual for PTSD and Substance Abuse

"[If The Buddha Had Kids] brings the wisdom of the ages to bear to help parents inways that are extraordinarily inspiring and remarkably practical.You discover compassion for your child and compassion for yourself." --Marti Erikson, PhD, coauthor of Last Child in the Woods

About the Author

Top reviews from other countries
Miss Hazel Lightfoot
5.0 out of 5 stars An Accessible Buddhism-tinted Empowering Book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 7 January 2013
Verified Purchase
I am mid-way through this wonderfully frank and gentle book, and I already feel compelled to spread the word. It's an encouraging and realistic approach to improving your situation, whatever your situation is, whilst remaining grounded in 'what is'. Mindfulness, Action, Conditioning, Perception.....all sorts of subjects are touched on...a myriad of helpful advise and exercises which can only benefit each and every reader.
I give it 5 stars for it's positive and honest approach, and it's reminding us; it comes down to US to put the gentle, compassionate effort in to heal and thrive and live fully. Be gentle with yourselves.
Thank you.
4 people found this helpful
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Mary Drienovsky
5.0 out of 5 stars ... still in the process of reading it but I love it so far
Reviewed in Canada 🇨🇦 on 13 March 2016
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I am still in the process of reading it but I love it so far. The book is easy to read with sound advice and great questions to ask ourselves when we are feeling stuck.
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S
4.0 out of 5 stars happy with the purchase
Reviewed in Canada 🇨🇦 on 23 September 2015
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Books shipped really fast, happy with the purchase.
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Flora Denneny
5.0 out of 5 stars re-reading again now...
Reviewed in Canada 🇨🇦 on 16 June 2016
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yup a gotta read - bought more for pals
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Gordon F. McCauley, MD
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in Canada 🇨🇦 on 5 May 2018
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Great discussion of this subject
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====



Finding Joy: 101 Ways to Free Your Spirit and Dance With Life : Kasl, Charlotte Davis

Finding Joy: 101 Ways to Free Your Spirit and Dance With Life : Kasl, Charlotte Davis: Amazon.com.au: Books




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Charlotte Sophia Kasl

Finding Joy: 101 Ways to Free Your Spirit and Dance With Life Hardcover – 1 January 1994
by Charlotte Davis Kasl (Author)
4.6 out of 5 stars 59 ratings
======
Top reviews

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ID
5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely delightful and wiseReviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 8 May 2021
Verified Purchase

I've learned so much from reading this daily & grown emotionally & in emotional maturity & sobriety & joy 💛


mamamo
5.0 out of 5 stars A Book to Cherish & Share!Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on 10 December 2011
Verified Purchase

When "Finding Joy" came out in 1994, I was in a dark place in my life. I was working at bookstore as the buyer for the Psychology/Spirituality section when this lovely little treasure first hit the shelves. This lovely book helped me find my way back to the joy that was buried in me and breathe life back into my soul.

Many happy and wise years later, I've given it as gifts and read it when I needed a mental tune-up. I even gave my daughter the middle name of "Joy" in recognition of this beautiful energy that is alive again in my heart!

Charlotte is a beautiful writer, her books practical, accessible, kind and inspiring. She compassionately acknowledges our human struggles, doesn't paint everything with rainbows. Her other books, "If the Buddha..." have also been wonderful treats to read and helped me live a happier life. Professionally, I went on to work in publishing at a spirituality/well-being press so I have seen A LOT from this genre. Charlotte is truly gifted.

Can't wait to read "If the Buddha had Kids" which is due out in the spring of 2012. Thank you, Charlotte.


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Jean Marie Taylor
5.0 out of 5 stars Dancing with LifeReviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on 1 November 2008
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This book, by the author of Many Roads, One Journey: Moving Beyond the 12 Steps, has been one I've frequently quoted to the Women for Sobriety group I lead and pushed (gently) on my recovery coaching clients. Not to say that it is only for women or only for people in recovery. Hell, we could all use an extra helping of joy. It's about body acceptance, looking out for others' positive intentions and taking small steps. My favorite part is entitled "If you feel like a baby, get a babysitter." A book full of kindness.

4 people found this helpfulReport abuse

Carolyn Ripper
5.0 out of 5 stars Oh, what a lovely book.Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on 17 February 2009
Verified Purchase

I bought this book years ago at a drugstore, and lost the copy after years of reading and rereading it. Somehow, I had managed to find it again, despite having forgotten the author's last name for a while. Kasl is wise, human, and so comforting. You certainly can pick any page and get a dose of wisdom, or you can sit and read it cover to cover, and feel glad to have done so. She really can offer a very supportive and loving point of view. I am a therapist, and give away copies, especially useful in combatting low self-esteem. Love it!


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2023/02/05

How to Practice: The Way to a Meaningful Life by Dalai Lama XIV | Goodreads

How to Practice: The Way to a Meaningful Life by Dalai Lama XIV | Goodreads





How to Practice: The Way to a Meaningful Life
Dalai Lama XIV

4.09
9,267 ratings365 reviews

As human beings, we all share the desire for happiness and meaning in our lives. According to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the ability to find true fulfillment lies within each of us. In this very special book, the spiritual and temporal leader of Tibet, Nobel Prize winner, and bestselling author helps readers embark upon the path to enlightenment with a stunning illumination of the timeless wisdom and an easy-access reference for daily practice.

Divided into a series of distinct steps that will lead spiritual seekers toward enlightenment, How to Practice is a constant companion in the quest to practice morality, meditation, and wisdom. This accessible book will guide you toward opening your heart, refraining from doing harm, and maintiaining mentaltranquility as the Dalai Lama shows you how to overcome everyday obstacles, from feelings of anger and mistrust to jealousy, insecurity, and counterproductive thinking. Imbued with His Holiness' vivacious spirit and sense of playfulness, How to Practice offers sage and practical insight into the human psyche and into the deepest aspirations that bind us all together.
240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002
Original title
How to Practice: The Way to a Meaningful Life

This edition
Format
240 pages, Paperback

Published
August 19, 2003 by Atria Books

ISBN
9780743453363 (ISBN10: 0743453360)

Language
English




Sean Barrs
1,099 reviews44.1k followers

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October 7, 2017
“I accept everyone as a friend. In truth, we already know one another, profoundly, as human beings who share the same basic goals: We all seek happiness and do not want suffering.”

The Dalai Lama is incredibly quotable and there are so many fantastic examples of his simple wisdom in here. Well, I say simple but it can’t be that simple if people still fail to follow it after all these years. Despite living in an age of globalisation, we are still tragically divided. Senseless wars plague our history books and they continue to dog our steps. When will the world learn that we are all the same despite nationality, religion or skin colour?

The Dalai Lama preaches that all men are equal. Despite having his own philosophical beliefs, he respects all other belief systems and encourages members of other faiths to pursue their path and attain their ultimate goals of peace and happiness. Such things should never divide us nor should politics. It all sounds extremely idealistic, but if everybody adopted a similar approach then the world would be a more peaceful place. If we all called our neighbours our friends, and ignored the minor differences and strove towards human equality and peace, rather than goals such as wealth and power, then hatred would start to die.

“More dangerous than guns or bombs are hatred, lack of compassion, and lack of respect for the rights of others. As long as hatred dwells in the human mind, real peace is impossible.”

History, unfortunately, shows us the truth of these words. In this helpful guide, The Dalai Lama offers advice on how to cope with life and deal with such frustrating situations. Hating the hater achieves little. What is needed in such a situation is compassion, the first step on the road to inner-peace.
4-star-reads spirituality-buddhism-self-help
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Calista
3,792 reviews31.2k followers

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October 28, 2018
I really needed this read right now. School has been very stressful this trimester and I feel constantly behind. Still, I did pass my comprehensive exam to graduate from the program once Clinic and classes are done. I still have the herbal program and doctoral work left to do. Then, all the hate pouring out of DC right now and just how ugly politics has become has taken a spiritual toll on me. It has really worn me down and I have had to disengage from news and stop watching and reading.

This book was a balm to me. I love to hear the wisdom from the Dalai Lama. He is such an amazing heart centered person. I have heard him speak and it was amazing. I did listen to this in my car on the way to school and back. I don't remember much from it, but I do remember how it lifted my soul up and calmed my aching spirit. His discussions on suffering were amazing and it did help me put my suffering in somewhat of a new perspective.

He had a great meditation in there and some good tips to raise my vibration spiritually - which I can use right now. I kept my eyes open, obviously, and I did do the meditation with the reader and the visualization. It's interesting, the traffic becomes part of the meditation. You observe the traffic and left go of the emotions of being in it. I feel like I need to line up books like this and read more healing stuff for my soul. I am stretched thin. This was a big help to me. I probably enjoy storytelling to much to give it up though. I need a balance.

If I can reach half the level of wisdom the Lama has, I will have done some amazing work in this life. I have much more to do. His holiness also speaks so openly about the pain and suffering caused him by losing his people and his city and country. It was a terrible pain he lives with. He has suffered plenty in this life. I suppose if he can survive that, then I can make it through my coarse work and stress.

Listening to master of this philosophy make everything sound so easy and simple. It is very simple until you try and live it and your emotions surge and take you along for the ride and then it feels like the most impossible thing in the world. I have so much to learn and so much to grow. It's simply one day at a time.
bage-mature classic diversity
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Froztwolf
51 reviews14 followers

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May 7, 2011
This is an odd book that seems to span the entirety of Buddhist practice from beginning to end.

The first third of the book was easy to connect with. It talks about things in our daily lives, what the tenets or Buddhist practice are, how these two relate, and basically what Buddhism encourages people to do and why. Having studied Buddhism a little before, there were few surprises there for me but it was yet a welcome reminder and well structured.

The middle part of the book tackles subjects that are somewhat familiar and desirable to me but out of my reach as of yet, like deep meditative states, practicing extreme generosity and benevolence, complete non-harm and such.

The last third of the book flew right over my head. Among the subject were the luminous nature of the mind, the inherent emptiness of all things, concepts of (non-sexual) Tantra and other concepts I seem ill-equipped to fully grasp.


The feeling I get from this book is that the reader's experience is going to be extremely personal. It is suitable for newcomers to Buddhism, as all the basics are described in full detail in the first sections, but they might find themselves frustrated by the last few chapters.

Likewise, those that have practiced Buddhism for a long time might be bored with the level of details in the first basic chapters, but more interested by the last sections.

Worth reading, but don't expect the whole book to be useful and relevant to you at any one time.

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Rustam
187 reviews

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March 27, 2008
I find this man really fascinating, but this book didn't quite get there for me. I wonder if what he preaches is too simple to be interesting in a literary format. I would be interested in reading his auto-biography. His English isn't all that hot, but his occasional anecdotal digressions are very interesting.

I can't believe I'm giving the Dalai Lama TWO stars!? The good news is, I'm not going to Hell, but rather, I may be reborn as a desert rodent.

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Z
117 reviews141 followers

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June 6, 2012
Although I have immense respect for the Dalai Lama's teachings and for traditional Buddhist doctrine, I would not recommend this book as a primer for someone who wants to learn more about Buddhism and/or meditation. The first half of the book is very general, very lightly describing basic Buddhist tenets and advising on concentrated meditation. The second half focuses on the concepts of 'emptiness,' 'inherent existence' and 'dependent-arisings' - and I came away feeling like none of these were really adequately explained. I would imagine that they do not lend themselves to easy explanation. The fallout is that the reader could lose his/her way through this maze of abstractions and wind up at the end of the book blinking in confusion.

What this book did bring home to me was how little time we have in our lives to improve ourselves and be more compassionate, intelligent beings, and what a long, long road lies ahead of us. Perhaps the latter half of this book could make sense to someone who has achieved enough success with concentrated meditation to have somewhat more of a grip on the notion of emptiness. For a more detailed, less abstruse exposition of Buddhist doctrine, I would recommend Sogyal Rinpoche's The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying.
2012
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Tess
60 reviews

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December 20, 2008
I still read this book. Recently, I needed something to bring me peace during a small conflict. I opened the book arbitrarily and found just what I needed. I love this little book. It can be a wonderful guide to living peacefully and spreading peace among others.

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Rimantė :)
125 reviews28 followers

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April 2, 2019
"Na jei pasirodys, kad mano samprotavimai jums praversti negali, tiesiog numokite į šią knygelę ranka" - paskutinis šios knygos sakinys.

Visiškai nenumosiu ir parašysiu 2,5* ,nes didžioji dalis knygos turinio liko nesuprasta arba suprasta dalinai. Nepraktikuoju ir neplanuoju praktikuoti budizmo artimiausiu metu, tad aiškinimai apie dvasines praktikas, jų aprašymai kelyje nušvitimo link man buvo visiškai neaktualios ir dažnai nesuvokiamos.

Kas buvo pasakyta apie gerumą, atjautą, dvasinį tobulėjimą buvo geras priminimas daryti gerus darbus, rūpintis artimu, lavinti kantrybę, išmokti nuraminti sąmonę. Šitai man jau buvo aktualiau, tad iš tų nedideliu suprantamų man ištraukų pasiėmiau, kiek galėjau.

Į visą kitą kaip patarė pati jo šventenybė Dalai Lama - numosiu ranka :)

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robin friedman
1,769 reviews204 followers

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January 23, 2021
To Practice Peace And Kindness

This book by H.H. the Dalai Lama may be read by those wishing an introduction to Tibetan Buddhism and by those wishing to begin or develop their practice.

The Dalai Lama attempts to answer the basic question: "How can people be happy?" His answer outlines a path of spiritual growth and practice. Although based upon Tibetan Buddhism, there is wisdom in the book for anybody seeking spiritual growth, within or without any specific religious practice.

The book consists of six short sections. It begins with a brief discussion of the life of the Buddha which, as the Dalai Lama points out, encompasses the basic teachings of the Buddhist path: morality, concentrated meditation and wisdom. The Dalai Lama then explains the basis of each teaching in short chapters. It is good that the book gives its focus to moral practice -- curing anger, lust, hatred, and aggression and wishing well to oneself and others.

Chapter III of the book discusses meditation practices and will introduce the beginner to the value of meditation and to several meditation techniques. The Dalai Lama stresses the need for consistent practice and for patience and for the need of controlling one's expectations.

There are several chapters which discuss the difficult but key Buddhist teaching of dependent origination. Much of this material the Dalai Lama also covers in an earlier book called "The Meaning of Life."

There is a concluding section on Tantra, a uniquely Tibetan practice. I think it is better for the average person to remain with the practices of morality and concentration described earlier in the book.

Some of the unique features of this book are the Dalai Lama's anecdotes of his life in Tibet before the Chinese Invasion of 1950 and of his teachers. There is a substantial discussion of sexuality in the book and of how it may be used (and abused) in the search for peace and kindness. (pages 192-196) There is a translation of the Heart Sutra, a key Buddhist text with a commentary by the Dalai Lama. (159-163)

I found the Dalai Lama's concluding paragraph captures much of the tenor and the value of this book (page 223):

"Though my own knowledge is limited and my experience is also very poor, I have tried my best to help you understand the full breadth of the Buddha's teaching. Please implement whatever in these pages appears to be helpful. If you follow another religion, please adopt whatever might assist you. If you do not think it would be helpful, just leave it alone."

Robin Friedman

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Callie
621 reviews19 followers

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May 18, 2010
A bunch of quotes from this book I need to get down, because they are valuable.

"By greeting trouble with optimism and hope , you are undermining worse troubles down the line."

CONTENTMENT REGARDING FOOD< CLOTHES< SHELTER:

SHELTER "Lay people can reduce the neverending quest for a better home and for the funiture and decorations in it." Imagine! This is an outright unequivocal, unapologetic suggestion that we just stop acquiring things and be happy with what we have.

"Examine your attitudes toward food, clothes, and shelter. By reducing expectations you will promote contentment. The extra energy which is released should be devoted to meditation and to achieve cessation of problems."

"We should be contented in material areas, for those are bound by limitation, but not with regard to the spiritual which can be extended limitlessly."

"In a sense, all human beings belong to a single family. We need to embrace the oneness of humanity and show concern for everyone--not just my family or my country or my continenet. We must show concern for every being, not just the few who resemble us. Differences of religion, ideology, race, economic system, social system, and government are all secondary"


"When you are concerned about others your own welfare is fulfilled automatically."

Another one about SHELTER! "If you practice more kindness and tolerance, you will find more peace. There is no need to change the furniture in your house or move to a new home. Your neighbor may be very noisy or very difficult, but so long as your own mind is calm and peaceful, neighbors will not bother you much. However, if you are generally irritable, even when your best friend visits, you cannot become really happy. If you are calm, even your enemy cannot disturb you."

"Generating concern for others has vast power to transform your mind. If you practice compassion for the sake of all living beings--including animals--then that same limitless merit will accrue to you."

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Abe
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October 25, 2019
A book replete with wisdom. Finding contentment in material things is undoubtedly the practice that has brought me the most happiness in this life.

I must agree with a lot of reviewers here: the last third of the book is far more advanced than the first two thirds. He provides no definitions, he just jumps right in, so if the reader isn't aware of topics such as dependency, emptiness, etc., it would prove to be a difficult read.

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How To Practise: The Way to a Meaningful Life Kindle Edition
by Dalai Lama  (Author)  Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 out of 5 stars    1,097 ratings
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How To Practice is a major inspirational work, by one of the world's greatest spiritual teachers. It is broken down into the basic steps to enlightenment: how to practise morality, how to practise meditation, and how to practise wisdom - at the same time, delving deeper into His Holiness' more general Buddhist teachings, his spirit, wisdom and sense of humour. The book, meant to be used as part of daily practice, is easy to understand and filled with anecdotes. It includes guidance on mental calm, altruism and compassion, refraining from harm, focussing the mind, and much more.

Beautifully packaged, this is the ultimate gift from the Dalai Lama, and a wonderful gift to give to anyone interested in having a richer, more fulfilled life.

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Print length
224 pages





Jeffrey Hopkins, Ph.D., served for a decade as the interpreter for the Dalai Lama. A Buddhist scholar and the author of more than thirty-five books and translations, he is emeritus professor of Tibetan and Buddhist studies at the University of Virginia, where he founded the largest academic program of Tibetan Buddhist studies in the West.

--This text refers to the paperback edition.
From the Back Cover
In this very special book, His Holiness the Dalai Lama will lead you towards opening your heart and finding true peace in a troubled world.


Set out in a series of distinct steps towards enlightenment, How to Practise is a constant and daily companion for spiritual seekers of all faiths in their quest to practice morality, meditation and wisdom. The Dalai Lama shows us how to overcome everyday obstacles, from feelings of anger and mistrust to jealousy, insecurity and counterproductive thinking. Imbued with His Holiness' vivacious spirit and sense of playfulness, this guide to a meaningful life offers his sage and very practical views on the way we live today and what binds us all together. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Book Description
His Holiness the Dalai Lama's important and accessible handbook on how to live a meaningful life --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.



Review

"Simple, clear advice" (Yoga and Health) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Product details
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B007D15WW0
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Ebury Digital; Classic e. edition (31 March 2012)

Customer Reviews: 4.6 out of 5 stars    1,097 ratings



Customer reviews
4.6 out of 5 stars


Top review from Australia
Paul
5.0 out of 5 stars How to Practise
Reviewed in Australia 🇦🇺 on 4 February 2016
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I've read a few Buddhism books but I am in no way an "expert" in it. But this book by the Dalai Lama was the best of what I've read so far. His cheeky humor plus his keen insights into the human condition made this a very enjoyable read. At the moment I've been simply trying to get a better understanding of the 8-Fold Path as a way to lead the middle way in my everyday life, and this book helped me understand how to do that a lot better. Highly recommended!
4 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries
Andrew Cree
5.0 out of 5 stars It's a mirror into your soul
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 10 February 2020
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A must read for everyone who wants to learn about themselfs and obtain some self improvement. As for myself. Because I think differently as a result of reading this book it has produced more positive interactions with other people and has made them feel better as a result. I buy this book regularly as a present for others.
8 people found this helpful
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Lara Croft
3.0 out of 5 stars Boring
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 19 September 2018
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I brought three books by the Dalai Lama and no disrespect but he does repeat what he has said in all three books so I might as well have just brought the one on this subject. He does like to elaborate the fact we don’t exist over and over. Well if we don’t exist then what is the point of being nice to anyone and Buddhist ways wouldn’t matter and karma wouldn’t bother us anyway ????????

5 people found this helpful

 
Amazon Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars An interesting account of the background and life of a Dalai Lama, and a basic guideline into Buddhism.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 23 November 2021
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I am still learning what Buddhism is about. Being a comparative beginner, I could not understand the chapters on Wisdom, though I did read through them. Besides that, the book is very informative, and gives us an idea of how we should conduct our lives, and lead towards the ulitimate Enlightenment.
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Nisha
5.0 out of 5 stars Systematic Guide as a supplement; Teacher still required
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 18 March 2021
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Clear, concise, and applicable knowledge. Wish I found this 20 years ago when I started practicing. Rest assured this guide will not lead you astray or abandon you. It will keep you on the path.
3 people found this helpful

 
A M van Dyk
5.0 out of 5 stars But it could so easily ahve been one star!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 31 December 2003
Verified Purchase
Why? Sheer frustration at my own inability to put the contents into practice!
Leaving that to one side, it is clear to me that if everyone read and implemented this book, and showed compassion to each other for one's efforts in striving to do so, the world would be a so much better place. The great thing about this great man's writings is that they are disarmingly simple in their wording, without ever becoming simplistic nor conning yo uthat implementation is easy.
7 people found this helpful




2023/01/27

Spiritual in My Own Way: One Man's Gritty Search for Meaning and Peace of Mind: Bergmann, Rev. Gudjon: 9780997301267: Amazon.com: Books

Spiritual in My Own Way: One Man's Gritty Search for Meaning and Peace of Mind: Bergmann, Rev. Gudjon: 9780997301267: Amazon.com: Books







Follow the Author

Gudjon Bergmann
Spiritual in My Own Way: One Man's Gritty Search for Meaning and Peace of Mind Paperback – December 24, 2019
by Rev. Gudjon Bergmann (Author)

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In this honest, vulnerable, and philosophically challenging memoir, Icelandic-American author Gudjon Bergmann describes the ups and downs of his spiritual quest, how he navigated his way through a rebellious youth, the pitfalls of cultural Christianity, the many faces of New-Age spirituality, sobriety, and an obsession with yoga, until, finally, a multi-faceted integral approach led him to revive his respect for the faith traditions and become an interfaith minister. 

Bergmann’s tale equally highlights the epiphanies and stumbling blocks he experienced along the way and he never shies away from the shadow aspects of his spiritual search. This book is dedicated to spiritual seekers everywhere, many of whom have found their aspirations, experiences, and philosophical musings reflected in Bergmann's modern quest.

Print length
210 pages

Gudjon Bergmann



In his works, Icelandic-American author Gudjon Bergmann combines his passion for spirituality and religion with his deep interest in human psychology and two decades of experience as a workshop facilitator, personal coach, mindfulness teacher, and professional speaker. He has written two novels and several nonfiction books about self-development, yoga, meditation, smoking cessation, stress management, interfaith, spirituality, writing, and more. Born in Iceland in 1972, Bergmann moved to the USA in 2010 and became a U.S. citizen in 2013. He is married with two children and lives just south of weird in Texas. Today, he owns and operates Be Here Get There Coaching.

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2023/01/10

The Spiritual Teachings of Maya Angelou : Living in the Light

The Spiritual Teachings of Maya Angelou : Living in the Light

The Spiritual Teachings of Maya Angelou

 • May 29, 2014 • 1 Comment
Maya Angelou - Uptown Mag

Source: Uptown Magazine

Although I heard the news yesterday, the significance of the transition of Dr. Maya Angelou touched me deeply today.  I woke up at 4 a.m., and immediately went into a meditative prayer of gratitude for all she blessed the world with.  Tears of gratitude have flowed off and on, and an increased sense of responsibility has arisen.

From the time I was a teenager, I can remember my mother and grandmother sharing her words with me.  My mother gently nudged (okay, required) me to read her poetry and books, and stressed the importance of the words contained within these pieces of art.  I resisted at first – until I read “And Still I Rise” and “Phenomenal Woman.”  I was hooked.  She so eloquently captured the experience of the black woman and, even at a young age, I felt she was telling my story.  She articulated it so beautifully that I wanted more.

That was the beginning of what became a lifelong appreciation of a woman that has had an enormous impact on the lives of millions around the world.  As I was going through my darkest days of depression and anxiety, I turned to her words to soothe me and give me hope for a brighter day.

There are many wonderful stories of the impact she had in the world currently being shared, but none of those I have seen expand on her as a spiritual teacher.  There are stories of her civil rights leadership, her poetry, her autobiographical series, her singing, her dance career, her giving spirit, and more.  But none have focused on what was one of her deepest passions – spirituality.

Now, one could argue that spirituality is what we live moment-to-moment.  In which case, all of the articles and stories being shared do indeed discuss her spirituality, because it was who she was being.  I would agree with that.  But, I’d like to take it a step further and shed light on some comments of hers that have not garnered as much public attention.

Maya Angelou, in my humble opinion, was one of the greatest spiritual teachers of our time.  She went beyond religion to the essence of what we were all created to be and extend into the world – Love.  She was Love.  She fully felt all of the human emotions, and immaculately displayed her ability to transmute them to Love.  She forgave, she had faith, she extended kindness, she was gentle, she represented peace, she exercised self-control, she was modest, she was patient, she found joy in the midst of sorrow, and she gave and gave and gave…until her last breath.

She was so passionate about spiritual growth that she was, even recently, taking online classes through Unity Church.  She never stopped learning.  She never felt she had “arrived.”  She was “like a little child” – always willing to learn and expand her awareness.  I believe she was free from the stronghold of the ego when she passed, and that she has ascended to join the Masters.

Maya tribute

I added a photo of Maya Angelou to my ancestor altar where I honor my grandmother and those who came before me.

In the foreword to the spiritual classic “Discover the Power Within You: A Guide to the Unexplored Depths Within” by Eric Butterworth, she shared the following words of wisdom:

“What I found to be so compelling in Butterworth’s teachings, and still do, is that the power of God, the essential spirit, is within each of us.  We can ignore that, or we can draw upon it and decide to grow.”

“…It’s a path; it’s a journey.  I’m always amazed when people walk up a say, ‘I’m a Christian.’  I always think, ‘Already? Got it?  Goodness gracious.  Lucky you.’  Well, I’m trying to be a Christian.   Working at it and trying to be a Christian is like trying to be a Jew, or trying to be a Buddhist.  It’s “practicing” a faith.  But in the Christian belief, we are told that the Father, the God, is within.  The New Testament states that the Kingdom of Heaven is within you, and so it wasn’t a great leap for me to go from that belief to Butterworth’s teachings about our divine potential.”

“Along this path of knowledge, I find that prayer and meditation are elemental.  Guidance comes from those practices.  Sometimes in meditation one really tries to think of nothing.  I do, anyway.  I try not to have any focus or use any focus to get away from everything.  I try to make myself a quiet vessel, a quiet pool where ideas can rise.  Prayer, on the other hand, does focus and keep the focus in focus.  I think that I use both to get myself out of the way.  Sometimes our daily problems can so impede our progress to quietude that one needs to step aside.  I think when we step aside, when we get apart from everyone else and any other ideas and meditate and pray, I think that we can be led to the knowledge of how to meet our next challenge, whatever it is – whether it’s physical, psychological, practical, social.  I believe that.”

“…I’ve found that if you give it away, it comes back in such abundance.  I don’t give it away so that it will come back, but that’s just the nature of things.  If you plant one tomato seed, and it comes up, it will bring thousands of tomato seeds.  Whatever you plant, you’ll get thousands of what you planted…I think that’s true in giving. You ask for what you want and then give it away because you’re getting so much more of it back.  I think that what we want, we have to give to the world – kindness, tolerance, generosity, justice, even mercy – in all our dealings.  I would encourage you to be very careful that you don’t die before you’ve done something wonderful for humanity.”

There’s so much more juicy spiritual goodness in the foreword, but I’ll allow those who are interested to check out the book.  It’s well worth the read, and truly unlocks the deeper teachings of Jesus.  She also wrote the foreword to the 25th anniversary edition of Seat of the Soul by Gary Zukav, along with her “sister-friend,” Oprah.  Check out a brief audio clip here.

In January of 2014, she was featured as Science of Mind Magazine’s Spiritual Hero of the Year (photo below).   She was an avid student of New Thought teachings, particularly the teachings of Charles Filmore (Founder of Unity Church) and Ernest Holmes (Founder of the Religious Science movement, which has now become Centers for Spiritual Living and Science of Mind Magazine).   One of the books that most inspired her on this path was “Lessons in Truth” by Harriett Emilie Cady, which is the core text which inspired the founding of Unity Church.

Maya - SOM

Maya Angelou on the cover of the January 2014 issue of Science of Mind Magazine.

I am grateful to have lived at this time to witness such a beautiful, living demonstration of the principles I strive to live my life by and share with others.  I know that you have not ‘died,’ as the Light that shone so brightly through you also shines through us.  We are the Light.  Thank you, “Mama Maya,” Thank you.  May Peace fill the hearts of all those who were touched by your presence.

What are your favorite lessons learned from Maya Angelou’s words of wisdom?  I’d love to hear from you!

Keep shining!

~Kandace

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Kandace Jones
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BLOG: http://www.kandacejones.com
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/livinginthelight
TWITTER: @coachkandace
INSTAGRAM: @iamlivinginthelight
GOOGLE+: http://www.google.com/+KandaceJonesLivingintheLight

About the Author: 

I used to live life shackled by fear, doubt, and worry. I put on a happy face while navigating my day-to-day duties, but I was emotionally drained, stressed, and unhappy. When I hit rock bottom, and was diagnosed with depression and anxiety, I was determined to live life differently. I knew there had to be another way. Out of that determination, and guidance from Spirit, the "Living in the Light" blog was born. It documents my spiritual journey out of the darkness and into the Light. After nine months of publicly sharing my journey, and consciously releasing my attachment to the ego, I experienced a powerful spiritual awakening. I went from living in fear, doubt, worry, and stress to complete inner peace. My greatest passion has become assisting others on their own journey to inner peace. My spiritual memoir, From Stress to Peace: An Intimate Journal on the Journey from Living in Darkness to Living in the Light, is available now on Amazon and BN.com. Click the tabs at the top of the page to learn more about the From Stress to Peace 21-Day Challenge, Living in the Light Retreats, 1:1 sessions, and the Living in the Light Community - all of which are designed to support your journey to inner peace. I appreciate you taking the time to visit the blog and look forward to supporting you in any way I can!