No-Nonsense Buddhism for Beginners: Clear Answers to Burning Questions about Core Buddhist Teachings

Perfect easy to understand book for introduction to Buddhist philosophy. No heavy reading. Relates to modern life. Highly recommend.

How do you write something new and fresh about a topic that has been analyzed down to its toenails? You have to really “get it” and Naoh Rasheta clearly does. Written in an inspired Q&A format, this book really is “No-Nonsense,” which, of course, to the Buddhist means, “It makes all the sense in the world.” I am a proud-to-be-an-American Buddhist philosopher who lived in China for almost a decade. Which means, essentially, that I study the teachings of the Buddha, including the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. I don’t, however, meditate, although I do contemplate. And there is a difference. The point is that whatever you’ve heard about Buddhism is probably both right and wrong. The teachings of the Buddha are so straightforward (notice I didn’t say simple) as to be very difficult to communicate. And, as such, they can take many forms, as evidenced by the large number of Buddhist sects in existence today. Noah Rasheta, however, does a better job than anyone else I’ve read at pulling it all together. And I perceive he is motivated to do so both because he cares and he appreciates that this lack of discrete definability is precisely what many sufferers in the West need, but which prevents them from finding relief. The language of Buddhism can be difficult, in part, because there are so many exotic terms used in its ancient teachings. But these terms are not exotic so much as they are merely unfamiliar and I suggest you largely ignore them. And Mr. Rasheta will help. He doesn’t ignore them but he does marginalize their importance for native English speakers. I like to explain how by using the example of an old tree sitting high up in a mountainous meadow. The tree is real. I can touch it. I can smell it. I can hear the rustle of its leaves. I could even cut it down if I wanted. I can’t, however, “know” the tree. The tree is a product of the things within itself but it is also the product of the climate, the altitude, the soil, the trees and vegetation around it, and an infinite variety of other variables that contribute to defining that tree, and all of which are constantly changing. I can only know that everything is interconnected; to know the tree is impossible, but the tree is real. Buddhists talk a lot about suffering. And there is plenty of suffering in the world today. But like the tree, we cannot truly know suffering unless we embrace the arrogance that would allow us to think we can truly know it. We all suffer but there is no reason to truly embrace it. And as soon as you don’t, whether it’s in meditation or reading a very good book like this one, you can hold that suffering at a distance. And in its isolation it will dissipate. Buy this book, read it through, and put it on your shelf to read it again. The writing is simple and clear and full of simple wisdom that you can reach out and touch.

One of the best introductions to Buddhism I've ever read. The author explains Buddhism with clarity and understanding.

This is a GREAT book for the "beginner." This book presents, in simplicity, the foundation of Buddhist teaching/practice without all the cultural and/or religious "extras" that have come to attach themselves. This book is not about Theravada... not about Mahayana... not about Zen or Vajrayana. This book is not about the supernatural... not theism or atheism... and this book is not about the history of Buddhism. This book is about the core essence of Buddhism, and it is a joy to read because of its easy comprehension. "No-Nonsense Buddhism..." an ideal place to start one's journey into Buddhism, whatever that may be.

AMAZING Great quality book, but the information inside is potentially life changing. The book is set up well, the information is easy to digest, and it is 100% meant for someone why just wants to know more about Buddhism. I bought 2 more just to have available to give to friends.

As someone who is entirely new to Buddhism I didn't know where to start, so I started with two paperback books, "What the Buddha Taught" by Walpola Rahula and "An Introduction to Buddhism" by the Dalai Lama. The Walpola Rahula book was a short read in theory, and in fact it took less than a week for me to finish it, which is about 6 days longer than what it should have given its length. It was informative, but was a difficult read insomuch as there were tons of new terms in different languages that I had to become familiar with, but after reading it, I felt that I had a good start to beginning to understand the basics of Buddhism. Next I attempted to read the book by the Dalai Lama. Although worded in a way that was easier to read, it was dry, and seemed more advanced or more academic than perhaps the new lay Buddhist would like, so I set it aside for later and went on a search for something simple and modern using today's english. That brought me to "No-Nonsense Buddhism for Beginners". This book was fantastic. Some may think it too simplistic, but as the second book on Buddhism that I've read, the effect it had on my understanding of previously read concepts is invaluable. It helped clarify just about every aspect of Buddhism that was touched on by Rahula and I feel it will help me move forward in my journey on the path to enlightenment and being a truer version of my being. I'm certain I'll be referring back to this book for refreshing clarification and practical examples of concepts. I

Ho letto la versione kindle e ho deciso di comprare la versione cartacea come regalo a mia sorella che voleva saperne di più sul tema. Lo consiglio.

I loved this easy to understand book of Buddhism. Everything is made very clear and simple with examples of how the different aspects of Buddhism affect every day life. It is not a religion, it's a way of life. And also a great tool for self improvement. I highly reccomend this book, especially to anyone who is new to Buddhism or curious in any way as to what it's all about.

われわれ日本人にも読み易く分かり易く、ブッダの教えの基本が書かれています。す。

very well written, well paced, general introduction to the philosophy. i really enjoyed discovering it through this book. thank you!

El libro llegó rápido y en muy buen estado. Si estás en el proceso de búsqueda en el budismo y apenas estás comenzando, este libro 100% lo recomiendo, es ligero, te da un panorama general y aclara las dudas que suelen salir cuando estás informándote por otros medios.