Being Nobody, Going Nowhere: Meditations on the Buddhist Path [Paperback]

Ayya Khema (Author), Zoketsu Norman Fischer (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 15, 1987

Being Nobody, Going Nowhere is the winner of the Christmas Humphreys Award for Best Introductory Buddhist Book. In this new edition of her classic best-selling book, Ayya Khema gives clear, practical instruction on meditation and techniques for overcoming counterproductive mental habits and beliefs. Through the simple practices detailed here, one can develop deeper insight, a sense of calm well-being, and a greater capacity to love and feel loved on a daily basis. This incredible book also includes an eloquent, sparklingly lucid outline of the Buddhist path that can be understood and enjoyed by everyone.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Not just highly recommended but essential reading for hearts inclined to the path. -- DharmaCrafts

Simple, Grounded instructions... forthright and resolute guidance. -- Karuna Journal

This book is a valuable guide to the path of meditative insight and loving compassion. It is direct, clear, and inspiring." -- Sharon Salzberg, author of Lovingkindness --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Back Cover

In this book, Ayya Khema gives clear, practical instruction on meditation and techniques for overcoming conditioned mental habits, ideas, beliefs, and limiting thinking patterns. Through these simple practices you will develop deeper insight, a sense of calm well-being, and a greater capacity to love and feel loved on a daily basis. She also includes an eloquent outline of the Buddhist path that can be understood and enjoyed by everybody. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Wisdom Publications; 3rd edition (June 15, 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 086171198X
• ISBN-13: 978-0861711987
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #74,738 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superior book covering the basics of Buddhist meditation, October 28, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Being Nobody, Going Nowhere: Meditations on the Buddhist Path (Paperback)

Using language that everyone can understand Ayya Khema describes the basics of Buddhism and Buddhist meditation. Her writing style and the insights she presents strike the reader as unusually authentic and heartfelt. Although Ayya Khema is not well known in the United States, this book clearly places her in the forefront of other, more well-know practitioners. A Buddhist nun for many years, Ayya Khema's writing emerges from years of personal and practical experience. This book should be read by beginners as well as experienced meditators.

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is an extremely fine introduction to Buddhism!, September 22, 1996

By A Customer

This review is from: Being Nobody, Going Nowhere: Meditations on the Buddhist Path (Paperback)

This book is a wonderful introduction to the basic teachings of Buddhism. It is very clear and requires no previous exposure to Buddhism. Yet the teachings presented in this book are very deep, very profound. I would strongly recommend this to anyone looking for an introduction to the teachings of the Buddha.

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Being Nobody Going Nowhere: Meditations on the Buddhist Path, January 2, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Being Nobody, Going Nowhere: Meditations on the Buddhist Path (Paperback)

On occasion a book appears that turns life 180 degrees and makes all the difference. It plucks the reader up and sets them on a higher plateau. Gentle and direct at the same time, Khema's words bring out not only the wisdom of Buddhism, but the wisdom of life. Her gentle prose guides the reader through the mechanics of Buddhism, yet one doesn't have to be a Buddhist devotee to garner wisdom from the book. If you read to be uplifted, this book fits. It easily fits the palm of anyone seeking knowledge, and it brings a warm breeze to the heart. Though Khema passed on a few years ago, through her book, "Being Nobody Going Nowhere: Meditations on the Buddhist Path" (Khema wrote over twenty-five books), she still speaks her message to the world. Try for example the chapter called "Loving-Kindness Meditation," a gentle prayer amidst rough times, words that set the sails firm.