Customer Reviews

Buddha Mom

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I came to this book after reading Sarah Napthali's "Buddhism for Mothers," which was a very well organized and inspiring book. This book is okay, but is written differently and in a less-straightforward style. It is more narrative, almost preachy at times, and does not give as many examples for practical application like the other book.

More importantly, as a mom of twins, I found myself having a hard time relating to Kramer's spiritual/parenting struggles because, well, she only had one kid. I know that's not really fair, but I'll be honest: it just feel more genuine to take advice from other parents that also have multiple kids, rather than just one. It's just the way it is. I found her birth story difficult to relate to (nice as it was), since again, as a mom of dual-breech twins I never had the option of a nice, natural and drug-free birth. Also, most moms of multiples can only *dream* of taking expensive, time-consuming annual spiritual retreats, as she apparently has done for the last 20 years or so.

A very minor point: even though I don't smoke anything, I wasn't thrilled by the demonization of pot either. (I had enough D.A.R.E. stuff in school, thanks).

In general I found Napthali's book much more practical, as she outlines actual steps to take toward a more spiritual approach to parenting. With Kramer's book you get more of a sense that the book was just the story of her own personal path to spirituality. Unfortunately, I found very little to relate to and just didn't look forward to reading it like I did the other book.

I am not buddhist, but this book spoke to me in ways that go beyond spiritual definitions. I was looking for a way to have a more peaceful household, and Ms. Kramer's words gave me inspiration and ideas to change things within myself to create a family life that made my entire family more content. I highly recommend not only her book, but also her website (http://www.buddhamom.com) and email group.

This book is a meditation on birth, motherhood and the spiritual path of the homemaker. It is not an instructive book - the author completely avoids telling the reader what to do and how to do it - however I found infinite wisdom contained in its pages. What struck me most about this book is that it carries an energy, and that energy is so sacred, pure and blissful I did not want to leave it and could not wait to return to the book. It is written absolutely from the heart and will appeal to mothers (Buddhist or otherwise) who are touching the heart of motherhood and want to know more about motherhood as a spiritual path. Do not look to this book to learn about Buddhism the religion - Buddha Mom actually goes beyond religion - it is pure heart. Just beautiful, a work of art and a true gift.

I am new to Buddhism, and really ended up with this book out of trying to fill a spiritual void and to calm some of my motherly guilt. Well, the void isn't filled and the guilt isn't gone, but I AM closer after reading this book. It combines the precepts of Buddhism with everyday stories, which is so much easier to absorb than some of the other Buddhism books I have been reading, particularly when it's the end of the day, you're exhausted, and only have time and/or energy for a few pages. Jacqueline Kramer is a single mom with a now-grown daughter, and she never tries to make you believe her life is/was perfect, but rather gives you some positive outlooks and ways of coping with the stresses that we all face as parents, and how her spirituality continues to be her guide. I found it very inspiring, and also a great introduction to Buddhism. I only wish there were more books like this!

This book is so well written that it will touch you on many different levels. It will give you an amazing insight into life as a Buddhist parent, but readers of all faiths can relate to the spirituality of mothering. It will hold you as you turn every page, waiting to hear what happens next to the author and her daughter on their journey together. The author is so honest and open about her own experiences you will feel as though you are reading about friends. It is a touching story that has stayed with me, influenced my parenting, helped me find a peaceful moment here and there and warmed my heart as I read each page. Jacqueline Kramer is a blessing and you will be moved as you read her story.

I am not a practicing buddhist, but the spiritual and practical insights of this book have helped me immensely. They've inspired me to be a better parent. The author, a buddhist and single mother, encourages mothers to slow down, take time for themselves, and love themselves, so that they'll be kinder to their children. Her discussion of mindfulness and lovingkindness is very accessible. She even managed to change my mind about chores, explaining that these are acts of love we perform for our children, rather than something to be dreaded. I am a working mother, and I'm very short on time, but thanks to this book I've found that I'm more patient (with myself and my children) and more centered. I still dislike doing the dishes, but at least I can now do them with (almost) a smile.

This is an amazing account of one woman's journey into motherhood. Her connection with her 'self' and consciousness is one to be admired and sought.
This is a book mothers should share with their own daughters. She records many insightful facts, experiences and teachings that we can't always remember to tell our girls before embracing the wonder of motherhood for them selves.
This should be on every womans top 5 must read list.

An important meditation on the spiritually rich and profound significance of mothering today, as always. Beautifully written, derived from the author's own experience as well as other wisdom sources, with many useful spiritual practices woven throughout.

I've have borrowed this book from different libraries so many times, I'm finally going to buy it! This is an awesome book for anyone who wants to heal from past hurts in order to stop the cycle within the family of origin, while on the path of Motherhood.

Here is one of my favorite quotes from this book. "No matter how much I understand with my head, I don't feel compassion for another until I connect with my own pain." Jacqueline wrote that in reference to dealing with her father. It goes on an on I can't say enough good about this book, in my opinion this is one to pass down from Mother to Daughter.

I love this book because I can read it over and over again and something different and profound will pop out each time.

After reading the various reviews, I decided to buy this book. However, I was really disappointed as it's less a book about buddhism and motherhood and more a book about the author. There was little content in the book that was either interesting or useful to me on a spiritual level as most of the text focuses on the author's experience. If you are looking for good book on buddhism and parenting, check out Everyday Blessings by Jon and Myla Kabat-Zinn and Buddhism for Mothers by Sarah Napthali.