Customer Reviews

The Buddha in Your Mirror: Practical Buddhism and the Search for Self

5 star:		(51)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is an excellent introduction to the growing Buddist tradition of Nichiren Buddhism. It covers questions that might be asked by a beginner, and it also goes into deeper areas such the soul, relationships, death, true happiness, and so on. I also recommend a book of wisdom titled "Open Your Mind, Open Your Life" by Taro Gold, which is filled with the wisdom of Nichiren Buddhism and makes a great companion book to this one.

What a treat! Herbie Hancock's melodious foreword opens the heart of the reader for a delightfully written, brilliantly executed introduction to Nichiren Daishonin's amazing yet practical Buddhism. The authors deliver a light, affirmative exposition of one of the world's fastest growing and most dynamic "spiritual technologies" that strengthens the human soul, empowering anyone willing to put it to use with a richer more powerful life-force to face the challenges of contemporary society. Quick paced and refreshingly to the point, this is a joyful read that strips away the cloak of religious authority, rendering highly complex and profound spiritual concepts in simple to understand contexts that make them applicable to our daily lives. The clarity and flow of the text is actual proof that the three voices of Hochswender, Martin and Morino harmoniously demonstrate the power of the simple Buddhist practice they so eloquently advocate. This book is a compelling and hopeful guide that informs the reader that enlightenment is not an unreachable golden ring but instead, a very real and useful state of being available to each of us willing to put it to the test in the ever changing perfect mirror of the eternal here and now!

If the very idea of reading about or practicing Buddhism confounds you--and let's face it, it can be--this book will explain it in clear terms. It's almost mechanical, but that's the idea--to explain this Buddhism to the Western World (especially Americans!), are accustomed to reading things like technical manuals and reading newspapers online. It's just the way we are "hard-wired," and it's written BY Americans FOR Americans, or anyone else who would like to read it. Less theory, more substance, and more of what you check out Buddhism for. It's an easy read, too--about 210 pages, double spaced, big margins. ...

As I tell new members (as well as a few old ones) "It's all about the practice." That's it. Everyting else is superflous. The practice is everything, and it's explained in this book--how, when, where, what and why, as well as "case studies" of members who changed something with the practice and chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo. Millions of people can't be wrong. Again, it's all about the practice, and how to go about it.

So--what are you waiting for?

This is an excellent introduction to the growing Buddist tradition of Nichiren Buddhism. It covers questions that might be asked by a beginner, and it also goes into deeper areas such the soul, relationships, death, true happiness, and so on. I also recommend a book of wisdom titled "Open Your Mind, Open Your Life" by Taro Gold, which is filled with the wisdom of Nichiren Buddhism and makes a great companion book to this one.

After reading "Being Peace" (by thich nhat hanh), I realized Buddhism was for me. Being raised catholic all my life, Buddhism was not only a refreshing ideological change, but a much more empowering idea for me to have/act upon. This book is a wonder, and a necessary read for anyone truly interested in buddhism.

Till I took a look at this work, I had always thought Buddhism was something exotic. Of course, it's been in the news lately, but still I figured it had no relation to me. Now I've read this book and it sort of crystallizes how I've always viewed life--or at least how I always thought it should be. And this book gives me a way to put these great ideas into practice. I'm highly impressed and will share this book with my many skeptical friends.

I have been a follower of Buddhist Philosophies for many, many years. When I was first introduced to Buddhism in the late 1960's, I found Buddhism to be a very in-depth, complex experience. Today, that has been simplified by authors such as this one who have taken the concepts of Ancient Buddhism and adapted them to the Western World.

This book, in particular, will help the reader to understand that our search for Buddha and Enlightenment, leads us not in the direction of any external source, but is found within ourselves. Each of us has the power to become Enlightened and discover a happier, more fulfilling, loving and peaceful life. True happiness is not found in others or any outside source, but is found deep within ourselves, but first of all, we must discover who we truly are and our purpose for being. The many concepts presented in this book have the potential to help readers find inner-peace and contentment, and by doing so, also enriching the lives of those around them on a personal and global level. Love and compassion for one's fellow man can, indeed, enrich the world. One other book I highly recommend is "Awakening the Buddha Within" by Lama Surya Das. "Awakening" is my favourite of all books by Lama Surya Das; it is very easily understood and is a thoroughly enjoyable read (made moreso by a slight touch of humour throughout) which explains the basic philosophies of Buddhism. May each reader find peace, happiness and love on the path to Enlightenment.

I have been practicing Nichiren Buddhism in the United States for 30 years, and have read innumerable publications regarding Buddhism, but this is the best concise explanation of our practice and its ideals that I have ever read. It is intelligent, easy reading for someone who is not familiar with this Buddhist practice. It also conveys the compatibility of Buddhism with engaged modern living. After reading this book, I immediately passed it on to a relative, who is a devote Catholic and had previously asked for something to read which would explain my faith.

This book has finally given the public a way to understand this very powerful religion without it being esoteric and "other worldly". Anyone who reads it will gain valuable insight and could lead to a a profound life change. Hats off to the authors and Herbie Hancock for sharing and doing such as outstanding job.

This is a book for the down-to-earth pragmatist. It tells you how and why you are intended to be enlightened. Then it explains what enlightenment is. It tells you exactly in concrete steps what to do to become enlightened (to activate your Buddha nature and use it daily).