Buddhism for Beginners [Paperback]

Thubten Chodron (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 22, 2001

Buddhism for Beginners answers the fundamental questions and issues that arise in the minds of modern Western individuals who are new to this tradition of practical spirituality. Written in clear and engaging language, this book presents the Buddhist approach to the fundamental issues and concerns of daily life. Thubten Chodron guides us through the basic tenets of Buddhism, encouraging and instructing us in how to live a more peaceful, mindful and satisfying life. She untangles our confusions and leads us through the most basic aspects of this rich, living spiritual tradition.  

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Chodron's plain English makes his beginner's guide nearly perfect for those new to Buddhism and those who simply want to learn more about one of the world's oldest, most misunderstood religions. In question-and-answer format, Chodron defines Buddhism's essence, which, in a nutshell, is to avoid harming others and help them as much as possible. He describes the goal of the Buddhist path and discusses the historical Buddha and his various manifestations. He answers some most-asked outsiders' questions concerning such matters as the best methods of meditation and how to define karma, and he clarifies Buddhist perspectives on modern issues, from euthanasia and abortion to the environment and animal rights. Clearly, succinctly, and without talking down to readers, Chodron strives throughout to bring people together and help them understand the tradition. To outsiders, Buddhism can seem cold and mysterious, but Chodron unravels some of its mysteries and helps dispel that perceived coldness. June Sawyers
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review

"This book is written for people wanting to understand basic Buddhist principles and how to integrate them into their lives...it will be of much benefit to its readers."--the Dalai Lama

"Thubten Chodron has presented the Buddhist view on essential issues of spiritual development...a tremendous resource for those interested in Buddhist practice."--Karma Lekshe Tsomo, Author and President of Sakyadhita, International Association of Buddhist Women

"Chodron's plain English makes her beginner's guide nearly perfect for those new to Buddhism and those who simple want to learn more."--Booklist, American Library Association

"This is a very thoughtful contribution to Buddhist teachings."--NAPRA ReView  

"A very compassionate book. Her approach is nonsectarian and emphasizes the basic unity found within Buddhism."--Ryo Imamura, Jodo Shin Priest and Professor of Psychology at Evergreen State College

"Her lucid, correct, clear, and convincing manner is highly commendable."--Ven. Dr. Havanpola Ratanasara, College of Buddhist Studies, Los Angeles  

"A beginner's guide to making life more simple and joyful."--Elizabeth Barker, New Age Journal    

"Ven. Thubten Chodron is especially skilled in presenting Buddhist philosophy and practices in ways that are easily accessible and practical for Buddhists who live in the Western world."--Ven. Hung I Shih, Abbot, Jade Buddha Temple, Houston  

"Here is an excellent introduction to Buddhism. Most importantly, it offers good advice for anyone who wants to lead a more sane, balanced, and compassionate life."--Bodhi Tree Book Review

"I'd recommend this book not just for people interested in Buddhism, but really for everyone. A lot of what is mentioned is really common sense: be compassionate, tolerant, truly enjoy things, ask questions, which, in this day and age, we sometimes tend to forget. Consider this a 'refresher course in life.'"--The Feminist Review

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Snow Lion Publications (January 22, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1559391537
• ISBN-13: 978-1559391535
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (47 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,016 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #48 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Buddhism

More About the Author

Thubten Chodron is an American Buddhist nun in the Tibetan tradition. A student of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and other Tibetan masters, she became a nun in 1977. She has been resident teacher at Amitabha Buddhist Centre in Singapore and at Dharma Friendship Foundation in Seattle. Active in interfaith dialogue, she also does Dharma outreach in prisons and teaches the Dharma worldwide. She is abbess of Sravasti Abbey, a Buddhist monastery in eastern Washington State. She is the author of several books, including Open Heart, Clear Mind; Buddhism for Beginners; Taming the Mind; Working with Anger; and How to Free Your Mind: Tara the Liberator. Ven. Chodron emphasizes the practical application of Buddha's teachings in our daily lives and is especially skilled at explaining them in ways easily understood and practiced by Westerners.

"Venerable Thubten Chodron is someone whose life embodies the virtues of kindness, simplicity and clarity of vision, which lie at the heart of the Buddha's teaching. It is these perrenial qualities that shine through her writings and touch the hearts of many readers all over the world."--Thupten Jinpa, author and translator for the Dalai Lama

Working with Anger by Thubten Chodron has been chosen for a Spirituality and Health Award as one of "The Best Spiritual Books of 2001." Spirituality and Health is a quarterly print magazine covering the people, the practices, and the ideas of today's spiritual renaissance. Their website is http://www.spiritualityhealth.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

52 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect for those new to Buddhism & their families!, July 6, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Buddhism for Beginners (Paperback)

Venerable Thubten Chodron is a wonderful writer - she explains things simply and sometimes humorously, and always holds the reader's interest. If you are beginning to practice Buddhism or are contemplating doing so, this book is a great place to start. It is the perfect book to give to friends or family members who are not familiar with Buddhism but want to understand your newfound spirituality.

41 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Have questions about Buddhism?, August 25, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Buddhism for Beginners (Paperback)

I read this book after I finished a more scholarly book on Buddhism. It was quite refreshing to read "Buddhism For Beginners", as it is an easy read. The book is full of questions and answers from cover to cover. You can pick up the book, read it for an hour or so, or just read it for 5 minutes with ease. You can thumb through it looking for subjects that interest you, or you can go from cover to cover. Either way, it is a nicely written book, with clear and simple text. For one who actually wants to begin studying and practicing Buddhism I also suggest they read "Buddhism Plain and Simple" by Steven Hagen. These are both very good books!

48 of 50 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A lot of information, December 22, 2008

By 

SG101 - See all my reviews

This review is from: Buddhism for Beginners (Paperback)

This is a great book for beginners with a little bit of knowledge about Buddhism already. If I knew nothing at all I think it would be very overwhelming because of the amount of information presented so quickly. It answers some great questions about the practice of Buddhism and I would certainly recommend it. My only advice is that if you do get overwhelmed and you really are just beginning, don't give up learning about Buddhism- it is a wonderful practice!