Buddhism For Beginners [Paperback]

Thubten Chodron (Author)

Book Description

Release date: January 1, 2001

This user’s guide to Buddhist basics takes the most commonly asked questions—beginning with “What is the essence of the Buddha’s teachings?”—and provides simple answers in plain English. Thubten Chodron’s responses to the questions that always seem to arise among people approaching Buddhism make this an exceptionally complete and accessible introduction—as well as a manual for living a more peaceful, mindful, and satisfying Life. Buddhism for Beginners is an ideal first book on the subject for anyone, but it’s also a wonderful resource for seasoned students, since the question-and-answer format makes it easy to find just the topic you’re looking for, such as:

   • What is the goal of the Buddhist path?
   • What is karma?
   • If all phenomena are empty, does that mean nothing exists?
   • How can we deal with fear?
   • How do I establish a regular meditation practice?
   • What are the qualities I should look for in a teacher?
   • What is Buddha-nature?
   • Why can't we remember our past lives?

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.”—H.H. 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, 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 simply want to learn more.”—Booklist


“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

“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 of Jade Buddha Temple in Houston

“This is the perfect gift for family and friends who wish to understand one’s engagement with Buddhism. Thubten Chodron combines several decades of traditional training in Tibetan Buddhism with western psychotherapeutic relevance. . . . That quality of integration is where the Venerable Thubten Chodron is such a powerful writer and teacher.”—Branches of Light


“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

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Snow Lion (January 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1559391537
• ISBN-13: 978-1559391535
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (80 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,530 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #3 in Books > History > Asia > Tibet
  • #45 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Philosophy > Eastern > Buddhism

More About the Author

Venerable Thubten Chodron has been a Buddhist nun since 1977 and has studied and practiced Buddhism under the guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Tsenzhap Serkong Rinpoche, Lama Zopa Rinpoche and other Tibetan masters. She is the founder and abbess of Sravasti Abbey (www.sravasti.org), a Buddhist monastic community in Washington State, USA.

Ven. Chodron emphasizes the practical application of Buddha's teachings in our daily lives and is especially skilled at explaining them to contemporary readers. She is well-known for her warm, humorous, and lucid teachings. Active in interfaith dialogue, she also does Dharma outreach in prisons and teaches worldwide. Visit www.thubtenchodron.org to access archives of her extensive teachings, and www.youtube.com/user/sravastiabbey for daily Dharma talks.

"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 perennial 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

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

62 of 62 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

Format: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.

50 of 50 people found the following review helpful

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

By A Customer

Format: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!

64 of 69 people found the following review helpful

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

By SG101

Format: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!