It's Easier Than You Think: The Buddhist Way to Happiness [Paperback]

Sylvia Boorstein (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 14, 1997

Using delightful and deceptively powerful stories from everyday experiences, beloved Buddhist teacher Sylvia Boorstein demystifies spirituality, charts the path to happiness through the Buddha's basic teachings, shows how to eliminate hindrances to clear seeing, and develops a realistic course toward wisdom and compassion. A wonderfully engaging guide, full of humor, memorable insights, and love.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

American Buddhist teacher Boorstein has crafted a series of accessible lessons about engaging in the Buddhist way of life. With graceful humor, Boorstein teaches the insights of the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path of Buddhism by drawing on examples from her own pilgrimage toward the mindfulness wrought by Buddhist practice. A fine introduction to Buddhism cast in the language of everyday experience. Highly recommended.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"A choice book. . . . [An] obviously loving heart . . . shapes these translations of Buddhist tenets and practices." -- Publishers Weekly

"Endearingly personal wisdom in doses that slide right into the heart." -- Jon Zabat-Zinn, author of Wherever You Go, There You Are

"This book is filled with delightfully wise and simple teachings." -- Jack Kornfield, author of A Path with Heart

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: HarperOne (February 14, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0062512943
• ISBN-13: 978-0062512949
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (41 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #48,543 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Actually ten stars since two of us read it, November 1, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: It's Easier Than You Think: The Buddhist Way to Happiness (Paperback)

My wife and I both read this and found it very worthwhile. I have read a great deal of "heavier" Buddhist material and almost think the word "Buddhist" in the title is unfortunate because it may drive away some readers who would profit from this book. It is really more "common sense" than "Buddhist," and even a Bible-thumping fundamentalist would enjoy it. The author's points are very similar to those of another American Buddhist sage, Charlotte Joko Beck (check out her books as well). The beauty of this book is it's brevity and simplicity. The author basically takes you through her life experiences in short chapters that flow quickly and make their points without preaching. My wife, who has approximately zero interest in the teachings of Buddha, nevertheless found this to be one of the most enjoyable and practical books she has read in a long time. I can't imagine anyone thinking that the couple of hours it takes to read this was time wasted.

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A new way to look at life, December 12, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: It's Easier Than You Think: The Buddhist Way to Happiness (Paperback)

This is a great book, it explains Buddhism concepts in everyday language and in ways that can be incorporated into daily life easily. Buddhism is not just a religion but a philosophy of life. One need not be a buddhist to learn and be enriched by the sound spiritual concepts in this book. I found life to be a bit more of astruggle than I could handle at times in the past until I found this concise, reader friendly book that teaches you that most of life's struggles come from over-attachment to people, places, things, beliefs, etc.Once we realize that life is by it's very nature an ever changing journey and that nothing ever stays the same, we can then find happiness when we let go of our attachments to beliefs, expectations, things, etc. You will find yourself much more receptive to what life has to dish out when you give up the belief that it should be a certain way.

30 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essence of applied Buddhism., June 30, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: It's Easier Than You Think: The Buddhist Way to Happiness (Paperback)

Sylvia Boorstein is a teacher of meditation with at least 30 years experience. She is regularly invited all over the world to lead retreats and to give seminars. It's Easier Than You Think is a collection of brief essays in which she shows, using examples from her own life experiences, how to apply Buddhist techniques and principles. This little book is clear, down to earth and amusing. It will, above all, be appreciated by those who have been overwhelmed by Buddhist terminology. Here they will find

the essence of Buddhism presented in a way that anyone can understand, appreciate and apply.