Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(36)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

This book was given to me in 1999 by a friend. I was going through a particularly rough period at the time and she thought I might take something away from this book.

What I found was not only a book, but a whole new way of thinking, perceiving the world, and living. This book was my introduction to Buddhism and from there I have expanded in every way possible. I love the way Ms. Boorstein uses personal stories to illustrate the Buddha's teachings. I think this is what makes this book so great........it's down to earth and a common sense approach to sometimes difficult topics to explain in a way that people really understand. This book never fails to bring a smile to my face and like others who have commented, if I am having a rough day I can open this book to any page and find a single sentence that resonates and stays with me.

I've also purchased numerous copies of this book and given them away to friends who are interested in my beliefs. They always come back to me and say, "Wow.....that book was really good!" While they may not experience the dramatic life change that I did they do come away with an understanding and appreciation of my beliefs.

I'm not "into" Buddhism, per se, but what I've read about the
subject has piqued my interest . . . so did IT'S EASIER THAN YOU
THINK by Slyvia Boorstein, subtitled "The
Buddhist Way to Happiness."

It presents a very readable introduction to the basic tenets of
Buddhism . . . the author's use of stories from everyday
experience greatly help to demystify basic teachings and
make them easily comprehensible.

Boorstein--also a practicing psychotherapist--has done a
masterful job of putting together a guide that is full of
humor, memorable insight and perhaps most importantly, love.

There were several memorable passages; among them:
Going through changes was what Alta was very good at, and, in that
ability, she was my role model. We became good friends and spent
many rainy winter days in her sewing room making clothing, usually
for me. I would talk about my family, and she would talk about
hers-the kind of conversations women have when they sew together.

I was often relieved to see that what I was fretting over as a problem
didn't appear to her to be a big deal, and I noticed she could tell me
about a difficulty in her family that seemed to me to be huge while
she kept right on sewing, not missing a stitch. I knew she was sad, but
she appeared at ease. "Aren't you upset?" I would ask. "I've done
all I could about it," she would say, "so there is no point in being upset."

Here is an exercise in advance Right Speech. Starting tomorrow when you
wake up, don't gossip. See what happens if you just give up making
comments about anyone not present. Listen carefully to the voice in your
mind as it is getting ready to make a comment, and think to yourself, "Why
am I saying this?" Awareness of intention is the best clue for knowing
whether the remark you are about to make is Right Speech. Is your
intention wholesome, a desire to help? Or to show off? Or to denigrate?

I have become more passionate, not less. When I am delighted, which
is often, I am ecstatic. When I am sad, I cry easily. Nothing is a big deal.
It's whatever it is, and then it's something else.

Sylvia Boorstein's "It's Easier Than You Think" is a lovely little book about a Western approach to Buddhism -- an examination of the Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path to Happiness through the lens of an American new to the belief system. The chapters are just a few pages, and the language is simple and graceful. Like Natalie Goldberg and Jack Kornfield, Boorstein writes about her own journey to Buddhism, and has many anecdotes about how it has made her perspective more peaceful and loving. All three writers have a lovely light touch -- the spirituality has clearly affected their writing style. I enjoyed the book, and will read her other books.

I should qualify that title. I'm a novice when it comes to Buddhism, per se. I'm quite familiar with the ideas in this book. I happened to find the book-on-tape in the library, so it was a surprise to me.

I've really enjoyed it. It's another discourse on the idea of pain being inevitable, but suffering, optional.

The book on tape strikes me like having a conversation with someone who has gathered their thoughts about what's important in life and come up with some good answers. Boorstein comes off as wise and worth listening to. I'm happy to spend time with her.

This is a great book for people who turn to buddhism to help them cope with life. I have found comfort and have often pulled my head out of my "you know where" due to this book more so than I have found in many years of therapy. I suffer from depression at times and while I'm sure there is a physical reason I'm prone to depression, I'm even more sure that my outlook on life contributes to it more than any other single factor. The teachings of Buddha are to me, more a philosophy rather than a religion. Life is DIFFICULT. For EVERYONE. Accept it and learn not to cling to things, people and dreams. A mind free of wants will be a peaceful mind.
If you are interested in learning about buddhism as a means of learning to survive happily in this world, this is the book for you. It is light, easy to understand and makes a lot of sense.

Fortunately, this book was my introduction to Buddhism. Ms. Boorstein has a wonderful way of using simple, personal stories to illustrate Buddhist principles. I actually have bought several copies since, and the audio tape, to give to interested friends. Many times I've experienced something in life and remember what I learned from the book... and isn't that what makes a book a success? That it stays with you?

I have had this little book for several years. I am on my 3rd or 4th reading of it. Highly recommended. Not "religious", just good sound advice for anyone.