Customer Reviews

Pay Attention, for Goodness' Sake: Practicing the Perfections of the Heart--The Buddhist Path of Kindness

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In all fairness to my readers, I must begin this review by telling you that I typically review business books. This is not a business book. I'm not sure how I got it, but somehow this unusual (for me) book appeared on my shelf of books to review. I took it along on a business trip, more out of curiosity and whimsy than a particular interest in actually reading the book. On the airplane, for some reason, I decided to skim through "Pay Attention, for Goodness Sake" instead of reading a business book I'd also brought along.

This read was refreshing. Good word. It was a refreshing change of pace from my usual fare. But, it was also re-freshing, if I may hyphenate for emphasis. Sylvia Boorstein, both a Jew and a Bhuddist, has written a number of books. Thought I haven't read them, I suspect, like this one, they teach in a conversational, comfortable way. I learned and found some interesting comfort as I read through these pages, like having an interesting discussion with someone who knows more than you do. You want to listen. As I turned page to page, I found myself held to the book. I wanted to read a little more and a little more.

This is a thoughtful book, describing ten "paramitas" or perfections. The organization and flow of the book makes it easy to grasp the author's message and organize it in your own mind. The introduction explains the concepts and their application. Each "perfection" or practices is presented in its own chapter: Generosity, Morality, Renunciation, Wisdom, Energy, Patience, Truthfulness, Determination, Lovingkindness, and Equanimity. I would describe the work as an instructional guide that inspires the reader to think . . . no, to ponder.

This is not a business book in the customary classification of books, but I'd certainly recommend it for current and aspiring business leaders. We all need to pay attention more than we are; we miss so much in today's rush-rush world. Take time to reflect, to ponder. Refresh yourself with this book.

This is the first book I've ever read by Sylvia Boorstein, but I doubt it will be the last. In Pay Attention, Boorstein teaches us about the ten Paramitas, or the pefections of the heart. She uses parables and stories from her own life to teach us what the paramitas are about as well as how they are beneficial to us if we put them into practice. She's very open, honest, and kind and writes the book as if you're sitting right there next to her and she's having a conversation with you. She doesn't make anything confusing or get too wordy like many Buddhist authors of today do.. she just tells us what we need to know and offers a few short stories to help get the point across. I personally found this book to be one of the best additions to my spiritual library in quite a while. If you're looking for a good book on Buddhism, spirituality, or just something to lift you up and make you feel better as well as the people around you feel better, I would definitely recommend this book.

In my opinion, we can never practice and sustain the loving energy of the heart enough. It needs to be an ongoing focus and commitment in order for us to reap its vast rewards. In the Buddhist practice of Mindfulness, this heart-focus is elegantly laid out as the Ten Paramitas or Perfections of the Heart - particular qualities that are "natural, built-in inclinations of the human heart". In her book, Sylvia Boorstein gives each one of these Paramitas its own chapter, and explores its meaning with humour and wise stories. As a psychologist and meditation teacher, she amplifies the understandings and practical application of these Perfections for everyone to appreciate. The list comprises Generosity, Morality, Renunciation, Wisdom, Energy, Patience, Truthfulness, Determination, Lovingkindness and Equanimity.

This is a beautiful book. It tells the truth about who we are and what we can do about it. Ms. Boorstein's book is a jewel. This isn't fluff but good rational information on improving 'Mindfulness.' Anyone who follows Buddhism in any form will find valuable contemporary instruction. Good read.

Just to say, read and heed the title and you'll be more than half way there. A wonderful addition to my library and a tome to calm and direct ones self in these times and always.