Customer Reviews

The Pocket Buddha Reader

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I would consider this the most accessible pocket reader on the Buddha. There's plenty of substance between the pages which can answer most if not all of your questions about the Buddha's philosphy. Something you can read over and over as you evolve spiritually. It's strangely made easier to read because of the color of paper it's printed on. Of all the shambhala pocket readers, I'd pick this if I had to choose one.

After years of harboring vaguely Buddhist sentiments, I came across this book and found it quite fascinating. It is a somewhat disorganized assembly of very brief quotes from various discourses of the Buddha and related materials, written in modern conversational English. It encouraged me to obtain the full-length versions of the Digha Nikaya and other parts of the Pali Canon. So I credit this book for helping to get me started in a deeper exploration of the Buddha's teachings.

If you are an advanced student of Buddhism you might not be satisfied by the abbreviated material or the compiler's casual and footnote-free handling of complex, controversial matters like the "no self" issue. On the other hand, if you want to keep several copies of an affordable book handy to give to people who express an interest in learning more about Buddhism, this might be a great choice for such outreach efforts.

By the way this same material was also published in a regular-sized book entitled "The Buddha Speaks."

This is an exceptionally fine book. I take it with me everywhere, just in case I need a lift. When I get down, it's there to lend an assist.

I bought this just so I'd have something with me to read when I have to stand in line somewhere.
Great little book that fits in a shirt or jacket pocket.
Highly recommended, as it contains actual teachings of the Buddha, not commentary.

It is a wonderful collection of the words of the Lord Buddha. By reading this little book, one can get an idea of what Buddhism really means.

If you are interested in the substance of Buddha's teaching and don't want to carry around or read a 1400-page book, then this is your perfect companion.

Here is why:

1) Quality selection of Buddha's teachings on many different topics.
2) Fits into your pocket.
3) Great price for what you're getting.
4) The text can be re-visited daily over and over again.

I bought copies for others. Everybody reports getting a lot out of it.

This book is perfect to keep with you and pull out when you have a few minutes (like if you are waiting for something/someone etc).

While imperfect (lacking chapter, verse, etc. to compare with other translations), this volume is excellent. I use it all the time in my Dharma Talks in the US Army. It is concise, readable, comprehensible, and easily explains the central tenets of Buddhism. Though I wish it were broader in terms of material, for what it is, it is hard to ask for more.