Six Keys to Buddhist Living: Simple Rules for Joy and Peace of Mind [Paperback]

Madonna Gauding (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 28, 2005

Find the key to enlightenment with six simple rules based on the ancient Buddhist teaching called the Six Perfections. People of any faith can find joy and peace of mind in this entertaining and profound book. These rules--including 'Let It Go' and 'Do No Harm'--have been updated and explained for today's lifestyle. Meditations, journal exercises, and creative suggestions for putting these six keys into practice accompany poems, prayers, and wise words from spiritual teachers past and present, making it the perfect bedside companion to opening new horizons of possibility.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The Buddhist teaching of the Six Perfections has been, in the publisher's words, "updated for today's lifestyle" in this short, full-color book. The text is rooted in Buddhism and offers simple teachings of virtues as the Buddha named them—a fine aim. Great spiritual teachers often convey their teachings simply to make things easier for disciples. Yet some of this updating of the adaptable wisdom of Buddhism is more tired than timeless. "Get real," the restating of the virtue of striving for wisdom in one's life, sounds more like Dr. Phil than the Buddha. "Try to be there for people when they face serious problems" is obvious and yet vague. Real-life examples and stories that have been sifted for wisdom are more persuasive in spiritual writing than these generic exhortations. The book adopts a well-established self-help formula—keep it simple, add relaxing pictures and give the female reader interested in self-improvement something to write or do. The pictures in particular are pretty but empty, showing visual clichés such as women with their eyes closed in meditation. Spirituality is concerned with depth, yet some of the practices recommended here (take a soothing bath, monitor stress levels) are largely superficial. This book is for those who want Buddha lite. (Nov. 2)
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About the Author

Madonna Gauding is a designer editor, and writer. A student of Tibetan Buddhism for twelve years, she has also studied and practiced the martial arts of Seido Karate and Kajukenbo and has studied Chinese and Japanese medicine, including Ohashiatsu. Madonna has designed book covers and designed and typeset interiors for a number of spiritual publishers, including Quest Books, Inner Ocean, and Sheed & Ward. She is author of The Meditation Bible and The Art of Living (forthcoming)

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Godsfield (August 28, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1841812528
• ISBN-13: 978-1841812526
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 6.6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,177,785 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Buddha isn't just for Buddhists anymore, April 1, 2006

By 

W. W. Sinclair (Fort Collins, CO) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Six Keys to Buddhist Living: Simple Rules for Joy and Peace of Mind (Paperback)

I'll admit up front that I'm not a Buddhist, nor did I know much about Buddhism until a friend gave me this book. What an eye-opener! Laid out in clear, concise, helpful, and interesting ways are the "six keys" that really translate to: six really important, necessary things to follow in order to improve your life, and the lives of everyone you touch.

The best thing about the book, in my opinion, is that it introduces the topics in a way that anyone can relate to, including a Christian like me. I was immediately struck by the similarities to Christianity -- that really basic "love thy neighbor" kind of Christianity that is all about being the best possible human being you can be. Sometimes it's stated in different ways or uses different terms, but the heart of this book is the heart of love and peace and understanding that so many of us crave. I love the way Madonna Gauding took me on this journey of the mind and spirit. A wonderful book. I have a brand new respect for Buddhism, and for the path of trying to become a better me.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just in time..., March 8, 2010

By 

Debbie "*Be the Change You Wish to See in the... (Ohio) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Six Keys to Buddhist Living: Simple Rules for Joy and Peace of Mind (Paperback)

I was extremely happy with the condition of the book. I had a very worn copy before this but gave it as a gift. A few days after I gave mine away I realized how much I used this book and carried it with me so I needed another copy and I needed it quick. The best thing about my order is I got it a day before my birthday! I would be happy to order from this person again!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars enlightenup, December 22, 2008

By 

Lauren N. Moore "pirate chick" - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Six Keys to Buddhist Living: Simple Rules for Joy and Peace of Mind (Paperback)

i like reading this book in the mornings so i can get myself mentally in check. not only are the rules that are discussed simple and straightforward, but the layout of the book is as well. Each chapter defines and discusses one of the 6 keys and or how they work together. There are also different assignments and meditations that accompany the readings. i keep a pen and paper close at hand, so i can write down my own thoughts as well. i personally have overcome a lot of anxiety and it has made living with bipolar disorder a little easier because i have really begun living with these keys as guidelines all though there are only six keys they relate to every moment of your life an truly bring joy and happiness into it.