Customer Reviews

The Way Things Are: A Living Approach to Buddhism for Today's World (Buddhism Today)

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

This book is the Bread and Butter of Buddhism. It contains the total essence of Buddhist thought and is a living transmision. It is possible for people to read this book, meet the author and become practitioners themselves. For this reason it is something quite special and rarely is is simply put back on the shelf. This book actualy transforms many who meet with it. It is very refreshing to see that there is a spiritual path which is based completely on common sence and encourages friends to be critical and make sure that things match with their lives. In this book Lama Ole writes that where Buddha's teaching would differ with science, Buddha wants us to tust science. This statement is very powerful. It makes things totaly transparent and one is realy able to become aware of the potential of these teachings when applied to everyday life. I highly recomend this book to anyone who excited by Buddhist thought and also anyone who would like a practical method for bringing benefit into the world.

In simple words, Lama Ole Nydahl shares his knowledge, gained as one of the first Western disciples, who for over 30 years studied Buddha's teachings from the highest Lamas of Tibet. This is truly a workbook for a living transmission of Buddha's deep wisdom, given by a Western Buddhist Master. Also through the four meditations included, the reader is experiencing the liberating and powerful methods of Tibetan Buddhism. I am immensely grateful for having found this book. After reading it, my whole point of view of "my" Universe was transformed to a higher level of understanding. I consider it as a key to the rest of my life and highly recommend the book.

Great work by Great Master

It is a great pleasure to know there is a book written in English that simplifies the buddhist path and goal without sacrificing the correct view. Ole Nydahl humorizes and generalizes the topics of the life of Buddha, Buddhas teachings in its totality, and the width and depth of Dharma teachings. I have not come across any other book that gives introductory and highest tantric teachings in such a concise humble manner. It is a suitable read for people new to Dharma and experienced practitioners.

Ole's breakdown of Tibetan Buddhism is clear, full of danish wit, and incredibly profound, no matter how many times one reads it!

I use it as a reference often.... I recommend it to all!

The Way Things Are brings home the vajrayana teachings of Buddhism. It is a book that gives great insights on the first read and many more on subsequent reads. It has a wealth on information for newcomers to Buddhism as well as for seasoned meditators. It is written for a western audience and it succeeds in dispelling the mysticism normally connected with Tibetan Buddhism. If you're looking for a book to read in front of the television, browse on. If you're looking for a solid introduction to the highest teachings of Buddhism, it is a must buy.

If Lama Ole is "not a real master" then perhaps someone ought to inform the likes of His Holiness the Dalai Lama or the either the Sharmapa or His Holiness the Karmapa or any of the buddhist luminaries who hold him in esteem. However, to snatch a taste of the depth of his realisation and the extent of his vast understanding one really need look no further than this erudite, complete and succinct volume. If you want to know what buddhism is: naked, powerful and distinct from its cultural barnicles then this is a remarably good place to start.

Great introduction to Buddhism. Enjoyed it alot!

This book contains all the necessary information for future practitioners. It has also full meditation texts at the end and a list of Diamond Way Buddhism Centers around the world.
As a matter of fact I still come back to this book, and I have recommended it to lots of my friends. So I recommend it to you, too...

The Way Things Are has proven to be one of those books that I am always referring to for myself, and my friends, as we make our way on our joyful and meditative paths. Every time I pick it up, I learn a great deal more. It's that kind of book.

In regard to some reviewers stating that Lama Ole Nydahl is not a "real" or "authentic" Lama, they are incorrect. Lama Ole has studied under some of the most formidable Vajrayana teachers of our time and was given the title of Lama well over 30 years ago when the 16th Karmapa asked that he open up the West to Tibetan Buddhist teachings. He is as real and authentic as it gets.

I liked this book a lot - mostly because of interesting and unconventional presentation of Buddhism. It's great that the author can combine traditional Buddhism and european view.
If one's interested in Buddhism, I think it's the best choice to read this book.