No-Nonsense Buddhism for Beginners: Clear Answers to Burning Questions about Core Buddhist Teachings

Perfect easy to understand book for introduction to Buddhist philosophy. No heavy reading. Relates to modern life. Highly recommend.

Exactly what it says. It's great for really understanding Buddhism without all the complicated twists and turns of other books.

One of the best introductions to Buddhism I've ever read. The author explains Buddhism with clarity and understanding.

How do you write something new and fresh about a topic that has been analyzed down to its toenails? You have to really “get it” and Naoh Rasheta clearly does. Written in an inspired Q&A format, this book really is “No-Nonsense,” which, of course, to the Buddhist means, “It makes all the sense in the world.” I am a proud-to-be-an-American Buddhist philosopher who lived in China for almost a decade. Which means, essentially, that I study the teachings of the Buddha, including the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. I don’t, however, meditate, although I do contemplate. And there is a difference. The point is that whatever you’ve heard about Buddhism is probably both right and wrong. The teachings of the Buddha are so straightforward (notice I didn’t say simple) as to be very difficult to communicate. And, as such, they can take many forms, as evidenced by the large number of Buddhist sects in existence today. Noah Rasheta, however, does a better job than anyone else I’ve read at pulling it all together. And I perceive he is motivated to do so both because he cares and he appreciates that this lack of discrete definability is precisely what many sufferers in the West need, but which prevents them from finding relief. The language of Buddhism can be difficult, in part, because there are so many exotic terms used in its ancient teachings. But these terms are not exotic so much as they are merely unfamiliar and I suggest you largely ignore them. And Mr. Rasheta will help. He doesn’t ignore them but he does marginalize their importance for native English speakers. I like to explain how by using the example of an old tree sitting high up in a mountainous meadow. The tree is real. I can touch it. I can smell it. I can hear the rustle of its leaves. I could even cut it down if I wanted. I can’t, however, “know” the tree. The tree is a product of the things within itself but it is also the product of the climate, the altitude, the soil, the trees and vegetation around it, and an infinite variety of other variables that contribute to defining that tree, and all of which are constantly changing. I can only know that everything is interconnected; to know the tree is impossible, but the tree is real. Buddhists talk a lot about suffering. And there is plenty of suffering in the world today. But like the tree, we cannot truly know suffering unless we embrace the arrogance that would allow us to think we can truly know it. We all suffer but there is no reason to truly embrace it. And as soon as you don’t, whether it’s in meditation or reading a very good book like this one, you can hold that suffering at a distance. And in its isolation it will dissipate. Buy this book, read it through, and put it on your shelf to read it again. The writing is simple and clear and full of simple wisdom that you can reach out and touch.

This is a GREAT book for the "beginner." This book presents, in simplicity, the foundation of Buddhist teaching/practice without all the cultural and/or religious "extras" that have come to attach themselves. This book is not about Theravada... not about Mahayana... not about Zen or Vajrayana. This book is not about the supernatural... not theism or atheism... and this book is not about the history of Buddhism. This book is about the core essence of Buddhism, and it is a joy to read because of its easy comprehension. "No-Nonsense Buddhism..." an ideal place to start one's journey into Buddhism, whatever that may be.

I have enjoyed learning about Buddhism from this book, it is quick and easy to read and also answered a lot of questions. My stepdaughter has gotten interested in different religions so I bought this to answer her questions.

I was raised buddist and have a mother who just wants others to believe she is a good buddist but she isnt. It was always confusing to learn from her and she was very controlling. I have been "taiten" and agnostic for 20 years. When my dad passed, I was reminded of this buddism and all the beliefs we practiced and was taught as kids. Being around family, gathering with other buddists, planning and writting funeral related arrangments...I had to relive my childhood and buddism again. Except now I'm an adult. There are many Buddhists but I could never tell who was sincere and honest with me like this book has. This book explains popular beliefs, myths, stereo types vs the honest truth. I was not aware that I have already practiced a lot of buddist beliefs and philosophies, and can see how psychology, buddhism and even greek philosophy overlap with one another. This book helped me see that I practice daily more about the religion that I was raised in, than I thought. But I dont declare myself as a member of that religion because I no long feel the need to have to choose. I feel at peace that I dont need to to know that I do what is fair in the world. Now I can see where my mother and others manipulates and used buddism to control us as kids and continues to control others with shame and for their own benefit. My mom will never change, and that's ok. But I have peace of mind. And looking back, I know I was a pretty good kid and my mother was very dishonest with me. I was harder on myself than I thought. Who knows why she is this way but I am greatful to have found this book to better see the difference between what is right or wrong, good or bad, fair or unfair. I hope this book helps you to find clarity with what buddism is to you.... Without spending so much time taking classes, reading lots of other books, researching online and asking peoples opinions. If you can just start by reading this one book, learn more facts, then go from here.

Fantastic book. The author, a teacher of Buddhism, uses a question and answer format using questions he has received from his students to explain the core concepts and practices of Buddhism. With a straightforward style and a sense of humor he gives clear explanations and offers examples of how to use these practices in your daily life. Highly recommend!

Ho letto la versione kindle e ho deciso di comprare la versione cartacea come regalo a mia sorella che voleva saperne di più sul tema. Lo consiglio.

I loved this easy to understand book of Buddhism. Everything is made very clear and simple with examples of how the different aspects of Buddhism affect every day life. It is not a religion, it's a way of life. And also a great tool for self improvement. I highly reccomend this book, especially to anyone who is new to Buddhism or curious in any way as to what it's all about.

われわれ日本人にも読み易く分かり易く、ブッダの教えの基本が書かれています。す。

very well written, well paced, general introduction to the philosophy. i really enjoyed discovering it through this book. thank you!

El libro llegó rápido y en muy buen estado. Si estás en el proceso de búsqueda en el budismo y apenas estás comenzando, este libro 100% lo recomiendo, es ligero, te da un panorama general y aclara las dudas que suelen salir cuando estás informándote por otros medios.