Buddhist Boot Camp

I truly enjoyed it's short, thought-provoking chapters which offered a refreshing perspective on mindfulness, compassion, and personal growth! A great read for anyone who needs a positivity and gratitude reset.

In my World Religion class at my high school we have learned about Buddhism and I was immediately drawn to it because it was all about looking within and finding peace and tranquility, I believe that this book demonstrates all of those characteristics that I love about Buddhism. As I am suffering from a personal dilemma lately I now more than ever look to this book for guidance about how I should view my life and this situation. This book tells us that we must follow thoughts of love and avoid those of fear, it also tells us to train our mind and not succumb to cravings, which this book calls "Uncontrollable Urges." One of my favorite sections of this book talk about how flowers continue to smell lovely even if we do not stop to smell them, and how the sun continues to shine even if we do not appreciate its beauty - so the book advises that we continue to spread love unconditionally and be kind even if those around us to not notice. Another important message that this book gave me was that "the opposite of what you know is also true" this means that we must accept other opinions and reasons for doing things because we do not understand other's circumstances and they might call for different plans of actions then ours do. I love the writing of this book because as other comments said it can be read in any order and it does not require endless sessions of reading, if someone simply wants to hear a few words of wisdom, inspiration or support they can look to this book, read a few of the two page chapters and be uplifted. This is perfect kind of religion book in my opinion, because instead of forcing certain ideals or telling the history it gives relatable advice that is both relevant to the religion of Buddhism as well as to simply having a good and caring life.

Only one "truth" needs to be known - the source of all your suffering, anger, and anguish is You. Grow up. Stop pouring negative energy into things beyond your control. Stop blaming other people for your unhappiness. Start accepting responsibility for the way you feel, think, and act. Learn to accept the possibility that there are various truths, all relative to time, place, and circumstance but existing all at once. Exercise patience, forgiveness, and compassion instead of trying to control what is beyond your control. Love instead of hate. Let go of what you think you know and you will find a more likely truth - you are where you are at for a reason. It's not mystical or spiritual but logical. This book opened my eyes to reason, forgiveness, compassion. This book changed everything. I didn't know where I went wrong before I got the book, after I read it I knew it didn't matter because I learned it was me. I had to change and this book taught me the lessons that would be the basis for making that happen. The lessons that would be the basis for my new humanity. Why this book worked for me when no others did, I cannot say. There is nothing religious or particularly "spiritual" about it. The lessons are presented logically, the content is simple and reasonable. There is no prescription for behavour, no exercises to improve mind control, yet somehow it is effective. When I closed the book, I was different. Your mind can only believe one truth about any given situation at a time, present it with other possibilities, and you open, essentially free, your mind from bias. When this happens you see everything and you see it clearly.

At times, Buddhist teachings can be a tough nut for the Western mind to crack. Buddhist Boot Camp offers an introduction to Buddhist thought and practice that is accessible to beginners and can start you on the path (or at least point you in the direction of the path)to enlightenment and happiness. This is a book that will bring people together in harmony, rather than one that passes judgment on the paths that others have chosen to take. The teachings are practical and useful. The writing style is pleasant and to the point.

This is a great book to read that eases you into understanding Buddhism in a practical way, but with nuggets of information so as not to overwhelm you. It is easy to digest and I appreciate that. It's a wonderful read and when I am not feeling well, I read for a while on my kindle and it helps me cope with certain things in my life. I have always been interested in Buddhism, even as a child, but never found the time to actually sit down and read. Now I can with this particular book. The chapters are short but still very inspiring. I plan to read and reread many times. I did find the cover a bit misleading. I thought it was Buddhism meant for military personnel and how they can include Buddhism into their everyday life. I was pretty wrong. This book is meant for everyone. But I get the whole military graphic trying to convey the "boot camp" aspect of the reading. It is a boot camp in the sense that it is short, to the point, and trains you in the overall concept of Buddhism in an efficient manner. I recommend this book.

I have found great meaning in many Buddhist teachings, but sometimes the stumbling block has been the language and metaphors used. In Buddhist Bootcamp, Timber Hawkeye not only explains everything simply and effectively but speaks in a plain contemporary language. He is easy to understand and his words, instantly connect with. Each subject is succinct and short (no more than 2-3 pages,) making it easy to read small nuggets on the go, for example, without being overloaded. The author leaves just enough room for contemplation and deliberation of each subject. The autobiographical stories used to illustrate each subject, will probably ring true with many people because they share many common experiences and help form a mutual understanding. I would recommend that anyone who has an interest in the Buddhist path purchase this book, it wont disappoint.

If you have interest in Buddhism, it is a good book for you. You don't have to be a Buddhist to be enlighten.

… would describe the book as well and then again, it would be a very misleading title. The boot camp bit is very important – it means, that you can instantly feel and (most important) LIVE buddhism. Buy and get ready to get your spiritual ass kicked. This book is awesome.

Compré este libro para regalarlo a un amigo, pues su mensaje me pareció enriquecedor y transformador. En mi opinión, es un excelente libro que nos recuerda la belleza de la simplicidad y la importancia de la gratitud en la vida. Su formato breve hace de la lectura algo ameno, y sobre todo útil: es como un método de entrenamiento mental que nos inspira a ser la mejor versión de nosotros mismos cada día. Fácil de leer y muy transformador. Un regalo ideal para la familia y amigos.

I first found out about this book through Facebook - I kept seeing it quoted and the essence of each message would continually make me stop and think. There's a lot of cliché and banality in the selfy-helpy world (I'm a psychotherapist so I trawl through an unusual amount) but the goodness and wisdom of Timber Hawkeye shine through all the triteness, and straight to truth. What does it take to be happy? What is that worth? What can we honestly contribute? What does enlightenment really mean? What have I got in my heart and what can I do about it?... these are questions we all should ask ourselves, and without any sense of preachiness or judgment, this book helps you find your own answers. Deeply personal, at the same time its insights apply to everyone. Although the author calls himself 'religionless' and some may find that unsettling, there is nothing that contradicts the essence of good religion here; rather, I personally feel greater respect for all who live authentically the ideals of non-judgment, forgiveness and goodwill - whether part of a religious denomination or not. I've bought copies to give away and keep one for myself - a moment of uplifting peace is guaranteed whenever I dip into it.