Buddhism is Not What You Think: Finding Freedom Beyond Beliefs - Softcover

Hagen, Steve

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0718193067 ISBN 13: 9780718193065

Publisher: Penguin, 2012

Synopsis

What is Buddhism? In Buddhism is Not What You Think Steve Hagen, bestselling author of Buddhism Plain and Simple and a Zen priest, cuts through the many misconceptions surrounding Buddhism, and shows us its true purpose. Drawing on down-to-earth examples from everyday life, this practical and straightforward guide penetrates the most essential and enduring questions at the heart of the Buddha's teachings: How can we see the world in each moment, rather than merely as what we think, hope, or fear it is? How can we base our actions on reality? How can we live lives that are wise, compassionate, open and honest? What can it bring to our lives?

This book offers a profound and clear path to a life of joy and freedom.

About this title

From the Back Cover

"If it's Truth we're after, we'll find that we cannot start with any assumptions or concepts whatsoever. Instead, we must approach the world with bare, naked attention, seeing it without any mental bias -- without concepts, beliefs, preconceptions, presumptions, or expectations.Doing this is the subject of this book."

Renowned Zen teacher and bestselling author Steve Hagen penetrates the most essential and enduring questions at the heart of the Buddha's teachings: How can we see the world as it comes to be in each moment, rather than merely as what we think, hope, or fear it is? How can we base our actions on Reality, rather than on the longing and loathing of our hearts and minds? How can we live lives that are wise, compassionate, and in tune with Reality? And how can we separate the wisdom of Buddhism from the cultural trappings and misconceptions that have come to be associated with it?

Drawing on down-to-earth examples from everyday life and stories from Buddhist teachers past and present, Hagen tackles these fundamental inquiries with his trademark lucid, straightforward prose. The newcomer to Buddhism will be inspired by this accessible and provocative introduction, while those more familiar with Buddhism will welcome this hands-on and much-needed guide to understanding what it is to be awake. By challenging us to question what we take for granted about Buddhism and our lives, Buddhism Is Not What You Think offers a profound and clear path to freedom and joy.

About the Author

Steve Hagen is a Zen priest, a longtime teacher of Buddhism, and the author of the bestselling Buddhism Plain and Simple and Buddhism Is Not What You Think. Hagen began studying Buddhism in 1967. In 1975 he became a student of Dainin Katagiri Roshi, and in 1979 he was ordained a Zen priest. Steve lives in Minneapolis, where he lectures, teaches meditation, and writes. He is currently head teacher at Dharma Field Meditation and Learning Center in Minneapolis.

About this edition

• Publisher: Penguin
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 0718193067
• ISBN 13: 9780718193065
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 272