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Buddhism Plain and Simple
- Narrated by: William Hope
- Length: 4 hrs and 58 mins
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Publisher's Summary
The observations and insights of the Buddha are practical and eminently down to earth, dealing exclusively with awareness in the here and now.
Buddhism Plain and Simple offers listeners these fundamental teachings, stripped of cultural trappings that have accumulated around Buddhism over the past 25 centuries. The newcomer will be inspired by the clear, simple principles found in Buddhism Plain and Simple, and those familiar with Buddhism will welcome this long-needed overview.
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Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Asha Ember
- 01-28-17
Thrilled this Is Finally an Audiobook
I simply cannot recommend this book enough. In fact, I can't tell you how many copies I've bought and given away over the years, I like it that much.
It was through this wonderful book that Steve Hagen first introduced me to Buddhist philosophy almost two decades ago. Reading it was one of the profoundest experiences of my life. Hagen's down-to-earth writing style managed to convey to me principles easily lost in esoteric scholarly work or painfully vague pop philosophy books. Simply put, this book helped me discover the central truths I live by every day. Rediscovering it now as an audiobook and knowing that this format will make it so that many others who are interested in philosophical Buddhism may discover it as I did is simply wonderful. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
13 people found this helpful
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- Hunter Allen
- 01-27-16
Buddhism for the Real World
What made the experience of listening to Buddhism Plain and Simple the most enjoyable?
The material is so concise and solid. The examples are easy to follow and there really isn't any fluff or filler. Steve Hagen has clearly chosen his words very thoughtfully. I've read/listened to at least ten books on the subject and this one was not only the best, but easiest to follow while still covering all of the key material. Certain points hit so close to home they gave me chills. As a new parent and owner of an oil and gas company I've found much of this material immediately applicable to my everyday life. I highly recommend this audiobook.
13 people found this helpful
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- Kingwoodian
- 06-14-17
Plain and Simple
Buddhism Plain and Simple is still the best Dharma book I've read, and the one I always recommend to anyone interested in Buddhism. This book begins with the basics and doesn't stray too far from that. There isn't much religion or "woo woo" included; the focus is all on seeing what is, as it is, with no attachment, and being fully present in each moment.
5 people found this helpful
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- JMKIII58
- 02-04-17
Excellent read for one
starting their journey into Buddhism. Clear, concise information about how to be a buddhist. I highly recommend reading this book for a beginner or one curious about the path.
4 people found this helpful
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- Victor
- 02-26-16
Must read!
This book flows in a way that you retain the teachings but also sets you up perfectly to find your now.
STRONGLY RECOMMEND for anyone who is having trouble in life and can't seem to find the answer in religion or books. Maybe the truth is with you already.
9 people found this helpful
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- J.Huang
- 03-12-17
Life changing book
be awake & live in reality, all of the time. Best book on how we should all live our lives
3 people found this helpful
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- Brandon
- 12-14-16
Extremely Interesting!literally plain and simple.
Was very educational and easy to understand.gives you a sense selfawareness.give this audiobook a listen
3 people found this helpful
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- Tylr
- 12-12-16
Great book for keeping it simple and to the point
I really enjoyed this little book, it wasn't too long and didn't get into any mumbo jumbo. I wanted the basics and I got it, great book!
3 people found this helpful
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- Marty R.
- 07-15-16
Simple and concisely what we all need.
This is without a doubt the most eloquent and sensible introduction to Buddhism I've ever experienced. Free of the centuries of cultural trappings and pageantry often observed though most mediums of Buddhist philosophy. This gets to the core of Buddhism, none of the mysticism or story telling, it's merely what you need to know to help you wake up.
2 people found this helpful
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- Michael
- 08-03-19
Thus
A wandering mind shall be stilled by a gentle breeze from the swelling ocean of No Mind.
1 person found this helpful
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- Kenneth
- 02-13-18
I can't recommend this book enough
This short book is for anyone who wants to know what Buddhism is and for those who want to truly understand it's teachings. I've listened to a lot of books on Buddhism but this book is one of the best and deepest teachings I've come across so far. Have already listened to it twice and can see myself listening many more times to try and grasp it's profound teaching. Thank you.
9 people found this helpful
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- Anonymous User
- 06-01-20
I couldn’t put this book down
As a psychotherapist I found this book fascinating how the Buddhism theory links to the Humanistic approach to the here and now. A great read will definitely be listening to this again and maybe again after that. The narrator was very easy to listen to, great job.
5 people found this helpful
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- T V.
- 08-23-17
Is this Buddhism in a nutshell?
A good introduction, simple concepts that are repeated frequently (appreciate the repetition as it aids understanding).
4 people found this helpful
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- Scott
- 04-11-20
One of the best books on this subject
Very clear and simple coverage of a complex subject
Highly recommended for beginners and as a refresher for those with more knowledge
Thank you Steve Hagen for writing this book
3 people found this helpful
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- Paul Doherty
- 09-18-17
Great listen/read.
found the book easy to listen to but also very informative. author was very knowledgeable and puts the concepts of Buddhism across in flowing but easily understood way.
3 people found this helpful
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- Trendywendy
- 12-18-16
now I'm on the path
My first footsteps on the path, with zero previous knowledge this filled in a number of blanks and questions I had.
7 people found this helpful
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- Anna
- 01-08-19
a book that enlightened me. literally!
this book changed my life for better when I needed it the most!!! absolutely in top 5 of my favourite books!!! brilliant is the least to say!
2 people found this helpful
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- Chloe
- 12-30-17
It is a wonderful book
It is the best book if you want to start Buddhism I loved every chapter
2 people found this helpful
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- Ian Worcester
- 06-26-20
Not that simple...
A good book covering the basics of Buddhism. I think I’ll have to listen to it a number of times and do a lot thinking about how ‘ plain and simple’ it all is.
Recommended to those who find themselves asking questions about what everything is about.
1 person found this helpful
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- Mcn
- 10-06-19
Clear and engaging
Clear and engaging, nice narrative style - would recommend. Will be listening to it again.
1 person found this helpful
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- Kindle Customer
- 11-28-18
Sorts the wheat from the chaff
Puts the fundamentals into understandable concepts. Not simple, but understandable. It also requires practice before it is actually going to sink in.
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- Anonymous User
- 12-11-17
confused
The is not plain and simple it is way to much confusion. Listening to the audio made me confused and there is better books available
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- Lisa
- 06-02-17
Not really Plain or Simple... or Buddhist
I love Buddhism and love things put Plainly & Simply.
But I'd describe this more as one person's version of Buddhism, which is not really the standard version, and not put particularly plainly or simply at all.
It was one of those books I kept drifting off from, didn't have any great "yes, great concept/advice/inspiration" moments, and after I finished it - couldn't really remember anything he said.
If you're looking for a good foundation Buddhist book, I'd recommend Jack Kornfield Buddhism for Beginners.
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- Sean
- 12-01-16
If your asleep then this will help you awaken
loved it! I found all the content to be perfectly sensible and helpful. An open mind will surely find this impossible to disagree with. Here, now connected.
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- melanie
- 10-29-16
A book that explains Buddhism well
Fantastic book. The narrators voice was just right. made some very difficult concertos much easier to understand. thoroughly recommend this book.