Awakening the Buddha Within: Tibetan Wisdom for the Western World

The font was small for my old eyes

Enjoying the read.

Peace on earth ... there is no greater gift than to help others find internal peace. The book, obviously, is more rich with information, but these tapes are wonderful. I'm buying them for a few friends, especially the ones too busy to sit down with the book.When I was driving two hours one way to the office, listening to Das helped keep me sane & calm and braced me for the day ahead despite the repeated downsizings we were experiencing. I was able to keep my head while all those around me went wild with stress.Das has helped me learn the basics of Buddhism. Listening repeatedly to the tapes has helped the principles become a natural part of who I am, helping me respond compassionately to the emotional violence we encounter every day.When my cousin's teenage daughter is with me, I tune to select pieces for a few moments, then we discuss what we've heard. (I once asked a shrink friend what age was the hardest and he said "every age.")If everyone chose this path, there WOULD be peace on earth. Blessings ...

I rated this book 4 stars instead of 5 because it is a long read. I wish it has been broken up into slightly smaller chunks. Each chapter is a lot to digest and I usually took a couple days per chapter.I liked how this book really broken Buddhism down into terms and ideas that are accessible by anyone. It encouraged you to pick and choose the ideas that resonate with you. I also like that it largely avoided delving too deep into the karma, demons, angels, and other religious aspects of Buddhism. It is full of good information on how to be a better person and in the process awaken the Buddha within you.This is a great book for anyone who is interested in understanding Tibetan Buddhism. Or anyone wishing to better understand Buddhism in general. If you approach it with an open mind everyone can benefit from reading this book.

This book has personally and noticeably propelled me spiritually. Great daily meditations to grow in uncondional love for others. The book illustrates that there are three levels of meditation... which I found to be very interesting.

I first read part of this about 6-7 years ago. Although I agreed with all of the ideas and ideals of Buddhism presented, I did not commit myself to the path but I called myself a Buddhist. I am now reading the entire book, getting much more out of it and dedicating myself to the Buddhist path. I was raised as a Christian but did not find meaning in that faith and proceeded to do a lot of searching, checking out Daoism, Sufism, astrology, spiritualism, psychism and all sorts of other ideas.Lama Surya Das, although accused of presenting "Buddhism Lite," knows what he is talking about, having spent many years mediating and learning from Tibetan lamas. This is a well written, clear, practical and easy to understand introduction to Buddhism. That doesn't mean it's an easy read. There is a huge amount of information and explanation so you can't just swallow it whole. It takes time to absorb and once you begin to begin to practice it, your understanding deepens. We all have to start where we are and no one becomes enlightened overnight. Any effort you make is worth it. No matter what your religion or lack of it, you can benefit from the ideas presented.

written plainly and simply to help you understand who you really are, spiritually. it has many references to different buddha sects but it is not about becoming buddhist. it is about finding your own God part within your soul so you can be in touch with your own wonderful goodness.when your love and non judgemental goodness overflows from you, it has the power to change you and the world around you for better. you must know the part of you that is love so you can love yourself and recognize that everyone has that center core thus they too are lovable. that's how God sees and loves all of us.

This book is truely a wonderful masterpiece of work. For those who are searching, for those who have found and for everybody else, it's a must read and a keeper on the shelf. I have bought a few copies for friends as gifts and have been pleased to know they love it as much as I do. As we all struggle in life with things we can not control, and learn to know what things we can control, this book helps guide us in figuring out a way in which to grow from everything we experience, good and/or bad. I think of Awakening the Buddha as a Modern bible without all of the references to any specific God... but more of a spiritual being that lives in all of us, always there to be uncovered when the pupil is ready..You will never regret this purchase, and you will pick it up again from time to time to remind you of your Buddha nature.

What a Fab book. Written by a westerner who traveled to learn Buddhism and then took it back to the western part of the world, I have found it a down to earth, well written book. It provides loads of information which helps you with the history of the religion and how it came to be as well as what all the words mean and the beliefs. It flows well and you learn more than you realise you are doing because it is an easy read.The language is straightforward and not flowery which would have put me off. In the descriptions, explanation and information you feel enriched anyway. I do not feel overawed by all the Buddhist terms now (or the people who use them). I can choose to use the Buddhist words or stick to the western words. It is written in short chapters and so it is easy to read a small amount if that is all you have time for, or several chapters. It is easy to stop and I enjoy stopping to reflect and let it sink in. It is easy to read. It does have some lovely poems which i have used when taking a mindfulness session.

Recommended this book, and in turn i have bought it twice for friends. Great account of the author’s journey in his faith and application

I read my brother's copy, and having read it ordered one for a good friend.. the fascinating thing I found with this book is the calm it induces every time I read a paragraph or two (or more). It is easy to read, leaves your mind free to consider its own preferred way, while giving enough information if your mind doesn't have a particular preferred way yet. Anecdotes and examples are well chosen and illustrative, and the language is clear. If you've ever thought buddhism might have a point, this is the place where you can find out which parts of it fit you, or just have a pleasant and informative read. Fantastic book!

As an experienced student of Buddhism I found this book fairly easy reading but still providing valuable material for reflection. This book has been my bed-time reading along with daytime study of Gampopa's "Jewel Ornament of Liberation". I've found the parallels between topics covered most interesting, this book providing insights to assist with deeper understanding of the JOL, though it's not presented as being linked to it in any way. I haven't actually finished the book yet - it's worthy of more than speed reading - but I have no hesitation in recommending it.

Good as a starter book about Buddhism. It explains everything in an easy to understand way: what Buddhism is and what is involved in Buddhist practice and meditation.For all it's simplicity and everyday language, this is a book that can be referred to or re-read again and again.