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    Buddha for Beginners
    Buddha for Beginners
    Buddha for Beginners
    Audiobook1 hour

    Buddha for Beginners

    Written by Stephen T. Asma

    Narrated by John C. Winson

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    About this audiobook

    Despite the widespread popularity of Buddhist practices (like meditation), there is little understanding of the complex philosophy behind Buddhism. The historical Buddha, Gautama, was a real person--a radical--who challenged the religious leaders of his day. Buddha for Beginners introduces the reader to the historical Buddha, to the ideas that made him change his life, and to the fascinating philosophical debates that engaged him and formed the core of Buddhism.

    Buddha for Beginners compares Buddha's philosophy with those of his contemporaries, the later Buddhist schools, and Western Philosophy. The book includes a survey, distinguishing the philosophical differences among later schools of Buddhism, such as Theravada, Madhyamaika, Tantric, Zen, and others.

    Buddha for Beginners is not a book you read, it is a book you experience. It makes you stop and close your eyes. Through some magical combination of words, drawings, and intuitive wisdom, Buddha for Beginners conveys not only the facts of Buddhism, but the peace, the silence...the feel of it. It is historically accurate, spiritually challenging, and the white spaces mean as much as the words.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherVibrance Press
    Release dateAug 1, 2015
    ISBN9781624612862

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    Reviews for Buddha for Beginners

    4/5

    64 ratings7 reviews

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    • 5/5
      Good book, lots of information but direct and to the point. If your looking for basic knowledge of Buddhism this is it.
    • 3/5
      Interesting book, good info but listen in a quiet place, would listen while I was at the gym and the parts where he was whispering in couldn't hear at all
    • 5/5
      Good intro, learned few stuff that I didn't know before.
    • 3/5
      Read this to help with stress. Agree with some of it. Have to re-read. A lot makes sense to me just need to work on it.
    • 4/5
      So not really a graphic novel but an educational primer for the life of Buddha rich with humor and illustrations. Sort of falling in the grey area that is no pronounced in the graphic novel medium.
    • 3/5
      Buddha For BeginnersWritten and Illustrated by Stephen T. AsmaI really really liked this 162 page masterpiece on depth and enlightenment with a generous helping of some of the coolest illustrations out there, all wrapped up in this blessedly irreverent package. I totally believe that we learn through love and laughter and the author gets it in aces. The book is easy to follow, lighthearted and yet deals with some fairly serious subjects, like ego and life, but in the gentlest of ways.This precious read is one of those I just couldn't put down, it kept my inner child totally preoccupied and I just raced from one great concept and phrase to another. Te cartoons are nothing short of phenomenal and I just loved the one on karma, the steamroller and the prayer wheel. I would recommend this much needed teacher to anyone looking for a deep and meaningful way through the 8 fold path. Thanks Stephen for showering us with your God-given talents. My spiritual toolbox is getting a little full, but I am sure there is always room for a gem such as this.Love & Light,Riki Frahmann
    • 4/5
      Buddha for Beginners by Stephen Astma gives a great and visually pleasing over view of the core teaching of the historical Buddha. I found most enjoyable with this book that it gives a great overview that is easily digested for someone just wanting to get an overview of Buddhism.That is what it did well. What it did extremely well was place the core teachings into a modern context without any New Age terminology. Just the basic philosophical tenets with an added bonus of being critical of some of the newer (relatively) sects of Buddhism. I, myself, being a member of one of these sects notwithstanding, I found the clarity and wit to be refreshing. I would recommend this to a person of any age interested in a quick reference for what Buddhism is. From this you can build up to the MANY other texts out there that dive deeper into this subject. I agree with BTRIPP's review except to say that I don't think another addition is needed. I would rather see this work remain light and "cartoonish" and serve as a wonderful supplement to more "serious" texts.