Book Review: Buddhism for Busy People by David Michie
Posted by spillay on April 26, 2008
Title: Buddhism for Busy People
Author: David Michie
Published: 2004
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Summary:
This book has two parts to it - it contains a mini chronicle of David’s life as he discovers Tibetan Buddhism, and also at the same time, the book explores some of the key principles of the teachings of this religions, such as mediation, karma, reincarnation and few other topics.
My View:
I found the book to be “neither here nor there”. True, it touches some of the more popular topics of the Buddhism religion, however, unless the reader is specifically seeking for information on these topics, reading about them otherwise may be felt to be a little boring or overwhelming, depending on your interest and/or prior knowledge of the religion.
I had purchased this book on the impression that the author was sharing his experience on how Buddhism had opened up a new sense of spirituality for him, and that this experience does not have to be alien to a busy person. However, having read the book, I am still not sure which part in the book was actually targeted for “busy people”. In addition, David’s spiritual experience was only skimmed over lightly - we were mainly informed of “what happened where and when” but, David hardly went any deeper than that. It felt more like reading David’s schedule - not his journal.
Recommendation:
Unless you want a quick summary on some of the key Buddhist teachings (which you can find over the Internet anyway), I would not recommend this book.
April 27, 2008 at 3:00 am
Have you read “Zen and the Art of Pornography”? I heat it’s a serious book despite the title - I’d love to hear your thoughts on it.
April 27, 2008 at 9:11 am
@ Salima: Thanks for dropping by
. Haven’t heard of the book you mentioned,..will look it up.
April 30, 2008 at 10:42 am
One of the best books I’ve come across on Buddhism for the western mind/world/person is “Awakening the Buddha Within” by Lama Surya Das (http://www.surya.org). This book came to me at the perfect time (funny how that happens, huh?) in 2005 while going through some major life changes in my career and personal life. I had already been exposed to writings about and by the venerable Dalai Lama and Thich Nat Hahn. But this book truly spoke to my soul in a clear and real way. I have shared it with no less than several dozens of my own friends over the course of the last few years, giving it as a gift to many at times of challenge or celebration such as birthdays and anniversaries as well!
namaste,
Roldan
http://www.on-common-ground.com
Info
April 30, 2008 at 11:05 am
@ Roldan: Thanks for dropping by
. I will look out for the book you mentioned - thank you for telling me about it. Re the “right book” dropping onto your hands in the “right time” - you are correct. It happens more often than we care to realise,… only we keep our eyes and minds more open…(I’m still learning… 