No-Nonsense Buddhism for Beginners: Clear Answers to Burning Questions about Core Buddhist Teachings

Fantastic book. The author, a teacher of Buddhism, uses a question and answer format using questions he has received from his students to explain the core concepts and practices of Buddhism. With a straightforward style and a sense of humor he gives clear explanations and offers examples of how to use these practices in your daily life. Highly recommend!

This is a GREAT book for the "beginner." This book presents, in simplicity, the foundation of Buddhist teaching/practice without all the cultural and/or religious "extras" that have come to attach themselves.This book is not about Theravada... not about Mahayana... not about Zen or Vajrayana.This book is not about the supernatural... not theism or atheism... and this book is not about the history of Buddhism.This book is about the core essence of Buddhism, and it is a joy to read because of its easy comprehension."No-Nonsense Buddhism..." an ideal place to start one's journey into Buddhism, whatever that may be.

I read this is one day. As someone trying understand Buddhism, this book explained it well and it’s a great start.

This is a great Buddhism 101 text. Whether you’re just curious about the philosophy or beginning a practice, you’ll find this book helpful in increasing your understanding.

Loved the book

As someone who is entirely new to Buddhism I didn't know where to start, so I started with two paperback books, "What the Buddha Taught" by Walpola Rahula and "An Introduction to Buddhism" by the Dalai Lama.The Walpola Rahula book was a short read in theory, and in fact it took less than a week for me to finish it, which is about 6 days longer than what it should have given its length. It was informative, but was a difficult read insomuch as there were tons of new terms in different languages that I had to become familiar with, but after reading it, I felt that I had a good start to beginning to understand the basics of Buddhism.Next I attempted to read the book by the Dalai Lama. Although worded in a way that was easier to read, it was dry, and seemed more advanced or more academic than perhaps the new lay Buddhist would like, so I set it aside for later and went on a search for something simple and modern using today's english. That brought me to "No-Nonsense Buddhism for Beginners".This book was fantastic. Some may think it too simplistic, but as the second book on Buddhism that I've read, the effect it had on my understanding of previously read concepts is invaluable. It helped clarify just about every aspect of Buddhism that was touched on by Rahula and I feel it will help me move forward in my journey on the path to enlightenment and being a truer version of my being.I'm certain I'll be referring back to this book for refreshing clarification and practical examples of concepts.I

Very informative, and easy to understand and read.

I was raised buddist and have a mother who just wants others to believe she is a good buddist but she isnt. It was always confusing to learn from her and she was very controlling.I have been "taiten" and agnostic for 20 years. When my dad passed, I was reminded of this buddism and all the beliefs we practiced and was taught as kids. Being around family, gathering with other buddists, planning and writting funeral related arrangments...I had to relive my childhood and buddism again. Except now I'm an adult. There are many Buddhists but I could never tell who was sincere and honest with me like this book has. This book explains popular beliefs, myths, stereo types vs the honest truth.I was not aware that I have already practiced a lot of buddist beliefs and philosophies, and can see how psychology, buddhism and even greek philosophy overlap with one another. This book helped me see that I practice daily more about the religion that I was raised in, than I thought. But I dont declare myself as a member of that religion because I no long feel the need to have to choose. I feel at peace that I dont need to to know that I do what is fair in the world. Now I can see where my mother and others manipulates and used buddism to control us as kids and continues to control others with shame and for their own benefit.My mom will never change, and that's ok. But I have peace of mind. And looking back, I know I was a pretty good kid and my mother was very dishonest with me. I was harder on myself than I thought. Who knows why she is this way but I am greatful to have found this book to better see the difference between what is right or wrong, good or bad, fair or unfair.I hope this book helps you to find clarity with what buddism is to you.... Without spending so much time taking classes, reading lots of other books, researching online and asking peoples opinions. If you can just start by reading this one book, learn more facts, then go from here.