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51st out of 56 books
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74 voters
It's Easier Than You Think: The Buddhist Way to Happiness
Using delightful and deceptively powerful stories from everyday experiences, beloved Buddhist teacher Sylvia Boorstein demystifies spirituality, charts the path to happiness through the Buddha's basic teachings, shows how to eliminate hindrances to clear seeing, and develops a realistic course toward wisdom and compassion. A wonderfully engaging guide, full of humor, memor...more
Paperback, 160 pages
Published
February 14th 1997
by HarperOne
(first published 1995)
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If I could remember everything I read in this little book, I would be well on my way to being enlightened. But I forget so quickly. I suppose that's why we speak of spiritual "practice"-it's like exercise. I never "get" it, it's never "finished." And that's a good thing.
It's Easier Than You Think: The Buddhist Way to Happiness by Sylvia Boorstein is a clear, brief guide to Buddhist practice. Boorstein's presence emanates from every page: warm, passionate, compassionate. Funny. Loving. And above...more
It's Easier Than You Think: The Buddhist Way to Happiness by Sylvia Boorstein is a clear, brief guide to Buddhist practice. Boorstein's presence emanates from every page: warm, passionate, compassionate. Funny. Loving. And above...more
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I gratefully acknowledge the memory of my parents, both of whom taught me how to think and how to laugh.
Mindfulness, the aware, balanced acceptance of present experience is the heart of Buddhism.
Managing gracefully ~
Craving causes suffering
Decide to “have a good day”
prolonged yearning and prolonged aversion are tiring and demoralizing
what shall i do with my anger? overt expression is unnecessary
Vinaya: Buddha taught ~
Before admonishing another, one should reflect thus...
In due season will I sp...more
Mindfulness, the aware, balanced acceptance of present experience is the heart of Buddhism.
Managing gracefully ~
Craving causes suffering
Decide to “have a good day”
prolonged yearning and prolonged aversion are tiring and demoralizing
what shall i do with my anger? overt expression is unnecessary
Vinaya: Buddha taught ~
Before admonishing another, one should reflect thus...
In due season will I sp...more
This is another great book about spirituality with a very down to earth and friendly tone. Reading these short chapters is very much like sitting in the kitchen of a friend over a cup of tea and coffee cake. It is so friendly you may want to stay, and as Silvia points out, it is difficult not to want. The line between appreciating and wanting is so very difficult to negotiate, but Silvia shares stories and insights that illuminate the path and the purpose of mindfulness practice.
A good example...more
A good example...more
Sylvia B is awesome! Her book is just what I needed to give me some timely insights into life. The thoughts and teachings are not radically different from what I’ve learned from my parents, my teachers, my friends, and my religion. But its surface level practicality and simplicity just grabbed me, and it offers enough depth to delve into for years.
From my very initial reading, most of Buddhism seems to revolve around the fact that life is difficult, and we can’t change that. Obviously, not rock...more
From my very initial reading, most of Buddhism seems to revolve around the fact that life is difficult, and we can’t change that. Obviously, not rock...more
You could characterize Sylvia Boorstein's style as "folksy." That alone may tell you how much you'll like this book. I'm not a big fan of "folksy," (not a judgment, just a statement), so that's likely the major reason I gave the book no more than a three-star rating. The other reason, I suppose, is because I found the book, generally, a little simplistic. For example, her treatment of the concept of 'emptiness' leaves a lot to be desired. That said, the book is a useful primer for someone who is...more
A wonderful book for both readers who want an introduction to Buddhism as well as a refresher to those who may already understand it. While Boorstein's simple writing style makes understanding the concepts easier, it does not take away the importance of the message - that in life we will always be dealt with surprises but we can learn to manage these challenges and hurdles through learning to let go of attachments, learning to observe our emotions when they arise and recognize that they are just...more
More like 2.5 stars. I didn't love it but for the times that I just wanted to read a book that gave some insight about life lessons, it was not a bad read. This book was recommended by a friend who has always been looking for a meaning in her life. And I can say that in some ways it can help you get to some understanding that we just don't get answers in our lives about why we're here and we need to enjoy every second of our lives, because that is we hold in our present. Our past is past and the...more
I have to return this book to the library. It was OK. Mostly the author, a Jewish Buddhist, write short bits about the Buddha.
For me she reinforces the notion that life is suffering. How many times have I read this recently and experienced this in my life.
The Buddha called the journey to happiness the four noble truths. The first truth is Pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional. the second truth is Clinging is suffering. In other words, let it go. Liberation from pain is possible is the t...more
For me she reinforces the notion that life is suffering. How many times have I read this recently and experienced this in my life.
The Buddha called the journey to happiness the four noble truths. The first truth is Pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional. the second truth is Clinging is suffering. In other words, let it go. Liberation from pain is possible is the t...more
I love the way Sylvia Boorstein incorporates her own personal, real life experiences in each example of the Buddha's teachings. A very easy to read, easy to follow guide on how to attain happiness and balance, or, for those on their way but maybe a bit off kilter, it serves as a gentle reminder. Highly recommend for anyone with an interest in Buddhism or anyone who desires a way to just live simply.
What a find! I learned of Boorstein through Dani Shapiro's awesome book, Devotion. I think it was fate! In an engaging, relatable manner (lots of personal stories about her own mental struggles) she lays out Buddhist ideas about happiness - obstacles and how we can change our way of thinking to move closer to experiencing it. I really don't think you have to identify yourself as a Buddhist to benefit from this book (I don't.) I came away from this wanting Sylvia Boorstein to adopt me as a grandd...more
This is the fundamental breakdown of how to incorporate Buddhism into your everyday life. i have found that while practicing certain perspective changes and other state-of-mind-alterations are addressed, the actual belief system of Buddhism is slightly more compicated and so the novel might now touch on as much as would be needed to clarify the difference in perspective of someone from western cultures and someone from the eastern cultures. An enjoyable read but not enough meat and potatoes to g...more
If my mind didn't cling, I would be totally fearless. Nothing would frighten me, because there would be nothing I would be afraid to lose and nothing I would need to be happy. I can tell myself, "I'm frightened now because even though I know what's true, I have forgotten it now. I know the possibility of remembering exists."
Love Sylvia Boorstein's writing style. Offers insight into the foundational elements of Buddhism and offers real life anecdotes as examples of practical application of these elements. VERY relatable. A great book for those who are merely curious about Buddhism as well as for those who have been practicing a while.
I liked the way things were presented - it was not presumptuous and the author did not speak down to the reader. It presented Buddhist tenants in a very accessible way, more as gentle reminders than as strict rules, which I feel is in line with the whole thing.
Written by a Jewish grandmother, this book breaks down the basic concepts of Buddhism and, in simple language and bite-sized sections, provides insight on how to incorporate these concepts in everyday life to help the reader find peace and balance. This book is about spirituality outside religion, so no worries about your religious affiliation (or lack thereof).
A phenominal primer on the beauty of freeing your mind from itself and finding or creating peace in your life. No, you don't have to be Buddhist to enjoy this, or even to benefit from Boorstein's teachings.
More stories and wonderful teaching tales from Sylvia Boorstien about how to lead a fulfilling life. She talks about her own life and all the people in it and how she learns from them. Very engaging.
Just finished Very Good introduction to Buddhist ideas in easy to shallow small bits. A great easy book for anyone interested in increasing personal happiness. Funny,well written, light.
Perhaps more ancedotal than I cared for... but the author does relay important truths and how they have applied for her and her situation, which i feel could be rewarding for many readers. I must relay that this book is starting me down a path of further Buddhist study after a dry spell for years
I agree with most of the thing I found in this book. This sounds very simply and very spiritual, and it motivated me to keep reading and made my mind peaceful !
This book has helped me through some tough times...times when one wonders why we are here, why the world can be rough some times, why bad things haooen, etc.
I read this book for a now defunct reading group. Boorstein is anything but sanctimonious--she writes about a serious topic with a light touch.
I thought this book was good. Offered some insight on how to live a more simplier life, more peaceful life. Who doesn't need that?
One of the quickest but most meaningful reads on Buddhism. Love her style. Can hear her talking to me as I read.
I love the way Sylvia Boorstein writes, it is soothing and interesting and I recommend this book....
Note to self: no more vacant happy lobotomized Buddhist self-helps for the common man unless recommended by serious practicing Buddhist. Christ.
Great introduction to Buddhism and reminders of what is important in life.
Maybe not "amazing" but more than "I really liked it." An easy, fun read for anyone who is curious about Buddhism.
Great book. It was fun to read it. Im looking for "e-version" of it to read it again!
Funny and wise...an easy introduction to Buddhist principles and thought,
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Sylvia Boorstein (born 1936) is an American writer and Buddhist spiritualist.
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“... every single act we do has the potential of causing pain, and every single thing we do has consequences that echo way beyond what we can imagine. It doesn't mean we shouldn't act. It means we should act carefully. Everything matters [p. 41].”
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8 people liked it
“I want to feel deeply, and whenever I am brokenhearted I emerge more compassionate. I think I allow myself to be brokenhearted more easily, knowing I won't be irrevocably shattered [p. 59]”
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6 people liked it
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