Awakening the Buddha Within: Eight Steps to Enlightenment

This book left a lasting impression on me. I remember reading it years ago and I still think about it. Grateful.

This is an incredibly good (the best I've come across) introduction to Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or Mantrayana). The author has also written the fine sequel "Awakening the Buddhist Heart" as well as "Awakening to the Sacred" (which I didn't like as much as the others. He's also written a book of Buddhist stories or myths entitled, "The Snow Lion's Turquoise Lament" which I didn't find all that impressive. But the book at hand is, IMHO, his best. No wonder it's a best seller Buddhist book. Since the author is a Westerner, he can describe Tibetan Buddhism (and Buddhism in general) in a simple, direct manner without using lots of Tibetan/asian mythology, assumptions, etc. It's relatively easy to pick out such things in other people's religions but not so easy to do your own. Kind of like withdrawing your projections (per both Jung and Mahamudra). Surya Das writes in an easy-to-read, engaging style that's almost sure to please the reader. And, most impressive, he doesn't claim to have all the answers. Thus, my favorite quote from this book: p. 12 "The French writer Andre Gide once wrote, `believe those who are seeking truth. Doubt those who find it.'" This was in addition to the Hasidic story of the Baal Shem Tov about his evaluation of a potential son-in-law. He liked that the son-in-law admitted not knowing the answers to the questions. An open mind can learn. A closed mind cannot. So, keep an open mind about this book. It's great. You can follow it up by reading more Surya Das or by reading some of Pema Chodron's works. She also includes practical activities and meditations to help one along the path of life, whether Buddhist or not.

Lama Surya Das is a Dzogchen lineage holder and founder of the Dzogchen Foundation. I found this to be one of the most complete and easily understood books written on Buddhism, which is often a complex philosophy to understood by the lay reader."Awakening the Buddha Within" is similar in nature to the book, "The World of Tibetan Buddhism" a series of essays based on a three-day lecture given in London, England by the Dalai Lama and translated into English. However, if you are a novice to Buddhism, I would strongly recommend you first read, "Awakening the Budda Within". This book is much easier to understand, and the author simplifies the concepts of Buddhism in everyday terms for the western world. Lama Surya Das explains The Three Jewels of Buddhism - the commitment of Buddha, Dharma and Sangha or spiritual community, the Eight-Fold Path to Enlightenment, the Four Noble Truths and the importance of meditation in our lives. If you are searching for a better understanding of Buddhism in the contemporary world, or simply a more peaceful way of life, I highly recommend purchasing the "Awakening the Buddha Within." It is spiritually uplifting, refreshing and inspirational, and definitely one you will want to use as a reference, time and time again.

Lama Surya Das has masterfully written an enlightening introduction to Buddhism, which should prove to be an enduring classic on the subject for years to come. He takes the ancient teachings of Buddhist traditions and wisdom and delivers them succinctly and wholeheartedly to the Western mind. His astounding work is a source of inspiration and awareness that serves as a "handbook for living" that should be carried with us at all times and used often on our spiritual path. Regardless of the reader's religious or spiritual affiliation, these simple golden rules could change your life. His introduction to the classic Buddhist teachings of The Four Noble Truths and The Eight-Fold Path are the most comprehensible and understandable that I have yet read. Finally, we are presented with a rich compilation that makes absolute sense and many readers will understand, for the first time, how to integrate this ancient Tibetan wisdom into everyday life.Often, those of us curious about Buddhist philosophy and practice, find it hard to get beyond the dogma of the many teachings. Lama Surya Das succeeds in bringing the reader the most simple and fundamental ideas and lessons of Buddhism. Throughout the book, he reminds us to be responsible for our own thoughts and actions and to find the kindness, compassion and grace that are inherent in all of us.For those challenged by meditation, Lama Surya Das strips away all the confusion and mystery around the practice of meditation and brings to the reader a profound understanding and "how to" guide to meditation -- the importance of which must be realized and embraced.Toward the end of the book, he further reminds us that "We are modern mystics - living in monasteries without walls. The entire planet is our heaven on earth. Instead of being overly dependent on anyone else, we must be leaders and seers." This book teaches us how to lead by example. You do not have to have an interest or belief in Buddhism to enjoy, understand and be moved by this book. It is a book to be read, read and read again.

Lama Surya Das has combined in his book "Awakening the Budda Within", the innate understanding of Tibetan Wisdom teachings with a western mindset sensitivity. While some have voiced concern over the simplicity of the teachings themselves, and their seemingly stripped away message, placed into an American or western hipness of delivery, the jewel that is hidden within is the essence of Vajrayana Buddhism. Dzogchen itself is the awareness that all things are perfect as they are, and that each and every being is then presented innumerable times, with the opportunity to awaken to the innate perfection that is inherent within all...the Buddha Nature. Sometimes, the problem with all of us...is that we look too hard for the answers, that we seek too much, into too little, when all around us, in all things, is manifest the Buddha Fields. Lama Surya Das has presented the fundamental Buddhist teachings, which have transcended through time, from the Buddha himself, and passed through successions of teachers and holy men and women. There in fact is nothing watered down about the teachings themself, for they uphold the Four Noble Truths, and the Eight Fold Path to Enlightenment. The Buddha himself is said to only have taught one thing, suffering, as a samsaric reality, and the path to the alleviation of suffering, or nirvana. In fact Dzogchen strives to show the aspirant that both these dualities only exist in the mind, and that the mind is the key to Awakening the Buddha Within. As the Lama has stated, it takes a whole community to raise a Buddha... and this fact is self evident. Blessed be the World in which a Buddha has been born. Om mani padme hung. Hail the Jewel in the Lotus.

This a fun-to-read introduction to the Buddhist path. Whether you are simply curious about Buddhism or are looking for some spiritual nourishment, this book informs and enlightens.Lama Surya Das skillfully explains how ancient Buddhist wisdom can help us find peace and meaning in our fast-paced American lives. He conveys the beauty and richness of Tibetan Buddhism without making it so exotic or esoteric that is becomes inapplicable to our Western lives. He also has a warm sense of humor. ("America the Buddhaful" is the title of an essay by Lama Das.). Das weaves the fundamentals of Buddhism with the story of his own spiritual journey. Find out how a nice Jewish boy from New York (his mom calls him "The Deli Lama") transforms himself into one of the leading teachers of Tibetan Buddhism in the West. For Das, an ex-high school jock, it's a long way from the locker room to the windswept monasteries of the Himalayas!