Buddhism Is Not What You Think: Finding Freedom Beyond Beliefs

This book has changed my life. I recommend it to all walks of life, not just Buddhists, but Christians and other beliefs. I like the short chapters and how the author avoided rambling on about Buddhism. It explains life based on truthful observations and isn't filled with biased opinions. This isn't a book that tells you what you need to do, nor does it tell you what you shouldn't do. This is not a "self-help" book. Although there are times when the book is a little deep, the author pulls you out of the abyss and back to an understanding in simple and easy to understand analogies. It's a book that laymen and advance students would understand. Absolutely one of my top three books on philosophy and Buddhism

Steve hagen like his teacher Dainin Katigiri, has a knack of describing the Buddhist teachings in simple straighfoward terms. Just be here, just be "now". The past and the furture are just delusion. Its always "Now". As hagen says, if we could just see this all pervading truth thats right infront of our face, we would be enlightened on the spot (that is, we would realise we are, and always have been, enlightened). And no longer reach for things "out there" that lead to turmoil in the first place. Nobody points this out better than Mr. Hagen. This book is completely on par with and adds to his first book. This book is a must for anyone (in my opinion). Especially for those who just want to "wake up", and live in a world with equality and compasion for every living being. Pretty sure I'm not the first to ever notice the people with 'noble' egos, who like to smother and numb themselves with spiritual materialism do not seem to take to well to these books (see previous reviews). Ironically these are the ones who need it most. This book isnt to confirm your previous beliefs, but rather to free you from the burden that accompanies them. Contrary to some of the things previously said. This is a great book, but one needs and open mind before reading something as profound yet sublte as this. So dont pass this one up because some people find it easier to pigeon-hole things than to give them a fair unbiased chance. I would recommend this to beginner, intermediate, advanced or whatever... one would consider themselves on the spiritual path. After all, we are all just here in the... Peace

In this book, Steve hammers chapter after chapter about what being AWAKE really is. He goes into depth of how we live in dukka or the world of delusion and gives chapter after chapter of the various ways we stay asleep and live in dukka. Many practictioners decieve themselves about what being Awake is. Steve hammers away at the delusions, because they are so subtle and hard to realize...As far as compassion is concerned, real compassion comes when one becomes truly Awake, otherwise it is still a sophisticated form of delusion. This book may not be suitable for the beginer, but it is a must for practictioners that truly desire to WAKE UP.

I saw Mr. Hagen speak about this book at the Wisconsin Book Festival in October. I had previously been curious but largely ignorant about the study and practice of Buddhism, but Hagen's talk (and his book, which I purchased later) really sparked my enthusiasm. His style is matter-of-fact and straightforward, yet not simplistic or condescending. In the book, Hagen emphasizes the importance of being present and aware and honest in one's dealings with the world. He writes of the difficulties that arise when we focus on what we think (what we think we know, what we fear, what popular wisdom tells us) and when we ignore what we see and experience first-hand. It's quite interesting, and more nuanced than "actions speak louder than words" or "trust your instincts." One gets the sense that Hagen feels deep respect for his readers, which encourages the reader in turn to treat self and others with a greater degree of respect as well. Somehow, Hagen conveys all of this without a hint of preachiness or self-help-ishness. I highly recommend this book.

Another terrific installment of Hagen's clear conceptual rendering of things perceptual. This book didn't read like 252 pages, seemed shorter through it's engaging style, and straight-forward presentation. Buddhist-novices, if there is such a thing, may want to start with the prior book "Buddhism Plain and Simple". I find that Hagen's writing style is digestable, yet sophisticated....ie....subtle points are made without alot of philosophical jargon or excruciating digression.