It's Easier Than You Think: The Buddhist Way to Happiness

I'm not "into" Buddhism, per se, but what I've read about thesubject has piqued my interest . . . so did IT'S EASIER THAN YOUTHINK by Slyvia Boorstein, subtitled "The Buddhist Way to Happiness."It presents a very readable introduction to the basic tenets of Buddhism . . . the author's use of stories from everyday experience greatly help to demystify basic teachings andmake them easily comprehensible.Boorstein--also a practicing psychotherapist--has done amasterful job of putting together a guide that is full ofhumor, memorable insight and perhaps most importantly, love.There were several memorable passages; among them:Going through changes was what Alta was very good at, and, in thatability, she was my role model. We became good friends and spentmany rainy winter days in her sewing room making clothing, usuallyfor me. I would talk about my family, and she would talk about hers-the kind of conversations women have when they sew together.I was often relieved to see that what I was fretting over as a problemdidn't appear to her to be a big deal, and I noticed she could tell meabout a difficulty in her family that seemed to me to be huge whileshe kept right on sewing, not missing a stitch. I knew she was sad, butshe appeared at ease. "Aren't you upset?" I would ask. "I've doneall I could about it," she would say, "so there is no point in being upset."Here is an exercise in advance Right Speech. Starting tomorrow when youwake up, don't gossip. See what happens if you just give up makingcomments about anyone not present. Listen carefully to the voice in yourmind as it is getting ready to make a comment, and think to yourself, "Whyam I saying this?" Awareness of intention is the best clue for knowing whether the remark you are about to make is Right Speech. Is yourintention wholesome, a desire to help? Or to show off? Or to denigrate? I have become more passionate, not less. When I am delighted, whichis often, I am ecstatic. When I am sad, I cry easily. Nothing is a big deal.It's whatever it is, and then it's something else.

Sylvia Boorstein's "It's Easier Than You Think" is a lovely little book about a Western approach to Buddhism -- an examination of the Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path to Happiness through the lens of an American new to the belief system. The chapters are just a few pages, and the language is simple and graceful. Like Natalie Goldberg and Jack Kornfield, Boorstein writes about her own journey to Buddhism, and has many anecdotes about how it has made her perspective more peaceful and loving. All three writers have a lovely light touch -- the spirituality has clearly affected their writing style. I enjoyed the book, and will read her other books.

Sylvia Boorstein is a teacher of meditation with at least 30 years experience. She is regularly invited all over the world to lead retreats and to give seminars. It's Easier Than You Think is a collection of brief essays in which she shows, using examples from her own life experiences, how to apply Buddhist techniques and principles. This little book is clear, down to earth and amusing. It will, above all, be appreciated by those who have been overwhelmed by Buddhist terminology. Here they will findthe essence of Buddhism presented in a way that anyone can understand, appreciate and apply.

This is a great book, it explains Buddhism concepts in everyday language and in ways that can be incorporated into daily life easily. Buddhism is not just a religion but a philosophy of life. One need not be a buddhist to learn and be enriched by the sound spiritual concepts in this book. I found life to be a bit more of astruggle than I could handle at times in the past until I found this concise, reader friendly book that teaches you that most of life's struggles come from over-attachment to people, places, things, beliefs, etc.Once we realize that life is by it's very nature an ever changing journey and that nothing ever stays the same, we can then find happiness when we let go of our attachments to beliefs, expectations, things, etc. You will find yourself much more receptive to what life has to dish out when you give up the belief that it should be a certain way.