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 This is an amazing piece of work! Jul 01, 2009
This very well may be Jack Kornfield's best work to date. In language that is easy to understand, he not only explains Buddhism's major precepts, he gives real-life examples that illustrate how the principles have been used and the difference they made. Kornfield draws freely from his own experience, which adds a rich dimension to this important work. Each chapter is a gem, giving one not only pause for thought, but something to "work on" in daily life. This is an excellent resource for working through past issues that still need to be dealt with while building a healthy inner foundation from which one can live one's life.
These precepts are timeless, and can be used by anyone, regardless of one's personal religious beliefs. Highly recommended!!!
2 of 3 found the following review helpful:
Way of life Jun 25, 2009
This type of books are in the category I consider way of life. Although I haven't read too many books in buddhism, I've been aware of the basics. I've done more research on yoga. I believe this summarized the budhist way of life very nicely as Sunil Sheoran's Mylife Framework: A Model For A Successful Life Based On The Yoga Principles summarizes the yoga way of life. If you are sincere on your search for a good way of life, read and try to grasp these books. If you think more from heart you'll connect better with wise heart; if you are more logical person, you'll connect better with mylife framework.
21 of 24 found the following review helpful:
 A different perspective... Jun 15, 2009
I see that there are something like 32 reviews of this book, each one giving it 5 stars. It is a very nice book. A reasonable introduction to Buddhism for many people, an invitation to practice and learn. But let us have a slightly deeper look, OK? IMHO. For me, a relatively intense (in terms of time on retreats, reading material, study and daily practice) Buddhist practitioner of about 9 years, this books skims the surface. It skims a wide and useful surface and this can be quite a good thing in terms of a place to start. I acknowledge that it is very difficult to find good introductory texts, places to start. I will recommend this book to friends - BUT. There is also something a bit trite and monotonous about the structure of the book - for example: Introduce a concept, enlarge and expound a bit and then tell the story of Aleesha, James, Mitch, Kyle, on and on (no disrespect to these people or to those whose true experience contributed to these little blurb/stories). Jack gives them a practice or two "I encourage her to continually ground herself in her body" and then, magically, everything unfolds and soon they are crying or dancing or laughing or reconciling, recognizing their early childhood abuse, volunteering at literacy programs for immigrants, and so forth. It is too cookbook, too simplistic, slightly melodramatic and, unfair. Unfair because, while we can have many wonderful periods of clarity, healing, insight, etc. in our practice, it takes a lot of time for these things to unfold, a lot of right-effort and tremendous patience - many, many, many, many breaths! And typically this unfolding is very gradual, over years of practice. That is one thing I object to - the cure-all nature of the stories, the unreasonable expectations these may create - the way in which deep and complex psychological issues are, it seems, so easily resolved. It is certainly good to offer hope to people who are suffering, but I question the ultimate value of this slightly feel good approach. It may take us a lifetime of regular practice to have the kinds of healing experiences that seem to unfold seemingly regularly in a matter of weeks under Jack's guidance.
In the book I think there is a lot of valuable, although relatively basic, practice advice/instruction and suggestions, and many gentle invitations to open up to our present experience in a compassionate way. This is very helpful and I commend the author for this. I think the book suffers from a lack of editing and a certain monotony to the presentation of the material. Way too many "real life" stories actually winds up making them feel trite [to me], rather than providing a useful way for the reader [again, just little old me] to identify with the practical use of the material.
One other gripe. I think there is a bit of an over dependence on quotations. I think the author is seeking to be very inclusive in his selection of writers and I commend that. But, some of these are little snippets that are kind of throwaways which don't deeply add to the explanation of the material. Not a big deal. However, I do find it bothersome that many are not referenced. For example I really liked the short quotation of Lama Yeshe on page 126. I would like to read more about his experience of being hospitalized for heart failure. But there is no reference for this quote, either as a footnote, in the "Permissions" section or in the "Related Readings" section. Sorry to put it this way, but this is simply a bit lame, a bit lazy.
I also find it odd that the author frequently references Thich Nhat Hanh, either directly or indirectly, and yet does not include any of his readily available books in the Related Readings section. Nor does he mention any of Pema Chodron's titles despite quoting her in the text. As this is clearly an introductory book to Buddhist practice I would expect to see some helpful reading suggestions - from different traditions - for newer practitioners.
IMHO :)
In summary, there are other good books which cover this material, for example those of Thich Nhat Hanh (Transformation and Healing, The Miracle of Mindfulness, Anger, Teachings on Love, etc.), or the wonderful books by Henepola Gunaratana - which have served many practitioners, both novice and experienced alike, in a more concise, yet thorough and accessible style (also, Nyanaponika Thera, The Heart of Buddhist Meditation, or the classic pamphlets of Mahasi Sayadaw readily and affordably available on the Pariyatti website). No reason not to buy and enjoy this book if you are so inclined, but every single review up to mine has been 5 stars - so I wanted to offer a slightly different perspective. I hope it has some value for you.
1 of 2 found the following review helpful:
accessible, intelligently written book May 25, 2009
highly recommended for those who want an understanding of the basic principles of buddhism and how to apply them to their lives. It is very well written and accessible.
4 of 5 found the following review helpful:
Going Home Apr 03, 2009
I was 23 when I met Jack Kornfield. I signed up for my first meditation retreat over the Christmas holidays at Insight Meditation Society in Barre, MA and Jack was one of the teachers. I had never been involved in meditation and knew practically anything about Buddhism but wanted to explore spirituality.
I was immediately put at ease upon hearing Jack speak. I still remember the complete peace I felt being a part of the practice. This was a watershed time in my life where I questioned everything that came before. Jack listened to my life story and gently gave insights through his experiences.
Twenty-five years later I bought this book on Kindle. Upon reading it I immediately felt the peace I felt at that retreat so long ago. His gentle nature and compassion resonates even stronger now in this difficult time in the world. I highly recommend to explore Jack Kornfield's work.
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