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Buddhism Is Not What You Think : Finding Freedom Beyond Beliefs


Product Description
“If it’s Truth we’re after, we’ll find that we cannot start with any assumptions or concepts whatsoever. Instead, we must approach the world with bare, naked attention, seeing it without any mental bias — without concepts, beliefs, preconceptions, presumptions, or expectations.Doing this is the subject of this book.”Renowned Zen teacher and bestselling author Steve Hagen penetrates the most essential and enduring questions at the heart of the Buddha’s teachings: Ho… More >>

Buddhism Is Not What You Think : Finding Freedom Beyond Beliefs

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  1. #1 by J. Thomas Graham on March 29, 2010 - 7:05 am

    Will turn off all but the most credulous. Does not seem to be able to universal philosophical insights from specifically Buddhist teachings, indicating shallow knowledge of Western tradition he criticizes. Talks down to readers. Presents himself has having personal authority. Presents himself as enlightened, as if he has transcended the human condition. Does not acknowledge his own faults, shortcomings, weanesses, or difficulties. Idealizes the teachings he has received as unique and superior to all others, but does not seem aware of his own motives for buying in. As the Publisher’s Weekly review above states, “abstract and didactic.” Critical readers willl revolt. There is better material out there, e.g. Bhante Gunaratana’s Mindfulness In Plain English. Asians who were born into this seem to be more realistic about what this religion can and can’t do for you.
    Rating: 1 / 5

  2. #2 by Eric Gross on March 29, 2010 - 8:08 am

    I have really admired Steve Hagen’s earlier work. It was fresh, insightful, heartfelt, and felt like a true guide for people engaged with Zen and Buddhism. This work continues to affirm his request for us to just “look” rather than to think or judge events in our life. Chapter after chapter he reminds us to just “look”. It is painfully repeditive. The advice has merit, but this could have been a 15 page article. It doesn’t work as a book. I would suggest to Mr. Hagen to just look and ask him how did he manage to work two words of advice into over 200 pages. Spend your money elsewhere.
    Rating: 2 / 5

  3. #3 by Anonymous on March 29, 2010 - 9:21 am

    Buddhism is based on wisdom AND compassion. Mr. Hagen’s new book, like his first book, “Buddhism: Plain and Simple,” does an excellent job in describing the “wisdom” component of Zen Buddhism. But just like in his first book, Mr. Hagen’s new book is totally devoid of any discussion of the “compassion” component. Thus, this book makes Zen Buddhism seem like a purely intellectual excercise, devoid of any warmth or heart. Compare, for example, Mr. Hagen’s books with anything written by “Bhante G,” Henepola Gunaratana. In his books, Bhante G makes (Theravada) Buddhism come alive with wisdom AND compassion. The tone of Bhante G’s books is one of warmth, with a human face. Maybe that is why some are more attracted to Theravada Buddhism, and turned off by the abstractness of Zen (as Zen is portrayed by some, including Mr. Hagen).
    Rating: 2 / 5

  4. #4 by A. Walsh on March 29, 2010 - 9:25 am

    This book is easy to read and brilliant in it’s simplicity. I have read it no less than 8 times. It’s just one of those that I can pick up any time to help settle my mind.
    Rating: 4 / 5

  5. #5 by T. Simpson on March 29, 2010 - 9:53 am

    In his first book BUDDHISM PLAIN AND SIMPLE, there are a few instances where a snobbish ego or holier-than-thou attitude creep through.

    That’s forgivable considering that sort of attitude seems to run rampant among Zen folks – - and it is an amazing book.

    His new book however. The snobbish ego shines very bright. Chapter after chapter of the same repetitive things over and over and over . . . . aahhggg!

    This book may have been a seriously great book if it had a heavy editorial hand. I have a feeling the editor was an old buddy who didn’t want to hurt Mr. Hagens pride. I’m no english expert, though I did have a class in high school but the run on sentences and excessive commas, the rewording that is rephrasing or paraphrasing, if you will (and parentheses) REALLY GETS ANNOYING – very quickly. See.

    I could have had this book down to a 100 pages with better english in a few days, and I’m not even a college grad. It would’ve been a much smoother read. Easier to understand and probably sold more copies.

    Love the first one, Steve. Hated the second. Good luck with the the third!
    Rating: 2 / 5