Not consistent with the basic idea of Buddhism - Rated 
My understanding of Buddhism is that it is about rejecting theorising and conceptualising and more about seeing what is before you and living in the moment (although this may be a more accurate description of Zen Buddhism). This book unfortunately is largely about the kinds of theories, ceremonial practices and idol worship that Buddhism is supposed to reject. You do not need to utter mantras and chants and read prayers to see what is before you and attain enlightenment. The book also claims that there are such things as reincarnation and clairvoyance, but these cannot be directly observed and may well cause suffering because such concepts are not necessarily consistent with what we see. There are some good ideas in the book however and a lot of things in it which make perfect sense, but I do not think it encapsulates the core of what Buddhism is about.
A very interesting read but perhaps a little cryptic. - Rated 
I found this a very interesting read and difficult to put down. Definately worth reading if you are interested in the basic ideas of Buddhism.
Some of the ideas might have been easier to grasp quickly if explained more directly but I think this may have been intentional to encourage thought on the topics.
Clear and To The Point. Excellent Introduction. - Rated
OK: first things first. This book will challange some of your beliefs, so if you don't want that, then don't buy it. Otherwise, buy it, suspend judgement for a few hours, and enjoy! Remember that when the author uses words like 'should' he is only expressing his personal opinion, it's up to us to decide whether we agree with it or not.
Since this sort of book is explaining the views of another religion, one that is very different to what we might be used to, it's always going to be tempting to label it 'cultish' or 'extreme', unless it's read with a very open mind. Having read the book, I can't find anything cultish about it - no one, having read and understood this book, is going to try and abandon their family or have their brain washed or anything like that. Quite the opposite, in fact: by explaining things clearly, the author makes it quite easy for the reader to make up his or her own mind about what's put forward. Sure, it might take a few readings to fully make sense of, and some of the ideas might seem a little strange at first, but I think that's to be expected from a religion that's comparatively new to the West.
I know from having read some of the author's other books that he makes a point of explaining that this strand of Buddhism should be practised in conjunction with your everyday life, not apart from it. This to me seems particularly heart-warming, since you're not being asked to give up your family or friends to get the benefits out of the practice of meditation. I've found some of the things in this book difficult to understand at first, but at least I can come away knowing that I don't have to climb a mountain or become a monk to put the ideas that I did like, into practice.
The clarity of presentation is impressive: maybe some difficult ideas or unfamiliar terminology, but on balance this is a particularly accessible introduction to Buddhism. I think there's even a glossary that explains some of the unfamiliar words. The book repays repeated reading with an open mind: be prepared to have some of your beliefs and assumptions challanged but don't feel as though you *have* to believe anything. Make your own mind up. I think this book was written as a simple explanation rather than a rulebook of what Buddhists should and shouldn't believe.
All in all, this seems like a practical and illuminating book that makes for a rewarding read. Recommended.
Not the most helpful introduction - Rated
Having developed a new interest in Buddhism, I bought several introductions. This was the least helpful. While it's written in very simple sentences, it assumes an understanding and acceptance of some very abstract terms which can be mystifying. The use of abstract terms lacks analytical depth, leaving me needing more exploration of the subject matter. It also contains some startling statements about the experience of an unborn foetus, with frightening implications about the way the writer expects pregnant women to behave! The book tells us what we should, and shouldn't, do and believe in, rather than explaining Buddhism to enable a thinking reader to develop their own views.
Introduction to Buddhism - Rated
I find this book very clear and profound at the same time, and a source of great inspiration. It opens doors to new insights on how we can live a happier life, how to understand our experiences in a meaningful way, and how to develop loving kindness towards others. There is nothing sectish about it, the two comittments that you mention are the same that the Dalai Lama will give when granting refuge, as they are the common refuge vows and comitments for all traditions.
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