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  • Buddhism Plain and Simple

  • By: Steve Hagen
  • Narrated by: William Hope
  • Length: 4 hrs and 58 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (474 ratings)

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Buddhism Plain and Simple

By: Steve Hagen
Narrated by: William Hope
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Publisher's summary

The observations and insights of the Buddha are practical and eminently down to earth, dealing exclusively with awareness in the here and now.

Buddhism Plain and Simple offers listeners these fundamental teachings, stripped of cultural trappings that have accumulated around Buddhism over the past 25 centuries. The newcomer will be inspired by the clear, simple principles found in Buddhism Plain and Simple, and those familiar with Buddhism will welcome this long-needed overview.

©1997 Steve Hagen (P)2015 Ukemi Productions Ltd
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Critic reviews

"This is the clearest and most precise exposition of Buddhism I have ever read. If you’re looking for enlightenment rather than just scholarly knowledge, you’d better read this." (Robert Pirsig, author of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance)
"This is about awareness. Not awareness of something in particular, but awareness itself - being awake, alert, in touch with what is actually happening. It’s about examining and exploring the most basic questions of life. It’s about relying on the immediate experience of this present moment. It’s about freedom of mind." (Steve Hagen)

What listeners say about Buddhism Plain and Simple

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Extremely Interesting!literally plain and simple.

Was very educational and easy to understand.gives you a sense selfawareness.give this audiobook a listen

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Dope

great book lots of respect for mr . steve hagen wonderful just wonderful van life

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Thrilled this Is Finally an Audiobook

I simply cannot recommend this book enough. In fact, I can't tell you how many copies I've bought and given away over the years, I like it that much.

It was through this wonderful book that Steve Hagen first introduced me to Buddhist philosophy almost two decades ago. Reading it was one of the profoundest experiences of my life. Hagen's down-to-earth writing style managed to convey to me principles easily lost in esoteric scholarly work or painfully vague pop philosophy books. Simply put, this book helped me discover the central truths I live by every day. Rediscovering it now as an audiobook and knowing that this format will make it so that many others who are interested in philosophical Buddhism may discover it as I did is simply wonderful. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

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14 people found this helpful

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Life changing book

be awake & live in reality, all of the time. Best book on how we should all live our lives

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The title delivers

For someone who has studied and read Buddhism, meditation and mindfulness books over the past several years, this book really does such a great job of distilling the essence of Buddhist principles while separating itself from specific religious institutional underpinnings. It succinctly explains all the major Buddhist concepts in a way for a person at any level of Buddhism/mindfulness knowledge to easily understand. I’ve already started listening to it again, a must read/listen for anyone interested in meditation. 5 of 5 stars!

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Buddhism for the Real World

What made the experience of listening to Buddhism Plain and Simple the most enjoyable?

The material is so concise and solid. The examples are easy to follow and there really isn't any fluff or filler. Steve Hagen has clearly chosen his words very thoughtfully. I've read/listened to at least ten books on the subject and this one was not only the best, but easiest to follow while still covering all of the key material. Certain points hit so close to home they gave me chills. As a new parent and owner of an oil and gas company I've found much of this material immediately applicable to my everyday life. I highly recommend this audiobook.

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Plain and Simple

Buddhism Plain and Simple is still the best Dharma book I've read, and the one I always recommend to anyone interested in Buddhism. This book begins with the basics and doesn't stray too far from that. There isn't much religion or "woo woo" included; the focus is all on seeing what is, as it is, with no attachment, and being fully present in each moment.

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Budhism

I've just recently found out about Steve Hagen's books on Buddhism. Mr Hagen explains Buddhism just as titled, plain & simple, which I found clear refreshing and enjoyable.

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Worthy of rereading

I listen to this at least 3 times a week. I keep finding things that are new or take my understanding deeper.

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Gets Down to the core principles of Buddhism

I enjoyed how the book got to the basic principles surrounding Buddhism and left out the traditions that were added later. Great guide for those overwhelmed by all the varieties of Buddhism.

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