Buddhism for Busy People

Author David Michie had a great job with work he loved, a beautiful wife and happy marriage, a London flat in an up-and-coming area, a sexy German car and a salary to match--in other words, he had it all.

Why then, he wondered, was he not happy?

Thus began Michie's exploration into the world of meditation, living a mindful life, and getting more out of each day by doing less. He writes eloguently of his search for meaning in a busy life. And how to not have such a busy life.

If you have been thinking about exploring the world of meditatin and what it can do for you, this is an excellent introduction, written by a witty, articulate and very humble guy.

Good narration, too, by Mr. Bell.

I am sure I will listen to this a few more times! It is well narrated and provides the basic tenants of Buddhism in easy to comprehend terms. Love the stories that are used as examples of principles. Truly glad I listened. Looking for more to listen to on the subject.

I really liked this book...a good mixture of narrative and theory. It was interesting to hear the author's story as he was discovering a new lifestyle. Well written and read.

This is a listen that literally changed my life! I have never said that about a book, movie or anything else in my world. David Michie really brought several points home to me. As a result of this fascinating book, I have started to study Buddism and appreciate this ancient practice. As a medical person, the study and practice of meditation is a remedy for stress, as well as overall good mindful living. Listen to this book once and then listen to it slower. I bought a hard copy for my husband, and he was hooked as well. When you listen to the book, pick a time that is quiet and non-stimulating to get the best result. Enjoy.

This is a nice introduction to basic concepts of Buddhism but if you are looking for more than that you might want to look for something else.

The author is far more focused on boasting about his success in PR and marketing than he is on providing insights into Buddhism (which here is really just a Western take on Tibetan Buddhism.) He repeatedly describes his guru's eyes as "twinkling" and his smile as "mischievous". This kind of cliched drivel belongs on no one's bookshelf or ipod. Don't waste the credit or time.

A nice primer as narrated by an Englishman, with a sonorous voice and lovely accent. I enjoyed the fact that the author mixed personal anectodal material with the philosophy of Buddhism. Nicely done.

I enjoyed this book. I learned quite a bit. Sometimes the personal narrative was a bit much but I would recommend this book.

I enjoyed this book. I learned that we are all dependent arisings - like water in a wave. Karma is a result of what we think, feel, act, cause & affect. Do good things, they come back to you. Buddhists believe it moves from life time to life time. As a Christian I'm not so sure about that. But I do believe that you can meditate on mindfulness and think about how to cultivate compassion and generosity to make yourself a better person and help others in the process.

I got this book thinking that I would learn some quick meditations I could use throughout the day and some insight into being more present in the moment. I received much more than this. I learned not only some simple meditations and how to do them throughout the day. I also learned more about Buddhism than had been explained to me at any point in time. Here I learned that Buddhism doesn’t provide us with the ultimate divinity to make things better for us. Instead it provides us with the mental software to make things better for ourselves and others. I can also see why after finishing this book that Buddhism has been called the best free psychotherapy because it teaches empowerment. It is/may be the ultimate self development program. Through Buddhism we learn external events can’t make you happy. Remember Buddhism doesn’t like blind faith. If it doesn't work for you then find something that does. I was reminded why so many people don't like meditation and why my teacher kept telling people they had to practice more than 20 minutes a week. See
meditation is like learning to play the piano you have to own it to learn it. Consistency is key is the key to learn anything.

Buddhism explains what Albert Einstein meant when he said, 'Reality is an illusion all be it a persistent one.'

I like this book and will look at more of his books on meditation.