Buddhism Plain and Simple

By: Steve Hagen

Narrated by: William Hope

Length: 4 hrs and 58 mins

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

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)

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.

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.

Must read!

This book flows in a way that you retain the teachings but also sets you up perfectly to find your now.

STRONGLY RECOMMEND for anyone who is having trouble in life and can't seem to find the answer in religion or books. Maybe the truth is with you already.

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.

Excellent read for one

starting their journey into Buddhism. Clear, concise information about how to be a buddhist. I highly recommend reading this book for a beginner or one curious about the path.

Dope

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

Life changing book

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

Extremely Interesting!literally plain and simple.

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

Great book for keeping it simple and to the point

I really enjoyed this little book, it wasn't too long and didn't get into any mumbo jumbo. I wanted the basics and I got it, great book!

Simple and concisely what we all need.

This is without a doubt the most eloquent and sensible introduction to Buddhism I've ever experienced. Free of the centuries of cultural trappings and pageantry often observed though most mediums of Buddhist philosophy. This gets to the core of Buddhism, none of the mysticism or story telling, it's merely what you need to know to help you wake up.

I can't recommend this book enough

This short book is for anyone who wants to know what Buddhism is and for those who want to truly understand it's teachings. I've listened to a lot of books on Buddhism but this book is one of the best and deepest teachings I've come across so far. Have already listened to it twice and can see myself listening many more times to try and grasp it's profound teaching. Thank you.

now I'm on the path

My first footsteps on the path, with zero previous knowledge this filled in a number of blanks and questions I had.

I couldn’t put this book down

As a psychotherapist I found this book fascinating how the Buddhism theory links to the Humanistic approach to the here and now. A great read will definitely be listening to this again and maybe again after that. The narrator was very easy to listen to, great job.

Is this Buddhism in a nutshell?

A good introduction, simple concepts that are repeated frequently (appreciate the repetition as it aids understanding).

One of the best books on this subject

Very clear and simple coverage of a complex subject

Highly recommended for beginners and as a refresher for those with more knowledge

Thank you Steve Hagen for writing this book

Great listen/read.

found the book easy to listen to but also very informative. author was very knowledgeable and puts the concepts of Buddhism across in flowing but easily understood way.

a book that enlightened me. literally!

this book changed my life for better when I needed it the most!!! absolutely in top 5 of my favourite books!!! brilliant is the least to say!

It is a wonderful book

It is the best book if you want to start Buddhism I loved every chapter

Not that simple...

A good book covering the basics of Buddhism. I think I’ll have to listen to it a number of times and do a lot thinking about how ‘ plain and simple’ it all is.
Recommended to those who find themselves asking questions about what everything is about.

Clear and engaging

Clear and engaging, nice narrative style - would recommend. Will be listening to it again.