• Buddhism for Busy People

  • By: David Michie
  • Narrated by: Nicholas Bell
  • Length: 7 hrs and 36 mins
  • 4.0 out of 5 stars (844 ratings)

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Buddhism for Busy People  By  cover art

Buddhism for Busy People

By: David Michie
Narrated by: Nicholas Bell
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Publisher's summary

The best-selling introduction to Buddhism. Every once in a while you come across an extraordinary book with the power to change your life. Buddhism For Busy People is one such book.

What does it take to be happy? We've all asked ourselves this question at some point, but few of us have found the path to lasting fulfillment.

David Michie thought he had achieved his life's goals - the high level job, the expensive city apartment, the luxury car, great holidays...but a small voice was telling him he wasn't really happy. A chance remark from a naturopath sent him to his local Buddhist centre. There, he began the most important journey of his life.

In this simple, beautifully written book, David Michie opens the door to the core teachings of Tibetan Buddhism. With wry, self-deprecating humour, he shows us how he began to incorporate Buddhist practices into his daily life. He explains how he came to understand the difference between the temporary pleasures of ordinary life, and the profound sense of well-being and heart-felt serenity that comes from connecting with our inner nature.

Please note: new audio was uploaded for this product on June 4th 2019 - additional meditations are now included at the end of the audiobook.

©2008 David Michie (P)2008 Bolinda Publishing

What listeners say about Buddhism for Busy People

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  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars

Embarrassing Ego Trip

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.

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21 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great for beginners and experienced alike

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.

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15 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars

Good introduction

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.

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14 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Dipping your toe into meditation? Buy this...

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.

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12 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Basic but great

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.

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11 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

What I got out of 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.

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

An Interesting Intro

I found that this was a good intro to the principles of Buddhism. I listened to it on audio, and the narration was good as well.

I liked that in addition to presenting the Buddhist principles, the author illustrated how he applied those principles to his own life. There were also instructions on how to meditate; I thought it was a fairly easy and straightforward process, but apparently there is a lot more to it than I had initially thought.

I found some "gems" of wisdom that I think may be useful. Some of the concepts I thought were important to me were: you don't have to change the world, but rather, how you perceived the world; that action is more important than belief, as it only matters what we do; and the explanation of the "self" and "other" divide. I imagine that others will find other concepts interesting to them, but I think most people could get something out of this.

I was particularly struck by his discussion of past lives. While I personally don't believe in that, his explanation made me think. He states that many people don't believe in past lives because you can't remember them; however, you also don't remember your birth, but that happened. For some reason, this really struck a chord with me and made perfect sense. I haven't changed my views on past lives, but I believe I am more open minded about it and other things now.

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

great, great, great!!!!!

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.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

This is one to save and listen to again.

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.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Enjoyable

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

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3 people found this helpful