• Buddhism for Busy People

  • By: David Michie
  • Narrated by: Nicholas Bell
  • Length: 7 hrs and 36 mins
  • 4.0 out of 5 stars (845 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
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    5 out of 5 stars

From start to finsh, I thoroughly enjoyed this.

Would you listen to Buddhism for Busy People again? Why?

Absolutely I will be listening to this again. I learned so much about Buddhism and enjoyed the playful yet elegant way the book was written.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Not necessarily, I liked digesting about one 80 min disc at a time.

Any additional comments?

Wish my friends and relatives who are suffering would listen to this book, I honestly feel it could change their lives.

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  • Overall
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Entertaining & insightful introduction to Buddhism

I should say that I've always been interested in Buddhism, but too busy to pursue it :) I've always suspected there's a life lesson in there somewhere and now I know it! This book brings Buddhism to life for a person from the modern world by providing clear information about the basic teachings and combining it with humorous anecdotes from the author's own life. The book is written in a clear manner that is easy to follow. The 4 basic truths are explained as well as meditation techniques. The book is engaging from the first page. I find myself quoting it constantly to my friends. I liked the book so much I bought the Kindle version too! The reader has a pleasant voice and keeps his tone light in character with the tenor of the book, rather than preachy or sonorous. Overall, I highly recommend this book for anyone with a beginner's interest in Buddhism or anyone who wants a clear way to explain Buddhism to others or even anyone searching for meaning in life.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

A Little Bit Culty

David, been following you on Facebook. Love your message. In this book, you warn against cult behavior yet describe the appropriate teacher/student relationship in a decidedly culty way. Nonetheless I honor your journey and wish all the best to you and your family.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Buddhism for Beginners, too

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.

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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

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A good introduction

What made the experience of listening to Buddhism for Busy People the most enjoyable?

The reader had the perfect voice for this topic.

What did you like best about this story?

This was a nice, easy-to-listen-to intoduction to the subject. Not too much detail. Not too complex. Good enough to listen to on a road trip and then on the road back home, and easy enough to follow.

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    4 out of 5 stars

Don't think of the TV Gekko and you will enjoy

If you are a Westerner contemplating adoption of Buddhism, then this is the exact book you'd want, as the author did pretty much the same thing. He walks us through the experience and then reflects it against his own personal life...like having a "Buddy" take the trip with you, showing the way. Parts were so good, I had to rewind to hear them again right away and its a volume I might like to buy, in book, and keep on a shelf for reference later.

However--to we Americans, the narrator's voice sounds just like the Gekko on the TV insurance commercials. I kept thinking of the little green guy taking The Middle Path. I am sure its just me, but get past that and you have a great listen.

Come to think of it, would the Buddha himself approved of Audiobooks? I think so, (a) as it saves many trees and (b) the Buddha taught orally and his teachings were committed to memory by early teachers and repeated on verbally.

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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

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    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

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A wonderful reading of an inspirational book!

Very satisfied by this well-written, well-read book. Thank you for creating it! ^_^
Made a recent long journey an absolute joy.

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