The Naked Buddha: A Practical Guide to the Buddha's Life and Teachings

absolutely loved it I've read this book three or four times and I learn something new with each read.

This book is a nice discourse of the trials and tribulations of an Australian Buddhist nun. Through her experiences and answers this book gives the motivation and insight to start or continue a practice. The author has a pragmatic view and tells the story from her heart.

that's a 50-50 split between the flawless writing and Dierdre Rubenstein's flawless reading.

probably the author. she's a character alright. in the best possible way...

i don't have a favorite scene; the whole darn thing's indispensable, and each part inseparable from the whole.

when the author states, right in the intro, that she's going to strip away all the cultural and religious trappings that have obscured the Buddha's teaching over time...that's exhilarating to me. i was also very much intrigued by her identification of Theravada as a path of religious Buddhism. Theravada being the path i've identified with, and me being skeptical of anything religious, the Venerable Howley has touched off an important line of inquiry for me. and by the same token, i'm glad that - in case she's sort of pulling the Theravadin rug out from under my feet - she's given me something delightful-sounding to land on: being a "Buddha Buddhist." :)

none, beyond my saying thanks be to Dependent Origination for allowing some of its causative factors to result in the formation of this audiobook. ;)

This is an excellent dissection of buddhism for the non-religious. Howley does a fantastic job of separating fact from fiction from religious construct.

Pure and unadulterated

The ability to meditate on the material while it is being presented.

When I began my exploration of Buddhism, I suspected that many of its teachers and followers didn't really seem to get it. Adrienne Howley does get it, that The Buddha was a man, not some surrogate deity, that Buddhism is a philosophy, practice, and lifestyle, and that Buddhism is to be applied in the context of the culture in which it is presented. Religions tell us how and what to be, and that the reward comes later. Buddhism as presented here is an instruction on how to achieve relief from suffering here and now.

A great beginners guide to Buddhism. Things are explained in an open way without making things mystical.

Things are explained in simple terms that a person being introduced to Buddhism can understand. There are the writers life lessons and humor in the book.

Her voice is very soothing but bright. I can easily hear her and don't zone out.

This book was an interesting listen. Opened my eyes to some concepts and developed an interest into looking further into the subject. Narration seemed virtually perfect for this book. Well worth the time spent.

Simple, Direct, and Delightful.

Like Rebel Buddha this book attempts to strip away layers of tradition and culture in order to allow the reader a more accessible look at what Buddhism is.

The content was easy to understand and the author made the listener smile may times as she explained her teachings on the basic concept of buddhism. It is one of those books that as you listen over and over again you always pick up something new. I am grateful for this book.

There were not characters in this book. I was simple explanation dilivered in a lecture format

She is awesome. She captured the flavor of the read. Her voice is pleasure to listen too and she took what could have been a very dry subject and made fun. Her voice reminds of Judi Dench whom I adore.

Be Happy Where You Are Planted!

If you are searching and you have tried all the main stream religions and you are feeling like none of them fit you try this. This is the first book I read on this subject that has come even close to striking a cord. It has help me to learn that happiness is only within my grasp when I choose and allow to be.

Most definitely, I would recommend this audiobook to friends and strangers who are drawn to a spiritual path without being religious.

The Buddha, of course.

Breath.

I wouldn't call it

Thank goodness for my Episcopal upbringing for without it I would never have sought a spiritual path more suited to my needs.