• Buddhism for Beginners [Jack Kornfield]

  • By: Jack Kornfield
  • Narrated by: Jack Kornfield
  • Length: 9 hrs
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (1,774 ratings)

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Buddhism for Beginners [Jack Kornfield]  By  cover art

Buddhism for Beginners [Jack Kornfield]

By: Jack Kornfield
Narrated by: Jack Kornfield
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Publisher's summary

Created specifically to address the questions and needs of first-time students, here is Buddhism's vast spiritual legacy, presented by one of America's leading meditation teachers.
©2001 Jack Kornfield

What listeners say about Buddhism for Beginners [Jack Kornfield]

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Might be difficult for true beginners...

I really enjoyed these lectures. They definitely give a greater understanding of what Buddhism means. However, I do think I wouldn't have grasped many of the deeper meanings if I hadn't had some introduction to very, very basic Buddhist concepts to begin with. I would recommend listening to "A New Earth" by Eckhart Tolle before listening to this if you are a true beginner and a Westerner. Most of it was extremely helpful (see my review on that one). My only other complaint about this audiobook is that Jack Kornfield really seems to love the sound of his own voice. Sounds hypercritical, but the breathy, caressing voice could be a little nauseating at times.

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99 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

This is the one...

I almost didn't get this book because of the reviews about Jack Kornfield's speaking voice. I'm glad I didn't make that huge mistake.

If you're interested in learning about Buddhism, then this is the book. This is the guy to explain it to you. His voice is perfect for what he's explaining. He's not reading the pages into a microphone in a studio somewhere, he's speaking from his heart with genuine compassion.

This is a good quality recording of a series of informative speeches given to a small audience. The speaker is a Buddhism master, and I think he's enlightened and is passing the Buddha's wisdom as well as his own down to students who wish to learn. I am just beginning my studies of Buddhism and I feel like this was the perfect introduction.

If you're interested in learning about Buddhism, get this. You won't be sorry.

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92 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Highly Recommended!

For me, this has been the next best thing to having a great teacher in my own home. His calm manner, deep insights and easy to understand presentation are a gift to anyone interested in knowing more about Buddhist philosophy. I have listened to this over and over again and get something more each time. Along with Thich Nhat Hanh and Pema Chodron, the teachings of Jack Kornfield have had a life changing a influence in my life. I am grateful to have these audio recordings so easily available.

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40 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

A delightful introduction to Buddhist Life

This is a wonderful series of dharma talks given by the foremost (at least in my mind) American Buddhist teacher, Jack Kornfield. Kornfield's voice and manner are warm, soothing, and kind, and he illustrates his distillation of Buddhist teachings with everything from real-life anecdotes, poetry, and jokes. It is a pleasure to listen to, from beginning to end. The beauty of these talks is that they do not require a previous knowledge of Buddhism or a desire to immerse one's self in scripture. Kornfield gives practical advice on cultivating mindfulness, lovingkindness, and interconnectedness for even the most non-dogmatic of listeners. What a delight!

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38 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars

Just never got into it

Great stories and passion but I could not get past the sleepiness of his presentation. He never captured my attention. Listen to the sample before you download. If you can tolerate 8 hours of that - be my guest. Perhaps I should try harder and this is my fault but I am going to look for another book to try again.

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19 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

This recording will change your life

It was this recording that really touched me. Jack Kornfield has the right style to talk to the west. A really beautiful way of presenting the Buddhas teachings in a way that really means something in everyday life.

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14 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

A great first look into Buddism/ liked the speaker

I was weary at first since some were complaining about the speaker, saying he was irritating and to be honest it took me a chapter to get into the way he speaks. Ended up really liking the speaker though his quotes from Don Juan Matus to Woody Alan made it easy to relate to the stories and philosophies.

Would recommend.

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10 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Better than Expected

Mr Kornfield's presentation is informative and at times, very funny. If you've been curious about Buddhism, I would highly suggest that you give this audiobook a try. Even if you are not looking for enlightenment, this selection has information for leading a calm, centered and spiritual life. At first the live audience threw me off but I came to appreciate their reactions and laughter and got great enjoyment from it. I also purchased Meditation for Beginners from Mr Kornfield and have also found it helpful and enjoyable. Listen at bedtime for a great nights sleep.

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10 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

excellent

a most excellent book. i will admit that he kinda sounds like a subdued Mr. Rogers at naptime. the speaking voice kinda turned me off at first but i hung with it because of the content. he has a good cadence and clarity of speech so it's easy to get past the tone.

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9 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

MUST HAVE FOR FIRST TIMERS

I love this audible! This is a must have for anyone who is unfamiliar with Buddhism or is interested in learning what it is and how to apply it to your everyday life. I listen to this book at least twice a week and parts of it daily! He makes it easy to understand and how to apply it to every day living. It is in layman terms, humorous, insightful. You walk away with a very in-depth understanding of what Buddhism is and how it can benefit your life! I just purchased another book by this author! Must have.... Money well spent! I recommend this one before purchasing his other book, Roots of BuddhismPhychology, which is my other favorite of his. I like the way he uses humor to which I can relate to and the different story his refers to.

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8 people found this helpful