Buddhism for Beginners

I love audiobooks, but lets be frank, they can be pretty variable!

This one takes the format of teachings recorded live in front of an audience. Jack Kornfield delivers these lectures in an accessible manner, with appropriate humor that never detracts from the content and indeed assists in delivering the messages. I sometimes find it hard to listen to audiobooks in American or other accents (I am dyslexic and have APD) but his voice is calming, never patronizing and as a result I have listened to this many times over.

My usual audiobook 'fodder' is comedy, dramatized stories or perhaps some general classics to pass long journeys. However, I bought this as an agnostic who has been exploring theology and belief systems, and remarkably this has already helped me through some difficult times. As a newcomer to Buddhism, this did not put me off by sounding elitist or too 'new world-y' (I tend to recoil when I feel I am being fed hippy nonsense). Instead, this has been genuinely enlightening and helpful and gets my highest recommendation.

I shall now continue to explore Buddhism and will certainly favor Kornfields work. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank him for making this and for the impact that it has already had upon me.

Instead, I am buying a further audiobook outside of my monthly plan

At first I found the lecture format a bit off-putting but as the author continued I found it increasingly pleasant and relaxing.

I would recommend this as a good, gentle introduction into buddhism and would certainly consider purchasing any further contributions by Jack Kornfield in this area.

this book was excellent and i really enjoyed listening to it and learned a lot about the buddhist way of life from it. i enjoyed the narrator also found his voice calming and gentle, think this book would be excellent for anyone interested in buddhism or even just to listen to to destress and see the reality of life and whats important its a real eyeopener and life changer cant wait to listen to more from jack

I picked this up looking for some inspiration to get through a period of illness that was stretching my sanity.



The author is very funny and engaging and I learned more than a trick or two from it. I keep going back to it when I am looking for energy and ideas to help get me through difficult times. I have found it especially useful in dealing with chronic physical pain, even though it's not a meditation book.



I have always had an enquiring mind and much of this book rings true for me, even though I am not a religious person.



A really good listen that I think will help enrich your quality of life.

Almost meditative, this audiobook is a great bedtime listen and feels almost therapeutic as well as informative. I learnt all the basic facets of Buddhism without feeling preached at or presdutusrd. You can take what you want from the content, and the delivery is calm and almost hypnotic as his voice kills you to sleep. Only problem wad I had to keep rewinding when I missed bits due to snoozing! A good intro.

I wanted to start listening to books since this gives me the freedom of doing activities like sewing or pottering around the house while listening to something interesting.

I bought it based on the reviews and I wasnt disapointed.This is a great book if you dont know anything at all about buddhism and want to start at some point.It doesnt matter if you know much religion all together.This is simple and adapted to our world and the times we live in.

The book is very entertaining and is read in front of a live audience.the best part is that the author takes a subject like religion which is often seem as too seroius or ceremonial but is not afraid of making inncoent jokes and bringing examples that put a smile on you.I highly recommend it.

I have read books on Buddhism in the past but found this to be the most accessible. It is read in a very light and calming way. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Buddhism/mindfulness or spiritual development in general.

Not to bad but I will listen to it again as i never heard the end of the chapters because i would be a sleep before the end. I listen to audio books when i am going to bed or having a nap as it helps me relax.