Great Introduction to the Essential Teachings

Jack Kornfield is just just brilliant. This is the first time I've encountered him, and I started the audiobook (it's really a recording to a live audience) thinking that he was a bit spaced out! It turns out he's just not trying to prove anything. Instead he has a very gentle, very humorous approach to explaining the spiritual Buddhist teachings in an incredibly clear and detailed manner. It's a perfectly enlightening introduction to Buddhism. Enjoy.

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Funny, insightful and inspiring - non buddhist

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.

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6 people found this helpful

Genuine, warm, funny and compassionate

What did you like about this audiobook?

The author has a genuine, warm and caring approach to the subject matter born out of deep wisdom, knowledge and practice. The story of buddhism is delivered via a series of lectures on the important elements of the subject in front of a live audience. This really allows you to get a sense of the gentle, kind and humourous nature of the author, and the warmth and respect of the audience for the speaker.

How has the book increased your interest in the subject matter?

Yes, greatly. Deep, yet accessible insight in to the tradition with an eye to the Eastern roots of the teachings and a Western context for the practice.

Does the author present information in a way that is interesting and insightful, and if so, how does he achieve this?

The teachings are littered with stories, quotes and insight from great teachers and leaders from all traditions. Lots of deeply moving stories from the author's personal experience and amusing anecdotes keep the perfect balance between light heartedness and being deeply moved.

What did you find wrong about the narrator's performance?

Not a thing. Great insight to the teachings and flawless, caring and compassionate delivery. I've listened to the book a number of times, the author is now a part of my daily life as I can hear his words as I go through my day.

Do you have any additional comments?

Highly recommended!

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6 people found this helpful

It's a wonderful listen.

It is a beautiful introduction to Buddhism, which has valuable lessons for all faiths and none.

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Buddism for Beginers

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.

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WONDERFUL - YOU WON'T REGRET PURCHASING THIS!

A wonderful book which is well narrated, inspiring and helpful. I listened to a chapter on every bus journey and not only did Kornfield's voice calm me, but the teachings put a smile on my face. One to keep! LOVE IT!

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1 person found this helpful

great

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.

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Very enjoyable

Very enjoyable and easy to listen to. Nice to have a little bit of humour here and there. All told in a very easy to understand, light-hearted relaxing manner, I'll definitely be checking other Jack Kornfield books.

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A gentle introduction:

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.

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10 people found this helpful

Awesome

Seems a lot more than just a introduction this is a book that I listen to several times a year

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