The Essence of Buddhism - The Original Classic Edition

This is one of the finest and more interesting books I have read on Buddhism in two decades. The author has brought the very authentic tenets of Buddhism together in a wonderful marriage with views of contemporary society. His perceptions and insights into western life are excellent and oftentimes very funny.

It explains profound terms such as emptiness along with others, in such a way, that even older students of Buddhism will have a much clearer understanding. He explained the notion of Karma and the consciousness that incarnates in such an amazing way, that I had to read it several times with tremendous excitement, the excitement a Christian mystic may have finding and reading the Gnostic Gospels for the first time.

If you would like to understand exactly what Buddhism teaches at its core, and how this is applicable to our lives and how it can be of benefit in any situation we find ourselves, then this is the book. It is written in an elegant style that is a pleasure to read. It is evident that much time and effort went into this book and it is sure to become a classic in our Buddhist literary collection.

Strongly recommended reading for those new to Buddhism and its rich, complex, and enduring spiritual heritage.