Buddhism Plain and Simple
by Steve Hagen

Paperback - 159 pages (December 29, 1998)
Broadway Books; ISBN: 0767903323

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Synopsis
"Buddhism Plain and Simple" offers a clear, straightforward treatise on Buddhism in general and on awareness in particular. Steve Hagan presents the Buddha's uncluttered, original teachings in everyday, accessible language unencumbered by religious ritual.

Reviews:

JR, November 11, 2001

With all due respect to S.San Martin's opinion(some of this respect developing from Mr.Hagen's ability to distill the essence of Buddhism),lighten up . This book makes no claim to be the be all and end all work on this subject. If it's simple approach and concise wording attracts readers who otherwise would not be able to digest other more esoteric works then the book should be an enormous success in sending the message.

Jules Burt, May 29, 2001 It changed my life...

Believe it or not after a few years of mental 'searching' I finally got round to reading this book...yes, it changed my life - or rather I did!

I couldn't believe what I was reading as it struck at the heart of all my wonderings and lit the spark that led to my entire discovery...that I was already heading towards, and was.

Whilst this book is very 'un-buddhist' in the sense of 'non-mystical' wording it really gets to the core - and I believe presents the message in a way that many materialists may find approachable/agreeable

Jules.

Rev. Tom Luffman, December 20, 2000, Good read for those seeking to know more about Buddhism
Mr. Hagen has written a very good book for those people who wish to know more about Buddhism. While I respect S. San Martin's critique of this book, I have to defend this writing by stating this book probably was not written for someone who is in or finished graduate school. This books seems to be written for the everyday man and woman of the United States who may be seeking alternatives to the major philosophical paths offered by our mainstream, established religions/philosophies. I think the major problem many people may have with this book is Mr. Hagen sweeps aside the cultures behind Buddhism and just deals with the essence. I'm not sure I agree with his opinion with the role of culture in Buddhism but for those just interested in the essence this should be a must read. Rev. Tom Luffman

S. San Martin, July 24, 2000 A LARGELY UNSATISFACTORY ACCOUNT OF BUDDHISM
After reading Donald Fagen's "BUddhism: Plain and Simple" I was left with a sense that I had high expectations that were not met. Fagen's account is more than "plain and simple," it is watered down to embarassing levels. Having recently finished graduate school and its rigid demands, I decided to turn away from the traditional scriptures and the writings of Thich Nanh That and the Dalai Lama and read a westerner's perspective on Buddhism. Fagen's book, I am sorry to report, does not provide the essence of Buddhism in under 200 pages. Rather, it provides a mindnumbingly boring synthesis that leaves the reader with a superficial sense of anew knowledge. This seems like a short text that serves to feed the need of those hoping to "understand" Buddhism by reading this book on the subway. Nothing more than subway literature. For a more satisfactory account, read the Dalai Lama or the sanscript texts translated by true scholars.

A reader from Denver, Colorado , July 31, 1999 A title that matches the contents of the book.
"Consciousness is nothing more than the splitting of Reality into this and that. Consciousness is making distinctions and drawing lines." This quote is an example of the writing style of Steve Hagen. In the book, "Buddhism Plain and Simple" this writing style provides the basics of Buddhism without the clutter of cultural overlays. Beautifully presented concepts, ideas and examples are given in a deep and thoughtful manner - perfect for multiple readings and discussions. Read and enjoy.

A reader from Australia , July 25, 1999 We want to know some more about buddhism
It's a cool book. Do you have any more infomation about buddhism?

A reader from United States of America , July 22, 1999 Incredible!
Yes, this is the book to get if you want a straight foward look at Buddhist precepts.

A reader from Seattle, Washington , July 14, 1999 This book clearly illuminates the path
This book can provide anyone with invaluable insight. The author describes how you can arrive at the truth, very plainly. It will not tell you what to do, make you feel guilty, or insistently urge you to to do anything. Read it, digest it, and the scales will be lifted from your eyes. You will see the truth for yourself.

A reader from Harvard, Illinois , July 4, 1999 Clear, concise and objective
After reading so many Buddhist texts and being frequently confused by the profound yet ambiguous explanations, I found this book extremely refreshing and simple. It is by far the clearest explanation of the Buddha's teachings that I have read. Hagen clarifies these seemingly simple yet complex thoughts, while maintaining a high level of objectivity.

Other Buddhist writers, and philosophy writers would be well advised to adopt the style used by this author.

A reader from Red Bank, New Jersey , May 25, 1999 The best, no nonsense explanation of Buddhist philosophy
No mysticism here. Just a to-the-point explanation of Buddhist thinking. While the book is small, it takes some time to fully digest and apply the principles.

A reader from Tamarac, Florida , April 30, 1999 Thought-provoking and profound
An excellent book to read if you have evered pondered life, death, purpose, the universe, self, suffering, pleasure, beliefs, or morality.

This is about buddha-dharma- the teachings of the Buddha. It is not about rituals, customs, or different interpretations of the Buddha. Instead, it describes what the human existence appears to be and how awareness is the key to Reality.

The author does not make conclusions for us. He presents the information and it is up to us to use it any way we want. There are no "rules". Buddha-dharma can be considered a "non-religion". Having beliefs actually limits your conception and realization of Reality.

I see no reason why not to pick up this book. If you have Western beliefs, you should open your mind to another point of view. You will get something out of it. I do not agree with many points this book brought up, but in other cases the author was right on the money.

This book WILL GET YOU THINKING. And after you read it, you may think that it wasn't actually THE BOOK itself that got you thinking! (You'll know what I mean.)

A reader from Jacksonville, Florida , March 24, 1999 Accessable Enlightenment
Steve Hagen strips away the cultural shrouds that can convolute and confuse the fundamentals of this ìnon-religionî, presenting Buddhismís powerful simplicity in an accessible way.

No matter what your spiritual background this book can profoundly enrich your life