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  • Published: 26 September 2012
  • ISBN: 9780718193072
  • Imprint: Penguin eBooks
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 272

Buddhism is Not What You Think

Finding Freedom Beyond Beliefs




From our bestselling author of Buddhism Plain and Simple, a down to earth guide to Buddhist practice

What is Buddhism? What are its true teachings? What can it bring to our lives?

Here Steve Hagen, a Zen priest, cuts through the many misconceptions surrounding Buddhism, and shows us its true purpose. Drawing on down-to-earth examples from everyday life, this practical and straightforward guide penetrates the most essential and enduring questions at the heart of the Buddha's teachings: How can we see the world in each moment, rather than merely as what we think, hope, or fear it is? How can we base our actions on reality? How can we live lives that are wise, compassionate, open and honest?

This book offers a profound and clear path to a life of joy and freedom.

  • Published: 26 September 2012
  • ISBN: 9780718193072
  • Imprint: Penguin eBooks
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 272

About the author

Steve Hagen

Steve Hagen is a Zen priest, a long-time teacher of Buddhism and the author of How the World Can Be the Way It Is.

He began studying Buddhism in 1967, and in 1975 became a student of Zen master Dainin Katagiri, the author of Returning to Silence: Zen Practice in Daily Life. He was ordained a Zen priest in 1979. Hagen later studied with a number of other teachers in Asia and Europe. In 1989 he received Dharma Transmission (endorsement to teach) from Katagiri Roshi.

Steve Hagen lives in Minneapolis, where he lectures, teaches meditation, and leads retreats at the Dharma Field Meditation and Learning Center. He is currently working on several books and has recently edited You Have to Say Something (Shambhala 1998), a collection of Dharma talks by Katagiri Roshi. 

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Praise for Buddhism is Not What You Think

A clear and challenging showing of the fundamental truth of our lives. This is an exceptional book. Make good use of it

Charlotte Joko Beck, author of EVERYDAY ZEN

Cuts to the heart of the matter ... a book that will reward multiple readings over time ... Hagen's writing flows in a tranquil way, like a spring trickling up effortlessly from the earth

Robert M Pirsig, author of ZEN AND THE ART OF MOTORCYCLE MAINTENANCE