Buddhism for Beginners [Jack Kornfield]

By: Jack Kornfield

Narrated by: Jack Kornfield

Created specifically to address the questions and needs of first-time students, here is Buddhism's vast spiritual legacy, presented by one of America's leading meditation teachers.©2001 Jack Kornfield

calm, calm, calm, asleep!

I don't mean that in a bad way, but this book and his voice make me feel calm, and are great for listening to just before falling asleep.
this is a great intro to Buddhism, it is easy to listen to, though not always easy to follow. it is by no means thorough or deep. it is great to pick up and put down as any section you listen to delivers a little of the Dharma.
if you don't get sleepy like I seem to do, you can follow it more linearly, as it does go over some themes like the 4 Noble truths the 8 fold path, etc, but I seem to get lost in it. I like it enough to go back to it regularly, just pick where I left off and take a bit in.
i must say, I am very turned off by his use of another's poem and him changing the line "faithless and therefore trustworthy" to "faithful and therefore trustworthy". that's very bad form, if you don't agree with the poem, don't use it! to change the meaning of that line to the exact opposite of the author's intent is not cool. I have to skip over this part now everytime I get to it. yuck.

not exactly for beginners

great stories and lessons. it almosy seems too simple, yet the simplistic is complex and takes time and practice. recommended for anyone Interested in knowing the helpfulness of loving kindness, but it may not be for the absolute beginner looking for a more textbook version of what Buddhism is.

Wonderful

I really enjoyed this, and unlike others, I loved the author's voice (but then, I love Eckhart Tolle's voice too!). I can see I will listen to this again and again. It's an accessible entry into Buddhism.

It works

I began and immediately knew I could and would benefit. Within a short time loving kindness took hold and I was lifted above reaction

Excellent book on Buddhism

Very insightful and almost like mediation itself. The sort of book you probably need (will want) to listen to more than once as it is so deep and insightful.

Lectures on Buddhism to listen to time and again

Being new at this, I found the first half of the audio hard to get through. But the rest was lovely. I loved Jack’s soft spoken voice. I will listen to this again as it is very informative and has a good effect on me, especially after a stressful day.

Perfect

I enjoyed soo much the book that got surprised how quickly I ended it. Grateful for jack kornfield 's teaching coming from his own voice.

Enjoyed this audiobook very much!

This was a great book for beginners in Buddhism. It was my first Jack Kornfield audiobook...and I absolutely love listening to him. I have bought 2 more of his books since this.

Horrible for listening

I found the reader's tone so patronizing, that I could not listen to this book. I regret buying it.

A truly enlightened man

I've been a follower of Jack for over twenty years. I think I've read everything by him, and listened to countless dharma talks. If only he would read me bedtime stories too! Not only is his voice intoxicating, his words and deep understanding of Buddhism is unparalleled. He would laugh at that statement, but I'm telling you, for the widest net of capturing the essence of Buddhism, this is where you need to start. Jack's approach is not to define Buddhism, but to help us experience Buddhism first hand. Jump on your cushion and get to work!