The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Buddhism (repost)

Gary Gach is like that teacher you always wanted–easygoing, full of information, able to communicate in humorous and meaningful ways, and a little bit wacky. So he's the perfect author for The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Buddhism. In this trademark easy-to-read format, Gach introduces us to a very human Buddha, along with the rules for living that make a Buddhist a Buddhist. In addition to the various kinds of meditation, he shows us how to meditate at meals and be aware of the interconnections in life. We learn about popular branches of Buddhism, like Zen and Tibetan, with an emphasis on practicing here and now.

There is the theoretical: emptiness, nothingness, impermanence, as well as a very strong dose of the practical: Buddha at work, Buddhist films, environmental concerns, Buddhist celebrations, etc. Gach brings it all together with a light touch and an enthusiasm that makes you want to get up and do something Buddhist. –Brian Bruya
Review
… hasn't dumbed down Buddhism here; he's jazzed it up …covers the basic ground …doesn't lead us astray … – SHAMBHALA SUN, May 2002

… get[s] across the incredible richness and diversity of the Buddhist experience without losing sight of the essentials … Enjoy! – Buddhism.About.com

… it's reaching out to so many people to bring the understanding, solidity, and compassion so needed in our society. – Ven. Thich Nhat Hanh: Plum Village

… makes Buddhism … so easy even a woman can do it. Not only that. Even a MAN! – Susan Moon, Author

…useful for a number of reasons, but its approach … is the most rewarding of all. … intriguing and fun! Yippee! – The WAVE Hit List, 5/23-6/5,2002 www.surfmetro.com

Great Book … Be Well and Happy … – Rev. Kusala Ratan Karuna (Thich-Tam-Thien): International Buddhist Meditation Center; www.UrbanDharma.org

Simple *ain't* easy…. not many books give as good an overview … a not an undignified place to start. – Rain Taxi, Spring 2002

THE BEST OF ITS KIND. – Chevy Chase

This marvelously complete guide is a bountiful resource… – NAPRA