Buddhism Is Not What You Think

Bestselling author and renowned Zen teacher Steve Hagen returns with a practical, engaging guide to the most essential elements of spiritual inquiry: attention, intention, honesty with oneself, compassion, and the desire to awaken in every aspect of daily living."If it's Truth we're after, we'll find that we cannot start with any assumptions or concepts whatsoever. Instead, we must approach the world with bare, naked attention, seeing it without any mental bias -- without concepts, beliefs, preconceptions, presumptions, or expectations.Doing this is the subject of this book."Renowned Zen teacher and bestselling author Steve Hagen penetrates the most essential and enduring questions at the heart of the Buddha's teachings: How can we see the world as it comes to be in each moment, rather than merely as what we think, hope, or fear it is? How can we base our actions on Reality, rather than on the longing and loathing of our hearts and minds? How can we live lives that are wise, compassionate, and in tune with Reality? And how can we separate the wisdom of Buddhism from the cultural trappings and misconceptions that have come to be associated with it?Drawing on down-to-earth examples from everyday life and stories from Buddhist teachers past and present, Hagen tackles these fundamental inquiries with his trademark lucid, straightforward prose. The newcomer to Buddhism will be inspired by this accessible and provocative introduction, while those more familiar with Buddhism will welcome this hands-on and much-needed guide to understanding what it is to be awake. By challenging us to question what we take for granted about Buddhism and our lives, Buddhism Is Not What You Think offers a profound and clear path to freedom and joy.