Buddhism for Non-Buddhists
A Practical Guide to Ease Suffering and Be Happy
Janet Nima Taylor

CreateSpace
December 26, 2012/ ISBN
9781621451457 (Second Edition)
Nonfiction / Inspirational

Reviewed by Leslie C. Halpern

This book provides an excellent introduction to Buddhist history, philosophy, and practice for beginners. Twenty-two short chapters cover topics including American Buddhism, mindfulness practice, the basics of meditation, addictions and suffering, “sangha” study groups, and an exploration of evil. The author’s tone is warm, friendly, and direct, and serves as encouragement for like-minded readers to see if Buddhism can help them ease suffering in their lives and find happiness in each moment.

Reflective of the Buddhist practice, the book contains many lists, including The Eightfold Path, Five Attitudes/Perceptions That Get in the Way of Enlightenment/Awakening, The Three Jewels, Step-by-Step Meditation Process, Four Powerful Thoughts, The Four Boundless Qualities, and The Five Components of “You.” While the concepts are easy to understand, readers may need to refer back to the book to recall certain items from the many lists.

Among the most important concepts explored in Buddhism for Non-Buddhists is the idea of choosing to be happy. Taylor writes, “The entire practice of Buddhism is about 1) recognizing our current thoughts and feelings, 2) creating a gap for reflection, then 3) transforming our responses.” As in other chapters of the book, the author explains each part of this process with Buddhist philosophies, pop culture references (such as Donny Osmond and Ellen DeGeneres), and examples from her own life. Taylor created the Temple Buddhist Center in Kansas City, Missouri after many years of study and practice.

Although this second edition successfully introduces Buddhism to those unfamiliar with it, the book could be improved with editing to fix repetition of phrases (“we can take refuge in”), a reference to Amish as Quakers, overuse of the temple’s website URL, and numerous typographical errors. Readers willing to overlook these stylistic issues will find Buddhism for Non-Buddhists an accessible overview of an ancient spiritual practice.