Buddhism for Busy People: Finding Happiness in an Uncertain World Paperback – May 15, 2008

I got this for a foundational understanding of Buddhism and was led to David by his fiction works "The DL's Cat" and it's sequel "The Art of Purring" - (and am now wishing and waiting for the next installment of this WONDERFUL story!). David has a fantastic way of explaining how even the most basic precepts of Buddhism can fit into anyone's life. This delightful narrative not only underscores what most have no clue about, he also gives the day to day application of the principles. In essence it is not so much a religion (as misleading as the 'ism' is at the end of the name) as a philosophy of life. Even the Dali Lama himself has said, you don't need to become a Buddhist to use and apply what you learn that appeals to you, speaks to your soul. David takes this step further by using everyday examples, traffic, rude people, the never ending rise of annoyance that is a part of almost every life. He teaches simple tools and applications for everyday life (hence the title!). You don't have to 'contemplate your navel' to understand the principles of Buddhism, but learning how to meditate is a core instruction. One which can lower your blood pressure, reduce your cortisol levels, raise your happiness and patience and extend your life. This is a book that should be read by every human being in every country. I have purchased the audio as I listen to it daily to keep the information and application fresh. This man is one of the greatest gifts - he speaks beautifully, describes simply and relates completely the essence of Buddhism and it's applications to every busy life, including yours. Don't wait another day, buy this book or the audio CD and find peace and purpose in your life. And as a PS, this has NOTHING to do with your own religion. There are millions of Christians (myself included), Lutherans, Jews, Hindu's, Protestants, etc who find their faith deepened, enriched and expanded as a result of these teachings. Jesus went missing for many years and showed up at 30....who's to say that He and Buddha didn't hang for a few years...? I picture a table with all of these prophets/teachers discussing how best to reach every heart in the world with the ultimate and unarguable message of "love one another, you are ALL my children". That's what Buddhism for Busy People is all about, helping you to be the very best you possible. This needs to be on your 'must read and live' list. If everyone did read it and apply it to their lives, we'd instantly have a better world. Instantly.

If you're a fan of the Dalai Lama's cat journals by David Michie, you'll also love this book. This is a look into the man himself and his journey into Buddhism. Compelling, entertaining, heartwarming, educational and an easy read. If he were the only author left on earth, I would never tire of reading whatever he wrote.

I really got a lot of information I was seeking in reading the book. I did have a little trouble following and would get confused, I'm not sure if it is me or the Author but I think if you are at all interested in Buddhism this will answer many questions. I am seeking more answers than it provided but again, it has a lot of useful information.I really enjoy David Michie books and this was no exception just some information was confusing.

This book is exactly what its title suggests - a quick paced introduction to Buddhism for people who have busy lives.The author was living in the corporate world, and ended up stumbling into Buddhism.His story is inspiring, and subtly weaves the core Buddhist teachings into the story. The way this is done makes the teachings very accessible and relevant to Western people, especially those with similar issues of living in the corporate rat-race.It is fair to say that this book has changed my life, it has led me to read many other texts, but I still return to this one from time to time for a re-charge.I would recommend this without reservation to anyone with the vaguest interest in Buddhism, and also anyone who feels there must be more to life than what they are currently experiencing.

I read this after a recommendation from a friend and quite enjoyed it. I liked the simply presented philosophies with some nice analogies to real life. Having said that, the last chapter or two drifted off just a little bit but don't let that discourage you from reading it. If you have a passing interest in Buddhism then this would be a good introduction.

I came to this book through inspiration I experienced from reading another of the author's books, "The Dalai Lama's Cat", and the other three books about the Dalai Lama's beloved pet. Thank you, David Michie, for your significant contribution to my understanding of 'mind stream'.

Hi gang. I have been a practicing buddhist for nearly 30 years and I think this is a fantastic book. If I had a friend who was interested in Buddhism or who wanted to read an introductory book I would not hesitate to recommend David Michie's wonderful story. Please ignore those who gave it a low rating as I think they are coming from spaces that the average reader really won't care about. Indeed, it is exactly the interweaving of David's biography with the fundamental tenents of buddhism that make this an interresting and worthwhile read. If your high-powered or low-powered life seems unsatisfactory to you - please give this book a try!

Way too much time spent preaching to the choir on why one might want to meditate, but does list many possible benefits, and many types of meditation. The first few chapters gave me a good start, and I went on to Kornfields book to continue.I just realized that I meant this review for another of Miche's books, Hurry Up And Meditate. Sorry.

The title intrigued me so I thought it was worth a read, anything that might help me get through life with more understanding of a bigger picture would be worth the time. It's certainly interesting to read it from someone who is very normal and down to earth, not the type of person you would expect to be a Buddhist. I really enjoyed it and it gave me lots to think about, well written and not 'preaching to' on any way. It's definitely got me interested in taking things further. Thank you David!

As an introduction to the subject I found this book generally useful however I was also a little distracted by some of the contradictions (where I found it difficult to tie up his actions / feelings in certain situation versus the Buddhist interpretation placed upon that scenario). I also had the feeling that, in a few places, the author was using the narrative stories to settle old scores (e.g. in relation to people who rejected his previous manuscripts, & his "good Karma" in getting them published anyway).Overall, enjoyable but flawed.S.

Only on chapter 5. This is an awesome book so far and I've enjoyed the story of first getting to the glebe st Gompa and entering a world of personal happiness. The lessons in this are many and it had ignited a deeper want within me to understand buddhism. Cant recommend enough! 🙂

I have read several books by this Author. He writes clearly , engagingly, thoughtfully . Anyone with an interest in this area will not be disappointed.

I could relate to the way that the author kept his stories simpleA very good read and definitely worth the priceGood simple instructions for beginners starting out on the meditation journey