Simple, straightforward, and deep.
351947
I have been reading and practicing these medicines for some time. I am also studying ethnobotany and plant medicine in relation to psychopathology. I picked up this book as a supplement to my work, and I did not expect that it would be so good. I would recommend this book to ANY person interested in this subject- whether they are totally new to it, or have been doing it for decades.
Cowan clearly and eloquently provides his take on this subject, and does a very good job explaining the basics. But he writes with a gentle tone, and makes plant spirit medicine something that everyone can do. This book isn't trying to sell anything or promote a workshop or healing modality. This really does provide some genuine insights on how to communicate with plants and use them for healing.
Eliot Cowan is right on with this book. You won't be disappointed.
3685099
A straightforward, honest way to handle children.
2828282
The clarity and simplicity of Andrew's writing in Western Lights struck me immediately -- from the explanation of processes and practices, to the eradication of myths and misunderstandings inherent in the conditioned minds of anyone not fully versed in any one particular form of religion or practice.

The book is a refreshing and welcoming introduction and guide to the practices of Buddhism: whether one's desire is simply curiosity or to delve deeply into the philosophy and transcendent nature of the practices.

Breaking down terms like Faith, Vows, Meditation, Spirituality and Englightenment, and dispelling age-old prejudices and mental conditioning against such words with simplicity and obvious compassion, Andrew has managed to deliver a unique and open door to practices and traditions that should be, by now, the norm for everyone--no matter our choice of spiritual path.

Being a practitioner of mantra meditation for nearly 30 years, I particularly loved the section The Name That Calls, and the chapter that addressed the question (Ch 11) Buddhism: Religion, Belief System, or Philosophy. I particularly liked Andrew's presentation of the concept of karma, a modern-day term that is often misunderstood and misapplied, and consequently cheapened. It is a complex and deep philosophy, and Andrew deals with it again with clarity and simplicity.

He even addresses politics and Darwinism, cats (yes, cats!), our relationship with God, anger, and healing. It's pretty much got it all, this little pearl.

Seriously recommended reading for the practitioner of any form of spiritual process: if we can't find something in all practices to apply to our own, we're doing something wrong---and this book sets it right.
3424214
Though based on one simple tenet of what is essential, eliminate everything else, this book doors a good job of covering that from different angles without being boring. A light conversational style and honest personal examples make this an easy read but happily one that sticks in the mind and I've taken a lot from a little here.
2566552
The ideas of this book are very simple and easy to digest. Yet, the ideas resonated with me. They remind me a lot about Buddhism and meditation. Things like retained bad energy (karma), our endlessly-chatting inner voice, living in the moment, and ego.

But the author does not focus on those exclusively. Instead, the book goes beyond these things and talks about opening the heart for having more energy and feeling enthusiastic about life and facing our ego as a means to grow (spiritually and as a person in general).

The analogies and examples of the book are also very good.

In a way, I think of this book as an accessible and digested introduction to the practical aspects of Buddhism without the religious aspect of it. Just don't expect any hardcore science. You'll need to take it as it comes and either accept it because it seems true to you or you can just discard it as new-age BS. It's your choice.
254171
A simple, straightforward, holistic approach to a subject that many experience yet don't know what to call it, how to describe it and more importantly how to address it. The self checks were extremely helpful.  An enjoyable book that you will finish in no time.
1979184
A straightforward, helpful, unpretentious read. Even if you're not in mourning, this book discusses loss of all types: a job, a pet, friends--anything that can plunge you into sadness, anxiety, or anger.
I found the advice practical and calming.
So many self-help books hide their nuggets of good advice in thick layers of padding and hype. This book does NOT do that. That makes it a quick read that gets right to the point.
4886072
I have read so many self help and new age titles AND this book sums it all up.  Nothing fancy, very clearly delivers the message that what we focus on expands.  I've read it twice - listened to the CD's dozens of times and am continuing to learn.  If feels like a core basic for living.
4869006
I am really enjoying this book.
Clear, deep and practicle.
4325144
Clean, clear, and concise - this book delivers what the title promises.
601234
"Secular Buddhism," makes the simple philosophies at the heart of Buddhism accessible and easy to understand.  The format was well organized and illustrated with thoughtful, personal stories.

As a westerner seeking a spiritual path outside of organized religion, I will use this book to further my awakening as well as a foundation for myself and as a tool in teaching my children to search for their own spiritual path.

I look forward to the daily practice of being a better and authentic me.
3272553
Clearly written and full of non-threatening beginnings to writer deep and meaningfully.
3342760
When I recieved this, I read it in starts but it began to creep into my consciousness.  After reading so many books on children, I began to take solace in these simple reflections on what it truly means to be a parent.  Only in recent decades did the word 'parenting' even become a verb.

Martin translates the 81 poems or songs of the Tao to relate to modern parents.  The simple prose and obvious truths resonate, buy you must let them sink in.  Read it sparingly, and not necessarily in any order.  I've highlighted half my book, sent passages to friends and find myself going back to it often.  I have given many copies of this book to new parents.

Here are just a few examples:

#22 If you want them to have much, show them how to enjoy little.

#67  teach your children compassion, pateince and simplicity  ... some say this is absurd. Thy would teach instead, ambition, drive and consumption.

#76  Children become confused when parents become rigid, holding rules above love.  Be consistently flexible.  Hold tight only to compassion.

28 If you complain about politics.... your children will learn to whine instead of laugh

52  Seeing your pain, they forget as well and everyone is in darkness.

Imagine, if #67 were true, and a child were a patient, compassionate and simple being,  oh what a joy!  What a rarity in today's high self esteem, over scheduled and all-about-me culture.

It transformed me and the type of person I've become.  Enjoy.
4535148
There are many people who speak and write about happiness, but do so on a very superficial level.  This book is written in a straight forward, easy to understand fashion, yet includes very profound insights and principles.  I am usually a pretty happy person, but am also aware that I am fortunate in that my life is in a good place.  I always feel grateful for all of that.  Could I feel that inner happiness if I lost someone I love?  I'm not sure I feel it on that deep a level.  Ezra's book gives very clear directions about spiritual practice to enable a person to achieve that inner level of happiness that is beyond dependency on life being good.  Although easy to read, not so easy to achieve.  I like that he gives examples from his own life and struggles, other people's struggles, and even little jokes.  He doesn't give case studies of wonderful successes that are unrealistic as many other books do and which I always find annoying.  His down to earth, realistic style sets his book apart from many and makes it very approachable.
4900121
Ta-Nehisi Coates gets to the point with such simple, but explicit clarity. He's an amazing writer.
153676
Straight to the essence, love this book because of its clarity
3037233
A great book for personal reflection... easy to read, but deep enough to give plenty of food for thought and growth.