"Stephen T. Asma is Professor of Philosophy and Distinguished Scholar at Columbia College Chicago. He is also a Senior Fellow of the Research Group in Mind, Science, and Culture at Columbia College Chicago." He has written multiple books. Source: www.wikipedia.com "'Buddha for Beginners' conveys not only the facts of Buddhism, the peace, the silence. . .the feel of it. It is historically accurate, spiritually challenging, and the white spaces mean as much as the words." Source: The book's back cover. Most readers will find this book, on a very serious subject, to actually be fun, since it's written in a comic book format and heavily illustrated with pen and ink drawings by the author. A postscript and a list for further are included. The book is indexed.

Read this to help with stress. Agree with some of it. Have to re-read. A lot makes sense to me just need to work on it. ( )

So not really a graphic novel but an educational primer for the life of Buddha rich with humor and illustrations. Sort of falling in the grey area that is no pronounced in the graphic novel medium. ( )

Buddha For Beginners
Written and Illustrated by Stephen T. Asma

I really really liked this 162 page masterpiece on depth and enlightenment with a generous helping of some of the coolest illustrations out there, all wrapped up in this blessedly irreverent package. I totally believe that we learn through love and laughter and the author gets it in aces. The book is easy to follow, lighthearted and yet deals with some fairly serious subjects, like ego and life, but in the gentlest of ways.

This precious read is one of those I just couldn't put down, it kept my inner child totally preoccupied and I just raced from one great concept and phrase to another. Te cartoons are nothing short of phenomenal and I just loved the one on karma, the steamroller and the prayer wheel. I would recommend this much needed teacher to anyone looking for a deep and meaningful way through the 8 fold path. Thanks Stephen for showering us with your God-given talents. My spiritual toolbox is getting a little full, but I am sure there is always room for a gem such as this.

Love & Light,

Riki Frahmann ( )

Buddha for Beginners by Stephen Astma gives a great and visually pleasing over view of the core teaching of the historical Buddha. I found most enjoyable with this book that it gives a great overview that is easily digested for someone just wanting to get an overview of Buddhism.

That is what it did well. What it did extremely well was place the core teachings into a modern context without any New Age terminology. Just the basic philosophical tenets with an added bonus of being critical of some of the newer (relatively) sects of Buddhism. I, myself, being a member of one of these sects notwithstanding, I found the clarity and wit to be refreshing.

I would recommend this to a person of any age interested in a quick reference for what Buddhism is. From this you can build up to the MANY other texts out there that dive deeper into this subject. I agree with BTRIPP's review except to say that I don't think another addition is needed. I would rather see this work remain light and "cartoonish" and serve as a wonderful supplement to more "serious" texts. ( )

An illustrated introduction to the core beliefs of Buddhism, and its various sects. While a very quick read, it's a pretty good book, even for those who have already some idea of buddhism. ( )

Quick Take: A straightforward and easy-to-understand introduction to Buddhism. Beginners will find this illustrated guide a quick and thought-provoking read.

Since becoming interested in Buddhism four years ago, I've been on the lookout for introductory texts offering philosophical, psychological and historical insight into my practice. What I'm not looking for is New Age claptrap trying to cash in on the cachet of Buddhism. Luckily, author Stephen T. Asma shares the same distaste, so Buddha for Beginners offers an academic yet accessible introduction to the life and times of Siddartha Gautama. The graphic novel format ensures a quick read (although, on a purely aesthetic note, I wish the textboxes in the illustrations had all been handwritten, not typed).

If you have a passing interest, Buddha for Beginners will likely satisfy your curiosity about who the Buddha was and what he accomplished. If you're a serious student, this book will open the door to even more questions (and that's a good thing). ( )