When I first ordered this book I expected more of a focus on meditation. While meditation is part of the book it comes across more as a time management book. Lama Surya Das gives good examples of how meditation can benefit one's life. It is a good book even if it is more business like that I prefer. ( )

I bought this book a few years ago whilst browsing the shelves for something interesting in the religion section. I was not familiar with the title or author, but the synopsis on the back seemed like something that I would like. I often feel like I never have enough time, and, before I know it, the week is over and I feel as though I've not done many of the things I should have done. I have a decent amount of knowledge about Buddhist concepts so I assumed that I would feel comfortable with the ideas introduced in this book.

The basic idea behind this book is that by using things such as meditation we can allow ourselves to not get so caught up with worrying about time. It also introduces an idea that I am starting to try and use, the idea that we should look at our 'to-do' lists and ask ourselves "Do I really need to do this?" This is a difficult thing to adapt to, especially if you rely on lists to get things done, as I do. The author also introduces some science behind certain aspects on mind training. This is used as an additional piece of information rather than a justification for doing certain things but is welcome none the less.

As whole, I really liked this book, it is well presented and introduces the Buddhist concepts without dogma. The author also talks about how other religions have practices that also apply to the subject. Although the Buddhist approach is the main one presented, it isn't the only one presented. There are anecdotes throughout about how he has helped people to live a less stressful life. As always, these are to be taken with a pinch of salt as authors always talk about their successes and not their failures. There are small highlighted exercises throughout so if you want to jump straight into the nitty gritty you can.

The only thing that I didn't really take on board was some of the more esoteric stuff like chakras and chi. While I appreciate the concepts, they are just not something I subscribe to. This is something that always sits easily with Buddhism as you don't have to believe in anything. As an individual, you choose what you want to use, and discard everything else.

I really liked this book. I sent a particular passage from it to my girlfriend and now she wants to read it. ( )

OK. Not an awakening like other books on the same subject matter. ( )

The message in this book is overwhelmingly important, as far as quality of life is concerned. We CAN befriend the TIME in a variety of ways... It's crucial that we get reminded of it through books like this one... ( )