This book is a must read for anyone looking to get an insight on Buddhism. It covers all aspects of Buddhism and defines what it is in such a way that everyone can understand it. Despite Buddhism being one of the oldest religions in the world, there are many people who still do not understand it. In fact, they misinterpret the teachings so much because they only know what they see in television and movies. These depictions of Buddhism are often wrong and send out the wrong message of what Buddhism actually teaches. In a nutshell, it teaches that suffering is bad, but it is also guaranteed in our physical world. It doesn't matter how rich or poor a person is because they will eventually endure suffering in their life. However, the state of mind you carry with you determines the amount of suffering you will endure. That is where the teachings of Buddha come into play. He will show you that refraining from cheating, lying, sexual misconduct, killing and intoxication are the key ways to overcome suffering upon yourself and others.

From the author:
Various readers will all get something different out of this book. Some of you may already be Buddhists while others may be curious about the Buddhist religion. However, this book is not meant to convert anyone nor will it try to convince you to become a Buddhist. The teachings of Buddha state that people should join at their own free will. If they were to join otherwise, then they would be suffering from the cravings of the precepts they are refraining from. This book is simply meant to be for informational purposes. The ways of the world have become so brutal and violent that people have forgotten the way to finding inner peace. People are too consumed with money, power, violence and destruction to realize what is truly important in life. By reading this book, you will find a way to deal with all the terrible suffering that is going on around you through meditation and enlightenment. Then you can decide for yourself which path you want to take. You can stay on the path of stress and anxiety over what is superficial and unimportant or get on a path to peace and serenity.

Buddhism Made Easy: Buddhism for Beginners and Busy People, Shalu Sharma, Independently published, Paperback, 122 pages, $6.95

Shalu Sharma is a practising Hindu and comes from a family of Hindu priests. She has studied the ancient Vedic scriptures and has a Masters in Indian history and religious studies. She comes from the state of Bihar, the state where Buddha lived and preached. During her summer holidays, she used to visit her ancestral town of Bodh Gaya, the very place where Buddha attained enlightenment. She is fluent in the Hindi and Indo Aryan language of Magadhi or Ardhamagadhi language, the language of Bihar and most likely what Shakyamuni Buddha (historical Buddha) would have spoken.