From Publishers WeeklyBuddhist practitioner Napthali has written an eminently practical book that gives frazzled mothers usable advice and empathy. At a time in their lives when women must balance the pulls of instinct, hormonally charged emotion and familial and social expectations, it is both possible and highly beneficial to practice Buddhism. While Buddhism has a long history of monastic practice and application, its modern expansion into the West has emphasized its relevance to householders. Parenting books are a logical application, though still relatively few in number (e.g. Jacqueline Kramer's Buddha Mom: The Path of Mindful Mothering). In a highly selective culling of teachings, Napthali wisely focuses on maternal mind states and how Buddhism can give a mother insight and literal breathing space before she responds to any parenting situation. The essential Buddhist teaching that all things are impermanent is highly relevant when responding to, for example, a toddler throwing a tantrum in public. The book is perhaps less deep than those written by longtime teachers, as so many Buddhist books are. But precisely because she is not a teacher and is in the midst of mothering, Napthali offers the approachable and authentic perspective of a rank-and-file practitioner who lives the techniques and situations she writes about. This book will be most useful for mothers of young children, providing them spiritual resources at a life stage when women need all the help they can get. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. which book is mostly read in the world Buddhism for Mothers: A Calm Approach to Caring for Yourself and Your Children
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Amazing Book! Brings a great help for every parentBy D. MAs a mom who is always looking for ways to better my understanding of my kids, I find this book absolutely amazing. I'm only on the second chapter but i'm blown away by how clear and simple this book is!you don't have to be a Buddhist to understand it, you don't need to think so much about it. it's just makes so much sense, I want to buy it to all my friends who have kids! I'm only starting the book and I'm already aware and mindful :) of course it needs a bit of practice but it feels so good already I feel more patient, less upset when they misbehave and that makes me handle situations a bit calmer. Unrealistic?? I don't think so. I have faith that anyone who tries will succeed.The author talks so well about being here, in the now and enjoying our kids, who they are... think about it, those kids that I adore will someday grow up to become a reflection of how our relationship is now. Am I being here for them? Am I giving them enough awareness and attention for them to blossom into the persons them want to be?All our actions and words now are shaping and creating the future... what kind of future do we want?0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. I loved this bookBy Michelle KnechtI loved this book. It is hard being a mom in a world that expects you to be perfect. This book uses basic buddhist ideas to calm you and redirect you to what is important.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. An awesome gift for new mothersBy CustomerNo matter one's religious affiliation, this book is a dandy....a must read for anyone looking to find a calmer approach to mothering and life in general! An awesome gift for new mothers.