Reviews

If the Buddha Dated by Renée Raudman, Charlotte Kasl

stephnicole413's review against another edition

4.0

This is a very good guide if you are looking for a guide that doesn't tell you the "do's" and "dont's" of dating and forming relationships. It is more objective and follows in the spirit of Buddhism that nothing is permanent, suffering is inherent, etc. Be in the moment and if things don't work out breathe it in and move on. For me and where I am spiritually this was a great guide.

lovelymisanthrope's review against another edition

emotional funny informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

5.0

 I stumbled across this book in a gift shop in Salem and it immediately caught my eye. This book explores the Buddha and what he would have done to improve his dating life and how he would have found a fulfilling romantic relationship.
I have had this book on my shelf for YEARS, and I figured now that I am engaged, I should really read it haha. This book is definitely intended for single people who are looking to find new love in a person they have not met yet. I did enjoy seeing how your own spiritual journey can help to lead you to the person you are meant to be with. This book really focuses on connection and how to connect with a new person on a higher level. 

el_entrenador_loco's review against another edition

hopeful informative reflective medium-paced

4.0

wishfulfillment's review against another edition

5.0

One of my main criterion for reviewing a book is to assess how much it has taught me. For that, this book deserves many more than five stars, it deserves one for each chapter. This book clearly respects and honors love and it does it through various mentally healthy/spiritual/psychological lenses. I cried many times reading it and I feel that it has changed me. Sometimes I spend an entire day remembering a chapter. I cannot recommend this enough, to both singles and nonsingles.

impending_feta's review against another edition

informative reflective medium-paced

4.25

yliasalt's review against another edition

emotional informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

3.5

sunny_afternoon's review against another edition

inspiring reflective medium-paced

3.75

hannahhankhans's review against another edition

3.0

Okay, so, in all honestly, I'm really embarrassed to admit I read this book. If there are two topics of public conversation that make me squirmy it's love and spirituality. And god forbid someone see me standing anywhere near the self-help section of a bookstore. But, hey, a close, trusted friend recommended that I read this book and I'm really glad she did. It's not particularly well-written and - I say this with utter seriousness - the whimsical font/design choices really almost made me give up before I even started. But I was curious! I guess this is the part where I have to admit that I am newly in love and that, despite all the reasons to feel only so-so about this book, it was really great for critical self-examination and honest reflection. This book gave me the tools to do the kind of work I was trying to do by myself. Reading this book and taking it to heart years ago would have saved me from a great deal of stress, aggravation, anxiety, and wasted time; but reading it now was a pleasant confirmation that I'm on the right track in my own development as a person and romantic partner. I found it to be a helpful catalyst for assessing my romantic situation honestly. I would never presume to call myself a Buddhist; however, I found Buddhist philosophy to be a useful lens through which to view and evaluate love. It was difficult for me to relate wholeheartedly to the concept of being "on a spiritual path," as well as some of the more woo-woo ideas about assessing compatibility (astrological charts, handwriting analysis), but I took much more from this book than I put into it, so in that regard it is a success. I would recommend this book to anyone in pursuit of love/commitment (including, or rather ESPECIALLY those pursuing a higher degree of self-love) and willing to engage with difficult questions. It's hard to face yourself full-on, and for me, even harder to admit it, but it's important work and this book was an accessible way to get there.

sasscasspdx's review against another edition

4.0

i loved this book. i think anyone who is dating or already in a serious relationship, but not yet married should read it. i don't buy many books, i usually get all my books from the library, but i made a point to purchase this one. it's shelved in the self-help section of the bookstore, but it isn't really. it's much more thoughtful and centered in the sparing advice and suggestions it offers. i like that it focuses on remaining true to your spiritual journey and finding love that fits into that picture rather than vice versa which is what i think it's all about.

hllyhox's review against another edition

5.0

this book is super great. i got so much out of it and it's really helped me to start on a path of growth and discovery. i'm sure i'll read it many more times.