How Would Buddha Think?

June 13, 2016
With the goal of explaining "how you are not your thoughts, but also how you are what you think," Kipfer (How Would Buddha Act?), a lexicographer and prolific author of list-based self-help books, provides guidance to Buddhist practitioners and anyone seeking a calmer mind and more skillful actions. Kipfer bases her approach on Right Intention, one aspect of Buddhism's Noble Eightfold Path, noting that "Each word and every action begins with a thought." Offering readers a variety of tools to reduce repetitive or negative thoughts, the book comprises a long bulleted list of teachings in aphorism form, brief discussions of relevant topics such as anxiety and compassion, and targeted meditations. Kipfer doesn't impose any organization on the central list, which includes explanations, advice, and practices with some repetition and clichés along with the astute reminders; the subsequent short essays are stronger, clearly explaining how key Buddhist concepts can improve wellbeing. By shining a focused light on the centralâand frustratingâtopic of thoughts, Kipfer provides a helpful reference guide for those seeking to change harmful mental patterns.