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Deep and Simple: A Spiritual Path for Modern Times
In a deep, simple, and clear voice, Bo reminds us all that no matter where we are as human beings, whether in suburbia or on death row, there is a goodness inherent in the human spirit. We all matter, we all count, and we are all able to make a difference.
179 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 25, 2019
This is a book that Mr. Rogers would often buy to give people. It was really fun to learn a bit about the ideology behind his practice.
March 29, 2018
I read this because it was a favorite of Mister Rogers. While not all of it spoke to me, there was enough insight that did that I found it worthwhile, and I’d recommend it to others.
October 25, 2013
Sacred Bagels:
"During our meeting with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, I put all my attention into being present, open and receptive in the presence of such a great spiritual elder. I tried to look practically - 'He's got two legs, two arms, a head, a nose. We both wake up in the morning, both go to sleep at night. What is the real functional difference between his experience and mine?'
One of the things I noticed is simply that he's 'full-time.' You and I may go to a church service or spiritual retreat, and with enough mutual support and encouragement, we may let down our guard, and be willing to feel the Living Spirit with each other. We'll be open and trusting, experiencing the preciousness of being together and practicing together.
Then the service ends, and on the way home we stop for gas, or a bagel or something. And here is the difference: You and I are then willing to pretend with the gas station attendant, or with the cashier, that life isn't so sacred. We pretend that this is just buying a bagel, this is just getting gas. We won't look in their eyes. We won't be intimate. It's like an unspoken agreement to avoid feeling how precious we are to each other.
The Dalai Lama and other saints like Mother Teresa and Gandhi simply don't turn it off! They go into the station and see a Precious Child of God taking their Divine Credit Card for the Sacred Gas, and they don't hide it from that person taking the credit card. Their whole presence says, 'It's all equally sacred.' Getting gas, praying in church, buying a bagel, are all the same Mysterious Miracle. They live in Love, so of course they are in Love with the gas station attendant. And at the bagel shop, they'll be in Love with the bagel boy."
-Bo Lozoff, Deep and Simple / Human Kindness Foundation
I love that Bo uses the word "pretending" to describe it, because that's exactly what it feels like. Often when I interact with strangers, I pretend that I don't love them down to the core because I don't want to freak them out. Truth is, though, I'm tired of using a dimmer switch on my Light. I want to just go on and Love 'em out loud and arms wide.
"During our meeting with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, I put all my attention into being present, open and receptive in the presence of such a great spiritual elder. I tried to look practically - 'He's got two legs, two arms, a head, a nose. We both wake up in the morning, both go to sleep at night. What is the real functional difference between his experience and mine?'
One of the things I noticed is simply that he's 'full-time.' You and I may go to a church service or spiritual retreat, and with enough mutual support and encouragement, we may let down our guard, and be willing to feel the Living Spirit with each other. We'll be open and trusting, experiencing the preciousness of being together and practicing together.
Then the service ends, and on the way home we stop for gas, or a bagel or something. And here is the difference: You and I are then willing to pretend with the gas station attendant, or with the cashier, that life isn't so sacred. We pretend that this is just buying a bagel, this is just getting gas. We won't look in their eyes. We won't be intimate. It's like an unspoken agreement to avoid feeling how precious we are to each other.
The Dalai Lama and other saints like Mother Teresa and Gandhi simply don't turn it off! They go into the station and see a Precious Child of God taking their Divine Credit Card for the Sacred Gas, and they don't hide it from that person taking the credit card. Their whole presence says, 'It's all equally sacred.' Getting gas, praying in church, buying a bagel, are all the same Mysterious Miracle. They live in Love, so of course they are in Love with the gas station attendant. And at the bagel shop, they'll be in Love with the bagel boy."
-Bo Lozoff, Deep and Simple / Human Kindness Foundation
I love that Bo uses the word "pretending" to describe it, because that's exactly what it feels like. Often when I interact with strangers, I pretend that I don't love them down to the core because I don't want to freak them out. Truth is, though, I'm tired of using a dimmer switch on my Light. I want to just go on and Love 'em out loud and arms wide.
September 13, 2018
My brother bought me a copy of this book after we watched "Mr. Rogers and Me" together. I give it 4 stars but not five in that I like to save 5 star reviews for truly mind-blowing life changing amazingly well written unique books. This book is very good, pretty simple and, as promised, deep.
Cons: One thing missing from this book (and basically all the religions he quotes) is what to do with a true sociopath. Religions encourage us to believe all people are good deep down in their hearts - and that is not exactly true. I'm not one for blaming sociopaths, nor do I think I am "better-than" a sociopath, I do, however, chose to believe they exist. And if the problem in your life is being caused by sociopathic boss/neighbor/family member, there isn't anything in the book that can help you.
Pros: That said, there is lots and lots of sweet, genial useful information for the average person. And really spot on advice for anyone who struggles with addiction of any kind. The information is presented in easy to understand language, backed up with anecdotal exhibits rather than stats. It's like spending an afternoon with your kindly Uncle Bo, getting his advice on how to live in this mixed up world. If you are the kind of person who prefers to be spiritual but not religious, the philosophy outlined in this book would be good for you. I am not spiritual, yet I applaud moral decency. I liked this book.
One reviewer criticized the book for being too "hippy-dippy." I would say Bo exemplifies the best values of the original hippie culture, i.e. be kind, live in community, have a skill, encourage creativity, grow your own food, spend time in nature - and I am down with all that. He's a hippie, yes, and thankfully not "new-age." He actually, specifically, takes issue with spiritual by-passing, calling it what it is: a philosophy rooted in fear and denial.
I wish more young parents read this book. Kids would probably welcome less screen time and more family share.
Cons: One thing missing from this book (and basically all the religions he quotes) is what to do with a true sociopath. Religions encourage us to believe all people are good deep down in their hearts - and that is not exactly true. I'm not one for blaming sociopaths, nor do I think I am "better-than" a sociopath, I do, however, chose to believe they exist. And if the problem in your life is being caused by sociopathic boss/neighbor/family member, there isn't anything in the book that can help you.
Pros: That said, there is lots and lots of sweet, genial useful information for the average person. And really spot on advice for anyone who struggles with addiction of any kind. The information is presented in easy to understand language, backed up with anecdotal exhibits rather than stats. It's like spending an afternoon with your kindly Uncle Bo, getting his advice on how to live in this mixed up world. If you are the kind of person who prefers to be spiritual but not religious, the philosophy outlined in this book would be good for you. I am not spiritual, yet I applaud moral decency. I liked this book.
One reviewer criticized the book for being too "hippy-dippy." I would say Bo exemplifies the best values of the original hippie culture, i.e. be kind, live in community, have a skill, encourage creativity, grow your own food, spend time in nature - and I am down with all that. He's a hippie, yes, and thankfully not "new-age." He actually, specifically, takes issue with spiritual by-passing, calling it what it is: a philosophy rooted in fear and denial.
I wish more young parents read this book. Kids would probably welcome less screen time and more family share.
April 4, 2023
This is a book I will read many times. I would recommend it to anyone.
August 26, 2020
This is really a simple book (I read it in two sittings). But it is exactly what it claims to be and does so well. I had heard on a podcast that this was Mr. Roger's favorite book and that he would give a copy to many people he would meet. I'm considering adopting 'Deep and Simple' as a mantra
February 8, 2015
Mister Rogers loved this book and gave it to many people, that's what caught my interest. This will be a book I will pick up again and again; maybe just to read a few pages here and there and at other times to reread the entire book.
“The cause of all our personal problems and nearly all the problems of the world can be summed up in a single sentence: Human life is very deep, and our modern dominant lifestyle is not.” – Bo Lozoff
“The cause of all our personal problems and nearly all the problems of the world can be summed up in a single sentence: Human life is very deep, and our modern dominant lifestyle is not.” – Bo Lozoff
August 3, 2020
This book has freed my mind of so much confusion when it come to faith and religion. Free from the legalism and free from feeling torn between what I believe to be true in my heart and what I love about the church and what I hate about legalistic religion. It has freed me up to love the love and peace and wonder of the world I live in and the beauty and sacredness around me.
I love how Bo takes you on a spiritual journey without asking you to abandon your faith.
I love how Bo takes you on a spiritual journey without asking you to abandon your faith.
February 7, 2018
I can't believe I recommended this to my book club! But it had such good credentials: in the documentary Mr. Rogers & Me, it was mentioned as a book Mr. Rogers frequently gave to people. It must be great, right? Wrong. It is far too theistic and far too hippy-dippy. At the same time. I had a lot more specific critiques, but waited too long to write this review, which may be for the best.
March 6, 2015
Apparently this is the book Mr. Rogers used to give to people to read...I can see that.
November 27, 2020
This prison ministry devotional, a favorite of Mr. Rogers, is as applicable to you and me as any death row felon. I enjoyed contemplating quotes and messages from various faiths and traditions that author Bo Lozoff wove into each practical chapter. The 12 practices explained at the end are excellent options for application of universal spiritual principles no matter your faith background. They’re nothing new, but the author presents them in such an accessible manner. In one, a prison inmate friend of the author explained how he approaches Tonglen meditation in a way I can put into practice effectively.
October 21, 2019
Simply said, this book touched my spirit deeply and profoundly. It IS all about the journey and kindness IS a lifetime achievement. I came to this book through one of my biggest heroes, Mr Rogers. He had never steered me wrong before and it didn't disappoint. I think that this is one of those books I will continue to pick up throught my life, to help me keep my focus on my path. Ever present, in the moment.
August 27, 2019
Mr. Rogers was right.
After watching a documentary about Mr. Rogers and learning that this was one of the books that he purchased and gave as gifts, I had to read it. And now I know why. Mr. Rogers was doing his part to pass on true wisdom so that the lives of readers would be changed. I know mine has been. Thank you.
After watching a documentary about Mr. Rogers and learning that this was one of the books that he purchased and gave as gifts, I had to read it. And now I know why. Mr. Rogers was doing his part to pass on true wisdom so that the lives of readers would be changed. I know mine has been. Thank you.
August 8, 2020
This was a plainly written book on personal spirituality. While it lend a little heavy into Christian quotes/allegories, it did talk about commonalities across all religious paths. Not all of it spoke to me, but a good bit did. This work is a good starting off point.
Note: The author had a problematic life (which readers should note given how involved he was with the population he harmed.)
Note: The author had a problematic life (which readers should note given how involved he was with the population he harmed.)
June 4, 2018
Amazing
What a great guide to spiritual learning and observance of humanity. I’ll be putting This book on my yearly reread list.
What a great guide to spiritual learning and observance of humanity. I’ll be putting This book on my yearly reread list.
Read
December 31, 2019very god. needs re-reading
January 1, 2020
Learned about this book from a documentary about Fred Rogers.
July 3, 2020
A worthwhile read anytime but especially helpful during a pandemic.
April 1, 2021
Amazing!
February 3, 2013
Sadly, the world lost Bo Lozoff in November of 2012. He died in a motorcycle accident in Hawaii. So I write this in his memory. Namaste, dear Bo.
Bo, having once been in trouble with the law himself, dedicated his life to assisting prisoners--helping them see their humanity, and the humanity of all those around them. It doesn't take long to realize that the woes and dilemmas of prisoners are the woes and dilemmas of all of us, writ large. Bo's messages to prisoners apply to anyone. As the title of one of his other works suggests, "We're all doing time."
I first became familiar with his work on watching the documentary "Mr. Rogers and Me" (I couldn't recommend it more highly.) Bo Lozoff was one of Mr. Rogers' influences. Mr. Rogers used to order Lozoff's books by the dozens to pass along to people he met. Deep and Simple was one of those books. It consists of lovely, brief meditations on spirituality in the modern, crazy world. Reading each of these meditations is a calming, deep breath of fresh air. His point, summed up by Mr. Rogers, quoting from this book, is this: "From a spiritual perspective, one sentence can sum up the whole thing--not only our own and our kids' problems, but planetary problems, too, from pollution to wars: Human life is very deep, and our modern, dominant lifestyle is not. "
Not only does Lozoff speak to the complexities of modern existence, and how we can recover a more simple and deep way of living; he also gives very practical spiritual exercises to assist us in finding a way to deeper meaning in life. The man was unabashedly spiritual--not in a New Age, Oprah-esque, "take everything you can get for yourself" sort of way, but in the way of the great spiritual traditions. You know, the spiritual traditions that suggest you aren't necessarily the bombastic center of the universe, but rather, a humble traveller along the edges of mystery.
Sweet, sweet wisdom in this book. I recommend it.
Bo, having once been in trouble with the law himself, dedicated his life to assisting prisoners--helping them see their humanity, and the humanity of all those around them. It doesn't take long to realize that the woes and dilemmas of prisoners are the woes and dilemmas of all of us, writ large. Bo's messages to prisoners apply to anyone. As the title of one of his other works suggests, "We're all doing time."
I first became familiar with his work on watching the documentary "Mr. Rogers and Me" (I couldn't recommend it more highly.) Bo Lozoff was one of Mr. Rogers' influences. Mr. Rogers used to order Lozoff's books by the dozens to pass along to people he met. Deep and Simple was one of those books. It consists of lovely, brief meditations on spirituality in the modern, crazy world. Reading each of these meditations is a calming, deep breath of fresh air. His point, summed up by Mr. Rogers, quoting from this book, is this: "From a spiritual perspective, one sentence can sum up the whole thing--not only our own and our kids' problems, but planetary problems, too, from pollution to wars: Human life is very deep, and our modern, dominant lifestyle is not. "
Not only does Lozoff speak to the complexities of modern existence, and how we can recover a more simple and deep way of living; he also gives very practical spiritual exercises to assist us in finding a way to deeper meaning in life. The man was unabashedly spiritual--not in a New Age, Oprah-esque, "take everything you can get for yourself" sort of way, but in the way of the great spiritual traditions. You know, the spiritual traditions that suggest you aren't necessarily the bombastic center of the universe, but rather, a humble traveller along the edges of mystery.
Sweet, sweet wisdom in this book. I recommend it.
June 1, 2013
Thank you Marjorie for recommending. I read this all in one day. I really enjoyed it and see how I can put some of the practical tips to use. It also gave me some new thinking to consider.
July 5, 2016
This is a good book for a person of any (or no) faith to get from a person of faith. It can be for those physically in prison or any of our own metaphorical prisons, which we all have.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews