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How to Live Without Fear and Worry
Book by Dhammananda, K. Sri
254 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1989
48 people are currently reading
616 people want to read
About the author
K. Sri Dhammananda
34 books70 followersVen. Dr. K. Sri Dhammanada Is a household name in the Buddhist world. In more than forty two years as incumbent of the Buddhist Maha Vihara, Malaysia, the Venerable has brought the Buddha Word to countless numbers of devotees who otherwise would have has no access to the sublime message of the Enlightened One.
Besides his talks the Venerable has been able to reach an even wider audience through his publications which range from the voluminous "Dhammapada" to little five page pamphlets. He has been able to reached all levels of readers from erudite scholar monks to young school children. His whole approach to the exposition of the Dhamma is governed by his deep concern for giving the ancient teachings a contemporary relevance, to show that the Sublime Message is timeless and has a meaning that cuts across the boundaries of time, space, race, culture and even religious beliefs.
Besides his talks the Venerable has been able to reach an even wider audience through his publications which range from the voluminous "Dhammapada" to little five page pamphlets. He has been able to reached all levels of readers from erudite scholar monks to young school children. His whole approach to the exposition of the Dhamma is governed by his deep concern for giving the ancient teachings a contemporary relevance, to show that the Sublime Message is timeless and has a meaning that cuts across the boundaries of time, space, race, culture and even religious beliefs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
August 7, 2016
I originally heard about this book in a talk given by the Buddhist monk Ajahn Brahm on fear. The bottom line in that talk was that fear is generated from considering that you may lose something you are attached to. In his talk Ajahn Brahm mentioned having read this book. Brahm also mentioned that Venerable Dhammananda after a lifetime of being a Buddhist monk, merely laughed when his doctors told him he had cancer.
The book didn't have too much directly to say about fear. From Ajahn Brahm's talks I learned that the way to inoculate against fear is to cultivate kindness in the context of a good life. That is what this book describes how to do, how to set up a good life.
The author tried, and succeeded in making a Buddhist rendition of Dale Carnagie's classic "How To Live Without Fear And Worry". Instead of folksy, mostly secular stories with some bits of Christianity to flesh out the message, this book uses folksy, mostly secular stories with chunks of Buddhism to flesh out the message.
This book doesn't have step by step anti-worry techniques as Carnegi's book does, but it is a much slimmer volume and beautifully written. It was a pleasure to read it. I wish I would have come across it earlier in life.
I was surprised to learn that it was a massive hit when it came out.
Many Buddhist books in Asia are published by means of charitable donations to cover costs and usually have something printed on the cover that the books are not for sale, asking the reader to pass the book on for free when they are done.
Such is the case with this book, which I got from a third party seller working through Amazon. I can't say I am pleased with that as I know that in Asia the poorest of the poor will often make contributions they really can't afford to make in order to support Buddhism.
I'm not thrilled with the idea of some bookseller making money off of something other people made donations for in order make a message available to people who might not otherwise be able to afford a book.
People interested in reading this book can find it as a freely available PDF via Google.
Back to the book. Beautifully written. Comfortable for a wide range of audiences. Perfect for young people, suitable for all.
The book didn't have too much directly to say about fear. From Ajahn Brahm's talks I learned that the way to inoculate against fear is to cultivate kindness in the context of a good life. That is what this book describes how to do, how to set up a good life.
The author tried, and succeeded in making a Buddhist rendition of Dale Carnagie's classic "How To Live Without Fear And Worry". Instead of folksy, mostly secular stories with some bits of Christianity to flesh out the message, this book uses folksy, mostly secular stories with chunks of Buddhism to flesh out the message.
This book doesn't have step by step anti-worry techniques as Carnegi's book does, but it is a much slimmer volume and beautifully written. It was a pleasure to read it. I wish I would have come across it earlier in life.
I was surprised to learn that it was a massive hit when it came out.
Many Buddhist books in Asia are published by means of charitable donations to cover costs and usually have something printed on the cover that the books are not for sale, asking the reader to pass the book on for free when they are done.
Such is the case with this book, which I got from a third party seller working through Amazon. I can't say I am pleased with that as I know that in Asia the poorest of the poor will often make contributions they really can't afford to make in order to support Buddhism.
I'm not thrilled with the idea of some bookseller making money off of something other people made donations for in order make a message available to people who might not otherwise be able to afford a book.
People interested in reading this book can find it as a freely available PDF via Google.
Back to the book. Beautifully written. Comfortable for a wide range of audiences. Perfect for young people, suitable for all.
June 2, 2008
In my opinion this book is very inspiring, motivating and calming... Food for my soul....Recommended for anyone who has interest in buddism.....but I think anyone could read this.
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November 22, 2016This is a nice book about some Buddhist principles on how to lead a happy, fulfilling life. Some of the text is repetitive but overall I enjoyed reading this little book. I took extensive notes and even copied down a few of the parables which I wanted to remember for later. I'm going to leave the book unrated here because I'm feeling mindful that things are what they are and comparing them to other things may not respect their uniqueness and everything they have to offer. I feel like it would be slightly hypocritical to "rate" this book if I'm trying to absorb what it has to offer.
If I were to make a very brief summary of this book, I would choose the following excerpt: "All our mental sufferings are caused by selfish desires for pleasure. They are caused by the desire to be what we are not, to have what we do not have, and not to have the things that we already have. If we think hard and long about it, there is no denying that the chief culprit in our inability to enjoy a sense of happiness is desire." and would repeat that Epicurus, the Greek philosopher, says, “If you want to make a man happy, add not to his riches but take away his desires.”
My favorite parable is "He is not my Servant but my Teacher" reproduced below:
A great Indian Buddhist teacher Ven. Dipankara was invited to Tibet to preach the Dhamma. The teacher took along with him a man who was not only quarrelsome and irresponsible but a bad cook as well. After observing him for quite some time the Tibetans approached the teacher respectfully and said, “Master, why do you tolerate this useless cook of yours - he is more of a nuisance than a help to you. Why don’t you send him back? We will gladly attend to your needs.” The teacher smiled and replied, “Ah! You don’t understand, I do not keep him as my servant but as my teacher.” The Tibetans were surprised and asked, “How is that so?” The teacher explained, “You see, his inefficiency and his quarrelsome nature teach me to practice patience and tolerance every day. Therefore, I value him.”
If I were to make a very brief summary of this book, I would choose the following excerpt: "All our mental sufferings are caused by selfish desires for pleasure. They are caused by the desire to be what we are not, to have what we do not have, and not to have the things that we already have. If we think hard and long about it, there is no denying that the chief culprit in our inability to enjoy a sense of happiness is desire." and would repeat that Epicurus, the Greek philosopher, says, “If you want to make a man happy, add not to his riches but take away his desires.”
My favorite parable is "He is not my Servant but my Teacher" reproduced below:
A great Indian Buddhist teacher Ven. Dipankara was invited to Tibet to preach the Dhamma. The teacher took along with him a man who was not only quarrelsome and irresponsible but a bad cook as well. After observing him for quite some time the Tibetans approached the teacher respectfully and said, “Master, why do you tolerate this useless cook of yours - he is more of a nuisance than a help to you. Why don’t you send him back? We will gladly attend to your needs.” The teacher smiled and replied, “Ah! You don’t understand, I do not keep him as my servant but as my teacher.” The Tibetans were surprised and asked, “How is that so?” The teacher explained, “You see, his inefficiency and his quarrelsome nature teach me to practice patience and tolerance every day. Therefore, I value him.”
February 17, 2013
This is a solid book filled with advice and wisdom. It certainly says things I agree with. If anything, it may be short on explaining how to do what it says.
Our minds are full of stories we tell ourselves. I find it useful to look for positive stories to tell myself. My hope is always that some of them will stick.
Our minds are full of stories we tell ourselves. I find it useful to look for positive stories to tell myself. My hope is always that some of them will stick.
September 8, 2017
Great book, very inspirational, uplifting and overall good for the soul. I enjoyed reading this before bed. This book isn't about Buddhism perse; it's advice for the reader from a Buddhist point of view. I really admire the philosophy of all beings being equal and non-judgement of others, and peace. If everyone read and took this book's advice, the world would be a better place
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September 21, 2010This is a very good book. I personally feel touch after reading this book.
February 11, 2019
4.5⭐️. There’s light at the end of the tunnel and that’s exactly how I felt upon finishing this book. I struggled a lot with negativity in the past years and just recently I was trying to cultivate positivity. K.Sri Dhammananda brings this book on spirituality and guides us towards a life free of worries and fears. One great thing about this book is, although he highlights Buddha’s words of wisdoms it is not a book on religion. That way even if you’re an atheist you can read this book for self help. I saw this book more of a self-help book which taught me to be calm and considerate before acting or reacting.
No one is happy unless he is contented with himself.
No one is happy unless he is contented with himself.
January 28, 2018
All in all, inspiring, calming and motivating. For somebody who is new to Buddhism, one can learn a bit more about the Buddha and His path to Enlightenment. I wish that the book stayed more on a subject of fear and worry, than going into for example, relationships. Although there are some sound advices there, you can feel that the book and author's viewpoint are kinda outdated in 2018 and that rubbed me in a wrong way, hence only 3 stars. Still, I'm grateful for overall wisdom from this book.
October 10, 2017
First time this book hard copy i read in 2010 in one shot, means i couldn't put book a side for a moment.
This book is not only mind changing, but it can change one's entire life positively. Yes! of course, one can find each and every answer for question what ever they may have about their life.
This book is not only mind changing, but it can change one's entire life positively. Yes! of course, one can find each and every answer for question what ever they may have about their life.
July 31, 2023
The Good: By explaining the cause of worry and how to overcome it, the book provides a comprehensive manual on day to day living. Each chapter can be read separately.
The Bad: Poor editing, resulting in the drowning of the true message.
The Bad: Poor editing, resulting in the drowning of the true message.
September 26, 2018
Very inspiring
January 18, 2021
THIS BOOK CHANGED MY LIFE!!!!!!!
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February 18, 2023I want to buy this
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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January 20, 2024Some parts were interesting, some parts were goofy (what's with all the Dale Carnegie references), some parts were wrong (opposing abortion).
April 3, 2025
I enjoyed the allegories used to express mindful values. Reading the book, however, felt a bit rushed and the content/main points didn’t really stick with me…
February 28, 2025
Anyone can gain value from reading this book. A comfort in these trying times it has been for me. And one that I will keep on my shelf...
February 4, 2024
An easy introduction to Buddhism. It was written with a relatable lens, being put into everyday life context and also at times brings in quotes/stories from non-Buddhist historical events or even other religions. Skims some important nuance of certain Buddhist teachings, but can't fault that too much since it's likely written for beginners trying to get a feel for it.
September 16, 2019
This is a free book distributed at a local buddhist temple and was printed with private donations probably in Malaysia. There is no ISBN number.
I have never met the Venerable, but have listened to a few lectures on audio by him and I understand that he was very well respected in Singapore and Malaysia. He passed away in 2006.
In this book, he shared from the Buddhist perspective on the source of worry and practical approaches how to overcome controlling anger, selfishness, managing criticism, and fear of death. What he said made a lot of sense to me.
In essence, he says that when we come from a basis of compassion and love for others, always seeing how we can be of help, it overcomes much of our worry about life.
At the end of the book he said: "Let us live a life filled with purpose and add quality to the human existence...Do not let our days pass by like the shadow of a dream, leaving no trace behind."
This deeply resonated with me. And this book, plus the audio book by Dale Carnegie I have listened to recently "How to Stop Worring and Start Living" have both been helpful in putting things into perspective.
Simple truths, but the most powerful things on earth are the simple things - which we often ignore at our own peril.
So I continue to learn. : )
*I re-read this in one sitting today (16 Sep 19). It is a good reminder when one forgets what is important and when our lives are frittered away by mindless details of no consequence.
I have never met the Venerable, but have listened to a few lectures on audio by him and I understand that he was very well respected in Singapore and Malaysia. He passed away in 2006.
In this book, he shared from the Buddhist perspective on the source of worry and practical approaches how to overcome controlling anger, selfishness, managing criticism, and fear of death. What he said made a lot of sense to me.
In essence, he says that when we come from a basis of compassion and love for others, always seeing how we can be of help, it overcomes much of our worry about life.
At the end of the book he said: "Let us live a life filled with purpose and add quality to the human existence...Do not let our days pass by like the shadow of a dream, leaving no trace behind."
This deeply resonated with me. And this book, plus the audio book by Dale Carnegie I have listened to recently "How to Stop Worring and Start Living" have both been helpful in putting things into perspective.
Simple truths, but the most powerful things on earth are the simple things - which we often ignore at our own peril.
So I continue to learn. : )
*I re-read this in one sitting today (16 Sep 19). It is a good reminder when one forgets what is important and when our lives are frittered away by mindless details of no consequence.
April 1, 2013
This free book was given to me by the local Buddhist temple. The inside cover says "This book is not to be sold - For free distribution only". So if you don't live near a Buddhist temple you could probably Google for a free copy on-line. Or go to Amazon.com and find a used book for $1.99.
Here's the ISBN 967-9920-48-8.
Sample of the contents below - -
A difficult situation can be handled in two ways; we can either do something to change it, or face it. If we can do something, then why worry and get upset over it - just change it. If there is nothing we can do, again, why worry and get upset over it? Things will not get better with anger and worry.
Here's the ISBN 967-9920-48-8.
Sample of the contents below - -
A difficult situation can be handled in two ways; we can either do something to change it, or face it. If we can do something, then why worry and get upset over it - just change it. If there is nothing we can do, again, why worry and get upset over it? Things will not get better with anger and worry.
May 12, 2019
This book helped me survive my high school years. The content was perfect back then. Now it sounds a bit biased and unrealistic for me. Maybe I experienced and learned things differently along the way throughout these years. Not only reminds me that there are still a lot more to work on myself, but also that others are in the same boat. Would definitely recommend friends to read this.
October 22, 2007
Instead I would recommend it to those who acknowledge that fear and worry exist, and that we can channel those emotions into motivation so powerful that it surpasses our hopes of living without and encourages us to just live.
August 9, 2016
This book and Good Question Good Answer were the two books that set me on my journey of Asian Philosophy exploration. Short and simple. Simple. Profound.
Want to read
May 3, 2010good book
May 9, 2012
A practical book to help the mind rid of negativities that cause mental suffering. It helps develop Right View and Attitude for mental peace and happiness.
February 12, 2013
good motivation :)
January 11, 2013
POWER!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2013
i'm only halfway through with this book, and i haven't continue reading it.....i got this book when i was in college, my professor gave it to me...
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February 9, 2013good books
April 4, 2014
simple and helpful book, one of the best book that i have ever read..
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews