David Michie

Author of ‘Buddhism for Busy People’

Previously Aired On: Tuesday, July 29, 2008 - Listen to the Show!

David Michie was born and brought up in Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe. Britain’s last colony in Africa was a place where imperial values still held sway, and a conventional education was accompanied by Sunday School at the Presbyterian Church. It was as a teenager in the late 1970’s that he first heard about Tibetan Buddhism, discovering the books of T. Lobsang Rampa, an English plumber claiming to be a reincarnated lama who wrote utterly fanciful but wildly popular tales about life in Himalayan monasteries.

David gained more credible glimpses of Buddhism while studying Jung as part of his psychology degree, also developing a keen interest in cognitive behaviour therapy and other concepts he later discovered form a central part of Buddhist psychology. During his twenties and early thirties, his career in corporate public relations and social life became pre-eminent - all more esoteric interests were put firmly on hold. There they may have remained if not for an allergic condition in his early thirties which led to the start of his meditation practice and a journey of inner growth.

Within two years of beginning to meditate, David achieved a long-held ambition of becoming a published writer. And having met and married his Australian wife, they moved to Perth where he continued his work both in public relations and writing. Away from the frenetic buzz of the big city, he was able to develop his interest in Tibetan Buddhism further, attending regular classes and retreats. Buddhism for Busy People describes David’s encounter with Dharma, both in London and Perth, weaving an autobiographic narrative through a presentation of core Tibetan Buddhist concepts.

About ‘Buddhism for Busy People’…

What does it take to be happy? We’ve all asked ourselves this question at some point, but few of us have found the path to lasting fulfillment.David Michie thought he had achieved his life’s goals–the high level job, the expensive city apartment, the luxury car, great holidays but a small voice was telling him he wasn’t really happy. A chance remark from a naturopath sent him to his local Buddhist centre. There, he began the most important journey of his life.In this simple, but beautifully written book, David Michie opens the door to the core teachings of Tibetan Buddhism. With wry, self-deprecating humour, he shows us how he began to incorporate Buddhist practices into his daily life. He explains how he came to understand the difference between the temporary pleasures of ordinary life, and the profound sense of well-being and heart-felt serenity that comes from connecting with our inner nature.Every once in a while you come across an extraordinary book with the power to change your life. Buddhism for Busy People is one such book. It is not by chance that you now hold it in your hands. Buddhism for Busy People shows us, with refreshing clarity, how we can make big changes taking small steps.