Amazon.com
Considering the huge number of books that beloved Buddhist master Thich Nhat Hanh has put out, we really need a "best of" collection. Here we have it, in Thich Nhat Hanh: Essential Writings, which brings together snippets from Nhat Hanh's poetry, his Christian-Buddhist dialogues, his introductions to Buddhist sutras, and of course, his own well-spoken takes on core Buddhist ideas. If there is one word that sums up Nhat Hahn's Buddhism, it is "interbeing," the name he gave to his own monastic order. Being fully present in the moment is mindfulness, and interdependence tells how all things are intimately connected, the understanding of which encourages us to engage the world at every moment. Sister Annabel Laity, a master in her own right who has received transmission from Nhat Hanh, provides a brief but illuminating biography of Nhat Hanh for this collection, along with insightful introductions to each of the chapters. Themes that order the chapters are those that run through all of Nhat Hahn's teachings: mindfulness, compassion, delicate attention to detail, patience, and forgiveness. For those interested in this Zen monk's life and works, Essential Writings is essential reading. --Brian Bruya
Customer Reviews:
Being in the present moment.......2007-08-27
If you haven't read anything by Thich Nhat Hanh, this would be the book you want to read first. Gradually, the reader enters into the peaceful realm of this gentle teacher. From short, but meaningful essays to beautiful poetry, the journey through this collection is one that provides material to live by. The book concludes with the fourteen mindfulness trainings. My personal favorite is #7 which begins "Aware that life is available only in the present moment and that it is possible to live happily in the here and now,..." Enjoy!
Great Book.......2007-04-02
Thich Nhat Hanh is one of the best writers in Buddhist litature. I prefer him over any one else. This is a great introduction to his work. Thich Nhat Hanh breaks down the most basic and difficult teaching of Buddhism in simple terms that can be applied easly to everday life. I recomend this book to any one and everyone.
Spirituality Made Simple.......2007-02-11
This is a wonderful little book that makes everyday spirituality very simple to pursue and achieve. Through awareness and joy we can learn to treasure each moment of our lives and Thay gently points us in the direction to go so we may find those seemingly elusive treasures. This is a sweet, simple message for very mean and complicated times and comes through like a ray of sunlight after a terrible storm. It reminds us that life is good, there is love and beauty in the world, and we have it within us to find them.
This volume has it all.......2007-02-10
If you want to own one concise volume of Thich Nhat Hanh, this is it. It pulls together lessons from many of his earlier writings, and like the title says, his most essential writings are within these pages.
powerfull.......2007-01-21
I've been practicing a peaceful lifestyle for a few years now and it's been sort of an up and down path. Since I started reading this book it has gotten me back on track. I take so much joy in everything I do now. This book is absolutely incredible. I wish everyone in the world could read it.
Book Description
Gates to Buddhist Practice: Essential Teachings of a Tibetan Master grounds the reader in Buddhist principles, interweaving stories from the author's native Tibet. Since its original publication, Chagdud Tulku has continued to teach widely and has met thousands of sincere, enthusiastic, and sometimes skeptical students. The frank questions inspired by these teachings form the basis of the material added to this revised edition.
Customer Reviews:
This book, as always with Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche, inspires and moves me.......2007-09-08
When I realize that I missed the opportunity to meet this man by a just a smidge, it instantly makes me want to cry. I had been into Buddhism at the time he was still alive, but not too seriously. I collected books, you know, and half-read some, finished some and all the while wasn't sure exactly what I thought of it. If I could blame someone other than myself, I suppose I would blame the New Age market out there which seems to expand exponentially every year and seems to be giving the same generic advice to an ever-broadening audience of desperate hopefuls that any path can lead to enlightenment while all the while never sticking to one path. Rather, it's mixed into a bubbling pot of flavor-of-the-week to sip now and again, as desired. By contrast, any form of Buddhism, including the watered-down westernized "psychology-only" flavor seems too tough and too complicated or too boring, too austere.
But this book is different! This author is different!
Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche's many available books, practice text, cassettes and cds are unfailing evidence that this man was a great teacher. This book is no exception. He has an extraordinary ability to make the notoriously complex Tibetan Buddhism very simple and easy for westerners to practice. This book might be the pinnacle of those powers. So clear, so precise, so simple. All you have to do is follow his advice.
But, this is where most people have difficulty. Many other books make the practice seem simple enough on the outset, but the actual practice of doing this stuff hangs over your head because, while it might be simple enough, and make enough sense, there is no real desire to actually do the practice as others teach it. This is not true with "Gates To Buddhist Practice" (or ANY of Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche's books). This book immediately inspires you to practice. Just reading a few paragraphs makes you want to put it down and do a few prostrations, some visualization, some mantra, some generosity... SOMETHING! ANYTHING! This is because Chagdud doesn't just make it easy to understand, he teaches with compassion and lots of it. Compassion is the understanding of our suffering condition from the perspective of one who knows better. That compassion comes through loud and clear, so not only are you emotionally moved by his generosity and effort in these brilliantly crafted lessons, you get a sense of the understanding from an enlightened perspective. For example, if you see someone suffering and you don't know what to do about it, you will feel sad for sure; but, if you see someone suffering and you know exactly WHY they are suffering and WHAT to do about it, this awakens a different emotion in you similar to a maternal instinct. This is the compassion that Chagdud communicates. Once it is communicated, it changes your outlook completely and inspires you to action.
In fact, this quality has been carried on in Chagdud's students, which again shows what a great teacher he really was to produce so many more fine teachers. Go to any Chagdud Gonpa center and you will be moved. Go check out some of Lama Tsering Everest's podcasts available online and you will be moved in that same way.
This man knew the essence of the dharma and he knew how to teach it.
If you don't know where to begin with Tibetan Buddhism, this is the book for you. As Chagdud says on page 53, people are in a hurry to move beyond "kindergarten dharma" but the essence of the dharma is very simple! Because it is simple, it is often overlooked. People mistakenly think, "oh yeah, I get that, but there must be more..." while never "getting it" at all. You can't just read about the Four Thoughts, the Four Immeasurables, Bodhicitta, et cetera without actually transforming yourself by practice and think "oh yeah, I get that." It's not an intellectual abstraction to "get" in a relatively superficial sense. The essence is completely transformative to the mind and must be cultivated thoroughly within oneself in order for the essence to be "got."
Ignoring the simple essence in favor of superior teachings of the Highest Yoga Tantra, for example, will get you nowhere fast because you must realize when advancing to the superior teachings that the superior teachings are only superior if you realize they contain all the inferior teachings as well. One does not go beyond the essence of the dharma no matter how superior the teachings become. The danger of the more advanced teachings for westerners is that we are already highly intellectual and this is tied into our cynical nature. We love to dissect and evaluate things almost as a form of entertainment which, like all entertainment, achieves nothing but distraction. The higher teachings are incredibly abstract and difficult. They can entertain the intellect for years without accomplishing a thing. This is the reason they are traditionally saved for LAST in Tibetan culture. With the chinese occupation of Tibet, however, the dharma has been spread out around the rest of the world maybe a bit unevenly. Even a lowly practioner such as myself was able to receive transmission for the Great Perfection practices. I'm not complaining because it has been very helpful to me. In fact, it clarified what the Lesser Vehicles were trying to teach me.
And, for this reason, reading Chagdud Tulku again with a fresh eye makes me realize what an astounding teacher he really was. He combined the highest teachings right in with the simplest essence of the dharma. He had the View of Dzogchen and he integrated it with Vajrayana practice. If only one reads his advice and practices, that person will go far with Chagdud's instruction!
If this book inspires you as I know it will, my advice for the "next step" would be to seek out the practice texts and explanatory books and lectures on Red Tara Practice and Dudjom Tersar Ngondro from Chagdud Gonpa's online website, TibetanTreasures-dot-com. These tantric practices have been concisely perfected and translated into English by Chagdud Tulku himself for western students and are perfect for these fast-paced times.
A sobering, thoughtful, inspiring presentation.......2001-11-13
Now available in a newly revised edition, Chagdud Tulku's Gates To Buddhist Practice: Essential Teachings Of A Tibetan Master offers the reader a firm grounding in Buddhist principles, illustrated with many anecdotes from the Tulku's native home of Tibet. Tulku is a meditation master, artist, and healer who has continued to travel and teach in both the East and the West; the questions he encountered while teaching form the basis to the revisions of this new edition. Gates to Buddhist Practice is a sobering, thoughtful, inspiring presentation that covers numerous aspects of Buddhism in depth, from karma and Bodhicitta to preparing oneself for death. Strongly recommended for Buddhist Studies reading lists and reference collections.
A great read for both newcomers to Buddhism and scholars.......2001-11-13
Those who love reading books by the Dalai Lama and Sogyal Rinpoche will enjoy the clear, insightful writing of Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche. Newcomers will love the simple prose and delightful stories from old Tibet and modern America. Those who have read much of the American literature, will appreciate the simple, subtle references to the many dimensions of Tibetan Buddhism. This book is a favorite which I read and re-read, always finding more sustenance.
Those who are interested in bringing a non-violent and humanistic approach to world problems, will love Chagdud Tulku's willingness to bring the benefits of the Tibetan Buddhist approach to daily life at home and in the world. I work with law students and lawyers who are trying to bring a non-violent approach to a profession weary of aggression and the old ways. And, I assign "Gates of Buddhist Practice" to law students of all faiths. It is fascinating to watch how Chagdud Tulku talks about Tibetan Buddhist tools for cultivating compassion, skillfulness and wisdom. While he uses some Buddhist terminology, his tone is open and inclusive. It serves as a "gateway", itself, into ecumenical dialogue. In these times in which so many conflicts find their roots in misunderstandings among religious perspectives, this skillful and wise approach is sorely needed.
I can't imagine a better book to give to a friend or to buy for yourself. (Put this book under the tree for yourself!) I hope that you will find much joy, solace and understanding in this book, as I have..........And, I hope that you, too, will hear the greatest gift of this book, which is between the words on each page..the love of a great spiritual master.
In this so-called introduction into Tibetan Buddhism, we learn from a great wisdom tradition about the contours of human consciousness and we come away lighter and refreshed.
Clear, Helpful, User-Friendly Guide to Tibetan Buddhism.......2001-11-08
I love this book. In it Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche offers the most clear, complete and concise overview of Tibetan Buddhism that I have read. The teachings can be appreciated, and clearly understood on many levels, from a person who is completely new to Buddhism to an experienced practitioner. I have often recommended the first edition of this book to friends who are curious and looking for an introduction to Tibetan Buddhism, and they have found it very helpful. This new edition has been expanded to include more questions from students, many of which are very in-depth and result in detailed answers that make the reader feel as if they were sitting in front of Rinpoche while he teaches.
The book also includes many of Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche's wonderful stories and Tibetan folk tales that serve to illuminate the teachings in a very down to earth manner. This book is like a polestar, such a comfort to come back to again and again for inspiration and guidance, showing us the way to tame and train our minds. I would recommend this book very highly.
Book offers clarity, insight into coping with difficult time.......2001-11-07
As this book makes clear, at its heart Buddhist teaching offers an approach to living that emphasizes compassion, simplicity, and peace. Understanding this core is essential to spiritual progress, but it's rare to find a text that so elegantly addresses the cultural issues that may impede this process. "Gates to Buddhist Practice" is such a book. I found the frank discussions of all kinds of issues refreshingly straightforward and clear. Chagdud Rinpoche is obviously a teacher of profound insight and consummate skill, and I'd recommend "Gates" to anyone interested in gaining fuller understanding of a Buddhist approach to critical issues of life, death, and spirituality. At a time when a lot of us are feeling unmoored and stressed out, it's a blessing to have difficult questions answered in a way that is insightful and provocative without being pat or simplistic. I highly recommend this book.
Amazon.com
In this highly readable collection, Robert Thurman brings together the jewels of Tibetan literature that have made their own distinctive contribution to "the great river of Buddhism." He introduces the selection with an overview of essential Buddhist thought, orienting the reader with a history of Buddhism's development, from its origins in India, expansion across Asia, and flowering on Tibetan soil. Explaining the distinctive attainment of Tibetan Buddhist civilization as "the vivid sense of Buddhas in ordinary, daily reality," Thurman guides readers through selections that speak to the possibility of liberation for all beings. Stressing also the importance of the teacher or mentor figure in Tibetan Buddhist practice, he presents key texts from teachers whose words serve as inspiration to those seeking the path toward enlightenment. Excerpts culled from the vastness of the Tibetan canon include the hymns to the liberator goddess Tara, pieces from The Tibetan Book of the Dead, writings on mentor worship from the first Panchen Lama, and selections from esoteric tantric practice texts. The volume ends with the 1989 Nobel Peace Prize lecture by Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso, illustrating the enduring relevance of this ancient wisdom for modern life. --Uma Kukathas
Book Description
Despite its burgeoning influence, few people truly understand the core beliefs, traditions, and movements of this popular Eastern religion. Robert Thurman, professor of Indo-Tibetan studies at Columbia University, has assembled the first guide to Tibetan Buddhism that introduces the distinctive Tibetan practice through its own rich literature. He includes excerpts from The Book of the Dead as well as lesser known but comparable scriptures.Essential Tibetan Buddhism is a part of The Essential Series, beautifully packaged works that feature the core texts of major religious traditions in definitive translations, edited by leading authorities.
Customer Reviews:
Boring.......2004-01-02
I never like to write a bad review, especially not when the author had displayed such a sincere effort to enlighten his audience. This book, however, I can't escape the inevitability of doing so; it was so very boring! I practice Zen, and admittedly am often turned off a bit by the hierarchy and dogma that seems to surround Tibetan Buddhism. This book is certainly a scholars book, not that Thurman is not a sincere practitioner-for he is. He is also a very intelligent man, at times too intelligent, for he kills any life the book could have.
Maybe it's just me. It's not that I like the Dharma simple. I was disappointed because I came wanting to find out more about Tibetan Buddhism, and realized it was much like reading the names in Genesis of the Bible. The Dalai Lama, as far as Tibetan Buddhism goes, is more clear to me. Perhaps that's because he leaves most of the scholastic approach out of his writings, and focuses on the marrow of PRACTICE. This book lacks much physical reference to that.
If you are looking to understand the Dharma, this book is for you. If you, however, are looking to UNDERSTAND the Dharma, go find a zendo and sit. That and any book by Zen master Seung Sahn, if you find Tibetan Buddhism isn't your "cup of tea"-will point you on your way. Sorry Robert, your book put me to sleep. Better writings next time.
Difficult material, and cheerleading........2003-07-11
Thurman is a Buddhist in the Tibetan tradition (as am I), and his introduction to this volume, while very valuable and succinct, makes no claim at objectivity. He asserts that the Tantrayana (Tibetan Buddhism, to simplify) is superior to the Mahayana and Theravada traditions because it represents the culmination of Buddhism's "progression." Right off the bat, that makes me uncomfortable. Why must the pious Theravadins be consigned to an inferior, "early-stage" Buddhism? Why make such hurtful invidious comparisons? It seems beneath a genuine practitioner. To answer my own rhetorical question, perhaps it is because Mahayana Buddhists are often a bit defensive. This is the result of being accused of not having a "genuine" canon, in the sense that most admit the works were composed (not just written down) after the Death of the Buddha. Similarly, Thurman attempts to argue against those who claim Tibetan Buddhism represents an effort by early proselytizers to offer a pantheon of gods and a lurid conception of the Buddha(s) to Hindus. His response to this argument is limited to two sentences and is not convincing. He simply asks, rhetorically, If that was the aim of Mahayana Buddhists, why did they keep the Buddha at all? Why not just become Hindu? But surely it is believable to assert that Buddhists wanted to broaden the attraction of their religion while keeping what they saw as its key elements.
On the question of which miracles to believe (and Tibetan Buddhism is chock full of them), Thurman simply accepts a great number of them, while consigning other claims, such as the 500-year lifespan of one "living Buddha", to the realm of myth. How can he tell the difference between myth and religious reality? Either accept all the fantasical claims or tell us how to pick and choose among them.
A word of warning, as well. Despite the claims of other reviewers, most of the material in this book is quite difficult and will not reward those who do not have considerable background in Buddhism. If you'll note the cheap prices for used copies, above, you'll see that I'm not alone in this view.
The weirdest thing: Thurman apparently has decided to replace the word "karma" with "evolution". In the classic texts, therefore, where one would read "fruit of karma," or whatever, Thurman offers "evolutionary progress," for example. This is perhaps defensible, but he offers no justification. That seems quite a big departure for translators of the Dharma. Doing away with karma to make it a) more accessible to modern readers?; 2) more attractive to modern readers?; 3) because perhaps Thurman (as many of us are) is uncomfortable with the teachings that claim starving babies are simply reaping the fruits of miserly conduct in previous lives? Such a major change needed at least some justification and explanation.
All that said, get this book if you are a Tibetan practioner with considerable knowledge of the Dharma. It offers a nice collection of very important works.
The Politics of Enlightenment.......2003-05-11
As a professor of Indo-Tibetan studies, and chair of the religion department at Columbia University, Robert Thurman has had a great career devoted to the task of making the Buddhist teaching and scriptures, particularly those of the Tibetan people, intelligible to students and interested laypersons.
`Tibetan Buddhism increasingly rivals Zen in its popularity as a path of Buddhist wisdom and practice.'
Thurman has written and translated many texts in this area, particularly the well-received `Tibetan Book of the Dead.' In this book, `The Essential Tibetan Buddhism,' Thurman does a thorough job at laying out in concise and accessible terms the history and development of Tibetan Buddhism, as well as an explication and explanation of the core beliefs and practices.
Dedicated to the Dali Lama (who I have had the honour to be near during his regular trips to Bloomington, my current home -- his brother has been on faculty at Indiana University), this book shows how Tibetan Buddhism grew out of a sense of having been personally touched by Buddhas dwelling among them. Indeed, Tibetans often take for granted the idea of a constant presence of Buddhas among them. While many varieties of Buddhism allow for the theoretical attainment of the absolute freedom required to be a Buddha, Tibetan Buddhism is rare in accepting that there are many Buddhas currently at hand.
Tibetan Buddhism also preserved the Indian Tantric traditions, as a means for the attainment of complete Buddha-hood. Indeed, some of these Tantras contradict the cosmologies which speculate that there is a cycle of Buddhas, and that another Buddha is not due for thousands of years.
`Thus at least one of the levels (the highest, most would say) of the Tibetan sense of history sees the planet as progressing positively toward a time of unprecedented fulfillment. Tibetan Buddhist society therefore is perhaps unique among Buddhist societies in that the people live within a consciously articulated myth of historical progress, carrying within itself a fascinating complexity.'
Tibetan Buddhism is far from nihilistic, as indeed most Buddhism is not nihilistic. One discovers a unity of awareness and of all creation, something at the heart of many of the great religions of the world, if not so specifically laid out as a premise or as a possible attainment. The Buddha obtains total consciousness, a kind of universal omniscience; this is not to say a Buddha is God or becomes God (in fact, the Buddha will eschew God-like powers and domination over other creatures).
Grant the vision of direct enlightenment,
Whose nature is universal voidness!
The disciple should press her palms together,
Praise the Mentor, and then entreat him:
'Great teacher, grant me the vision
Of direct enlightenment,
Free from evolution and birth,
Beyond the three luminaries...
Complete with original translations of source texts, commentaries, essays of context and interpretation, and a good source of religious studies (history, philosophy, theology, etc.), this is an excellent introduction to the contemplation, study or even practice of Tibetan Buddhism.
A highly usable introduction into Tibetan buddhism...........2000-10-12
As far as popularly available books go, this is about the best 'introduction' into Tibetan primary-ish texts that is really available. I am supposing that the core market for this book is as the reviews above indicate: Americans who are familiar with the Dalai Lama and/or Zen but want to know more about the wide and fascinating religious domain that is Tibetan Buddhism.
And this is the best place to 'start' provided that a) this is not your introduction to Buddhism in general (there are good books for Westerners for that-- 'The Gospel of the Buddha' by Paul Carus is a simple one that orders the Pali Canon into a structure more accessible for Christians; Thurman's 'Inner Revolution'; a general introduction into world religions that differentiates classical Therevadan forms from Mahayan stuff from the Vajarana stuff....) or b) a book on Tibetan history c)a comprehensive book in any sense.
It's a fun read and a good introduction. Other books on top of this: Thurman's translation of 'The Holy Teaching of Vimilikirti' and any of the stories of Milarepa are fun; a neat history is 'The Dragon in the Land of Snows....'
I highly recommend this book....
A very good introduction to the Tibetan vision of Buddhism........1998-06-16
From the introduction which gives a summary of the history of Tibetan Buddhism to the poems by the Dalai Lama at the end, Thurman introduces the spirit of Tibetan Buddhism to those who may be primarily familiar with Zen Buddhism. The selections, mostly poetic works, give a good cross-section and through-time view of Buddhism.
Some things are glossed over, for those who are not familiar with Tibetan Buddhism. The role of the gods is not thoroughly explained. Where do the gods originate? From Bon? From Indian Religion. In general, I found this a very interesting and useful book.
Book Description
translated & edited by John Reynolds
Customer Reviews:
One of my favorite Norbu books.......2004-12-30
Of the 9 Norbu books I've read so far, this is one of the top 3 (the other two are "The Supreme Source" and "The Mirror"). His books tend to be rather short though and are very readable. He is one of the contemporary masters of Dzogchen, the highest teaching in the Nyingma (old translation) tradition of Tibet. This is one of the 4 main contemporary schools of Tibetan Buddhism. He also has a magazine called "The Mirror" that you can subscribe to and gives seminars/teachings around the country (see the Snow Lion Bulletin for announcements). This particular book takes the teachings through a typical day (thus, the title). Dzogchen includes the view that all that we see, hear, etc. is empty of independent being (like the reflection of the moon in a lake). While this is also part of the Prajnaparamita works on Mahayana Buddhism as well (see Conde's translations), Dzogchen takes it farther into the View of the Ground of Being or Dharmakaya and its practice of Trekcho as well as the maintenance, during post-meditation, of spontaneous presence. It is quite profound. Enjoy this book, but read his others as well since this book is not completely comprehensive.
A Direct Way to Enlightenment.......2001-01-04
In this work, Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche, an eminent Dzogchen master of modern times, gives a direct way how to practice the Essence of Tibetan Yogic Practice called "Dzogchen" - "the Great Perfection". Please bare in mind that the openness of the teacher's style - with no unclear mystics - is a gift rare to find nowadays. Good luck in your journey to Self-Realization!
Wonderful Treaty on Contemplation - Dzogchen Style.......2000-07-21
Namkhai Norbu is an amazing teacher: clear and precise. In this translation of the Longde Series of Dzogchen Teachings, Garab Dorje (Ancient Dzogchen Big-Wig)shows how to maintain contemplation Day and Night. Wonderful introduction, excellent translation of the Text, amazing commentary to follow; Norbu makes the Evening, Night, and Morning practices simple and easy to understand. This text is a kind of Dream-Yoga/Daily-Yoga cream center. It gives you ways to smooth the edges of your Dzogchen practice. I found it easy to read and informative: a real Boon!
Book Description
Readers who want to appreciate and understand the scope and depth of the Dalai Lama’s wisdom must currently select from a variety of books. Now, A Lifetime of Wisdom brings together those writings that, taken together, constitute an essential account of the Dalai Lama’s teaching legacy. A thoughtful, inspirational, and beautifully designed and packaged collection of the most essential writings by the Dalai Lama, A Lifetime of Wisdom includes accounts of the Dalai Lama’s early days as a child plucked from obscurity to rule over Tibet, his struggles with the Chinese who invaded his country, and his tireless efforts on behalf of human rights and world peace. Readers will come away with a comprehensive sense of the Dalai Lama’s fundamental themes, from personal happiness to world peace.
Book Description
An invaluable collection that brings together the best of the Dalai Lama's writings on all aspects of life
An inspiration to millions of people worldwide, the Dalai Lama has authored more than fifty books. Now, for the first time, The Essential Dalai Lama brings together the best of the Dalai Lama's writings on all aspects of life, from work to meditation. Divided into four sections—The Vision, Buddhist Perspectives, Practice, A World in Harmony—The Essential Dalai Lama contains eloquent applications of the principles of ancient Buddhist thought to contemporary issues, all expressed in the Dalai Lama's uniquely compelling voice. This is the perfect compilation for anyone who wishes to have one source for the Dalai Lama's teachings or who seeks an introduction to the philosophy and practice of Buddhism.
Customer Reviews:
A great introduction to Buddhism.......2007-06-08
Before reading this book, I have read his two other phenomenal books by His Holiness - The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living and The Art of Happiness at Work. These two books are very practical books with concepts that we can easily relate to and apply to our day to day lives. I read them in a time of sadness and confusion, and they have really helped to put me on the right track again.
The Essential Dalai Lama provided a great introduction of the essential Buddhist concepts to me. The books is actually a collection of chapters from various books by His Holiness. The pace is good for beginners and the ideas are presented in great clarity.
From my point of view, most of the teachings from His Holiness are actually religiously neutral. Many of the concepts are simply ancient wisdoms that have been passed through the experience of many generations. These wisdoms can serve as short-cuts to help all of us, regardless of religious and cultural background, to understand our mind better, to live happier and healthier, and to make this world a better place for our fellow human beings.
To summarize, I think this book could be a bit theoretical as the first introduction to Buddhism. It's easier to read the two books that I mentioned earlier or other books by Thich Nhat Hanh such as Peace Is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life. On the other hand, for someone who wants to learn the key buddhist concepts in a systematic way for the first time, the Essential Dalai Lama offers an excellent choice.
Broad Coverage.......2005-12-22
This is only the second book by the Dalai Lama that I've read, the first being The Dalai Lama's Book of Wisdom. I didn't know alot about his teachings, and wanted to read something that he had authored (therefore, I chose not to read the popular "The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living," which he coauthored with another individual). It is quite broad in its coverage, including four parts entitled The Vision, Buddhist Perspectives, Practice, and A World in Harmony. While reading this book, I got the sense that it wasn't written "as a whole;" it can be a little disjointed (I think it's a compilation of his different speeches, writings, etc.). Also, if you're not knowledgeable about Buddhism (I'm not a Buddhist, but have read several books about this religion), some of it can be a little esoteric. Having said this, this book basically met my objectives (I especially enjoyed Parts One and Four). Without being an expert on the subject, it does seem to cover the "essential/important" teachings of this living spiritual leader.
Book Description
Jamgon Kongtrul, a master practitioner and one of Tibet's most prolific writers, composed this text as a guide to the effective practice of tantric Buddhist meditation. Written in the style of the Tibetan songs of realization, the text leads a way along a clear path of meditative self-transformation. This revised and updated edition of Creation and Completion includes a commentary by Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche.
Customer Reviews:
Deity practice in Tibetan Buddhism.......2004-10-27
This book is, indeed, a unique guide to the fundamental practice of Tibetan Buddhist tantra.
Basic to tantra is deity practice in devotional rituals and meditation techniques, and it consists of two stages: the creation stage and the completion stage. In the creation stage, practitioners visualise themselves in the form of the enlightened deity. In the completion phase this visualisation is subseqently dissolved.
As such, "creation" and "completion" of tantric mahayana (or vajrayana) are the equivalents of "shamatha" (tranquillity meditation) and "vipashyana" (insight meditation) of sutra mahayana.
The book is a translation of an exposition by Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Thaye, who designed this text as a guide to meditation practice. It was originally written entirely in verse, in the style of the songs of realization and other inspiration spiritual literature of Tibet.
This book is very accessible and clear, and it will certainly give the reader a better understanding of what tantric practice is all about. A must-read, for sure.
There is one book which is very useful to continue on this subject (as a companion book): "Generating the Deity" by Gyatrul Rinpoche (ISBN 1559390557).
Another excellent book, "Tsongkhapa's Six Yogas of Naropa" (ISBN 1559390581), in a translation by Glenn Mullin, is a comprehensive treatise on the completion stage of Highest Yoga Tantra (according to the Geluk transmission). This book is both unique and excellent!
Book Description
This book contains seven fundamental Buddhist texts considered essential to Western students by Geshe Wangyal, who first brought Tibetan Buddhism to America. Ranging from early scriptural sources to meditation and visualization guides of Tibetan Buddhist practice, The Door of Liberation is indispensable reading for those interested in opening the door to the highest realms of freedom, wisdom, and compassion.
Customer Reviews:
The quintessence of Buddhaýs Teachings.......1997-07-06
This book was written at the end of his lifetime by this extraordinary Mongolian Lama (teacher) who first brought Tibetan Buddhism to America in 1955. Geshe Wangyal was teacher to several generations of students, among them some of the most famous names of Tibetan Buddhist translation and exposition today. The book, a compilation of various translations from the Tibetan, was made under his supervision at the monastery he founded in New Jersey. It is his utterly straightforward, sincere, and authentic offering of the Teaching (Dharma). Geshe Wangyal does not hold back, giving us everything we need to know. "Do not just accumulate sensless bits of knowledge," he tells us, "when studying the Teaching, but try to increase your understanding."
Its contents (briefly summarized below) span the full range of Buddhist teachings:
1. Begins with an introductory by Geshe Wangyal in which he offers the unique pure presentation of the Tibetan overview of the Teachings revealing the hidden threads that link the various selections of his book together.
2. There is a colorful and fabulous history of the Dharma, featuring tales of the great teachers.
3. A section of eloquent, vivid, and touching stories of the previous lives of the Buddha, as well as of one of his female disciples.
4. Then a text of precepts -- kernel-like nuggets of advice from the spiritual lineage of teacher to student -- on the bringing of the practice of Dharma into one's everyday life. (When asked which was most important teaching a famous teacher replied, "The precept of the Lama.")
5. Finally the book concludes with a number of pivotal texts by Tsong-kha-pa, the 15th century founder of the Yellow Hat sect. These set forth his exquisite yet precise delineations clarifying the Buddhist path to enlightenment, some with commentaries. Included is the immensely beautiful and profound enlightenment poem, written upon his realization of emptiness and dependent origination as being the same, praising the teachings of the Buddha. "Such...[teachers]...as Tsong-kha-pa...did not create new teachings, but rather, clarified the original word of the Buddha...."
This is a real book. Its feet are firm upon the Earth, while it plumbs the depths and soars into the rainbow sky. Geshe Wangyal plainly gives us this gift without the least bit of technical language, allowing the book to be enthralling and enlightening for anybody, from the total newcomer to the most avid expert on the subject.
A treasury of delight, nutrition to the starving mind, contains the quintessence of Dharma. Conspire to share the thrill.
Enter the gateway to the Door of Liberation!
A Note of Some Import:
This is the original hardcover edition of this text also offered by Amazon under the same title as a paperback. Unless you are a rare book collector, it would be worth your while to see their alternate offering
The Quintessence of Buddhaýs Teachings.......1997-07-06
This book was written at the end of his lifetime by this extraordinary Mongolian Lama (teacher) who first brought Tibetan Buddhism to America in 1955. Geshe Wangyal was teacher to several generations of students, among them some of the most famous names of Tibetan Buddhist translation and exposition today. The book, a compilation of various translations from the Tibetan, was made under his supervision at the monastery he founded in New Jersey. It is his utterly straightforward, sincere, and authentic offering of the Teaching (Dharma). Geshe Wangyal does not hold back, giving us everything we need to know. "Do not just accumulate sensless bits of knowledge," he tells us, "when studying the Teaching, but try to increase your understanding."
Its contents (briefly summarized below) span the full range of Buddhist teachings:
1. Begins with an introductory by Geshe Wangyal in which he offers the unique pure presentation of the Tibetan overview of the Teachings revealing the hidden threads that link the various selections of his book together.
2. There is a colorful and fabulous history of the Dharma, featuring tales of the great teachers.
3. A section of eloquent, vivid, and touching stories of the previous lives of the Buddha, as well as of one of his female disciples.
4. Then a text of precepts -- kernel-like nuggets of advice from the spiritual lineage of teacher to student -- on the bringing of the practice of Dharma into one's everyday life. (When asked which was most important teaching a famous teacher replied, "The precept of the Lama.")
5. Finally the book concludes with a number of pivotal texts by Tsong-kha-pa, the 15th century founder of the Yellow Hat sect. These set forth his exquisite yet precise delineations clarifying the Buddhist path to enlightenment, some with commentaries. Included is the immensely beautiful and profound enlightenment poem, written upon his realization of emptiness and dependent origination as being the same, praising the teachings of the Buddha. "Such...[teachers]...as Tsong-kha-pa...did not create new teachings, but rather, clarified the original word of the Buddha...."
This is a real book. Its feet are firm upon the Earth, while it plumbs the depths and soars into the rainbow sky. Geshe Wangyal plainly gives us this gift without the least bit of technical language, allowing the book to be enthralling and enlightening for anybody, from the total newcomer to the most avid expert on the subject.
A treasury of delight, nutrition to the starving mind, contains the quintessence of Dharma. Conspire to share the thrill.
Enter the gateway to the Door of Liberation
The quintessence of Buddhaýs Teachings.......1997-07-06
This book was written at the end of his lifetime by this extraordinary Mongolian Lama (teacher) who first brought Tibetan Buddhism to America in 1955. Geshe Wangyal was teacher to several generations of students, among them some of the most famous names of Tibetan Buddhist translation and exposition today. The book, a compilation of various translations from the Tibetan, was made under his supervision at the monastery he founded in New Jersey. It is his utterly straightforward, sincere, and authentic offering of the Teaching (Dharma). Geshe Wangyal does not hold back, giving us everything we need to know. "Do not just accumulate sensless bits of knowledge," he tells us, "when studying the Teaching, but try to increase your understanding."
Its contents (briefly summarized below) span the full range of Buddhist teachings:
1. Begins with an introductory by Geshe Wangyal in which he offers the unique pure presentation of the Tibetan overview of the Teachings revealing the hidden threads that link the various selections of his book together.
2. There is a colorful and fabulous history of the Dharma, featuring tales of the great teachers.
3. A section of eloquent, vivid, and touching stories of the previous lives of the Buddha, as well as of one of his female disciples.
4. Then a text of precepts -- kernel-like nuggets of advice from the spiritual lineage of teacher to student -- on the bringing of the practice of Dharma into one's everyday life. (When asked which was most important teaching a famous teacher replied, "The precept of the Lama.")
5. Finally the book concludes with a number of pivotal texts by Tsong-kha-pa, the 15th century founder of the Yellow Hat sect. These set forth his exquisite yet precise delineations clarifying the Buddhist path to enlightenment, some with commentaries. Included is the immensely beautiful and profound enlightenment poem, written upon his realization of emptiness and dependent origination as being the same, praising the teachings of the Buddha. "Such...[teachers]...as Tsong-kha-pa...did not create new teachings, but rather, clarified the original word of the Buddha...."
This is a real book. Its feet are firm upon the Earth, while it plumbs the depths and soars into the rainbow sky. Geshe Wangyal plainly gives us this gift without the least bit of technical language, allowing the book to be enthralling and enlightening for anybody, from the total newcomer to the most avid expert on the subject.
A treasury of delight, nutrition to the starving mind, contains the quintessence of Dharma. Conspire to share the thrill.
Enter the gateway to the Door of Liberation
Customer Reviews:
Practical and well written.......2007-02-26
This book is a great resource for those wishing to practice the principles of Buddhist living. It introduces and explains the essential practices of Buddhism. Great introduction and written in a way that anyone can understand. There is noone better than the Dalai lama to get this crucial knowledge from.
Definitely recommended.
A jewel of spiritual wisdom.......2006-06-28
This is an audacious and courageous book by a living lesson in love, the Dalai Lama himself.
The teaching here, to echo the words from Shantideva, is itself the "living ground of love for innumerable beings." And this ground, uncovered and cultivated within, becomes a seedbed of compassion for ourselves and for others.
Amazon.com
Chogyam Trungpa rode the wave of early Tibetan Buddhist teachers to the West, making the biggest splash of them all. Among his dozens of books, Shambhala: Sacred Path of the Warrior and Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism are still popular favorites. If you don't have time to read a couple of dozen books, you might want to try Carolyn Rose Gimian's Essential Chogyam Trungpa, a collection of teachings carefully selected for their lasting relevance and no-nonsense power. Sections such as "Cool Boredom" and "Crazy Wisdom" span the range of Trungpa's teachings on Buddhist practices, while several sections on his Shambhala teachings highlight his notions of creating an enlightened society. Although Trungpa is known as an unorthodox teacher, his teachings themselves hit home in the plain idiom of everyday life, making esoteric ideas as clear as a Tibetan sky. Crack open The Essential Chogyam Trungpa and make a splash in your own life. --Brian Bruya
Book Description
Chögyam Trungpa wrote more than two dozen books on Buddhism and the Shambhala path of warriorship. The Essential Chögyam Trungpa blends excerpts from bestsellers like Shambhala: The Sacred Path of the Warrior, Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism, Meditation in Action, and other titles into a concise overview of Trungpa's teachings. Forty selections from fourteen different books articulate the secular path of the Shambhala warrior as well as the Buddhist path of meditation and awakening. This "new classic" vividly demonstrates Trungpa's great appreciation of Western culture which, combined with his deep understanding of the Tibetan tradition, makes these teachings uniquely accessible to contemporary readers. It will appeal to beginning students of meditation as well as seasoned readers of Eastern religion.
Customer Reviews:
Tibethan wisdom in a very pleasant package........2000-07-07
I recommend this book to anyone who wants to improve as a human being. I must have read three or four books on Tibethan Budism, and I can honestly say that Chogyam Trumgpa is my favourite monk so far.
His writings are really unique, since for the first time I could find a Tibethan who could share all of their ancient wisdom, but at the same time would still keep in mind how different and complicated our western societies are.
Mr. Trumgpa approaches several important and essential aspects of our lives, with such clarity and sweetness, that it was almost surprisingly how easily I could relate to most of his writings.
His writing style is really beautiful, reading like a "floating feather", yet approaching and analyzing several important subjects and aspects of human life.
This volume is particularly interesting, since it is a compilation of his thoughts, with selections from most of his books. This way, you can later easily choose which books by him to read, to further deepen into his writings.
One of the most important aspects of this book, is that I noticed that almost never Mr. Trumgpa puts himself in the position of a master talking to his students. On the contrary, he kindly puts himself among the human beings, and writes as someone who seems to understand how insane and stressful a western existence can be.
In short, this is a very interesting book, which packs a lot of wisdom. It may help we to achieve some balance, bring us back to track or help we finding new ways in our lives.
Priceless spiritual teachings from a grounded dharma master........2000-03-28
Using impecably plain language, this book summarizes the most essential spiritual teachings from the master who brought forth the Shambhala system of spiritual warriorship.
Carolyn Rose Gimian does a splendid job of selecting and adapting key sections from Ripoche's books. The teachings are woven into a compendium of fundamental guidelines for both spiritual advancement and living a more harmonious life in the material world.
This is unquestionably the one book I would share with everyone who wanted to understand the essential principles of buddhism, or just to find more peace of mind.
Books:
- Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith
- What the Buddha Taught: Revised and Expanded Edition with Texts from Suttas and Dhammapada
- Whispers in the Wind (Orphan Trains Trilogy, Book 3)
- Wikinomics: How Mass Collaboration Changes Everything
- X-Men: Fatal Attractions
- A History of Pagan Europe
- American Fascists: The Christian Right and the War On America
- American Fascists: The Christian Right and the War On America
- Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom
- Beyond Belief: The Secret Gospel of Thomas
Books Index
Books Home
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- Money Unmade: Barter and the Fate of Russian Capitalism
- Look Back to Get Ahead: Life Lessons from History's Heroes
- Paid to Play: An Insider's Guide to Video Game Careers
General
| Buddhism
| Religion & Spirituality
| Subjects
| Books
The Miracle of Mindfulness
Peace Is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life
Zen Keys: A Guide to Zen Practice
Teachings on Love
True Love: A Practice for Awakening the Heart
