The Essence of Buddhism: An Introduction to Its Philosophy and Practice
Sign in to keep track of books you’ve read and want to read.
This lucid overview of the Buddhist path takes the perspective of the three "vehicles" of Tibetan Buddhism: the Hinayana, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. While these vehicles are usually presented as a historical development, they are here equated with the attitudes that individuals bring to their Buddhist practice. Basic to them all, however, is the need to understand our own immediate condition. The primary tool for achieving this is meditation, and The Essence of Buddhism serves as a handbook for the various meditative approaches of Buddhist practice.
Read more
Beginning with the Four Noble Truths, Traleg Rinpoche incorporates the expansive vision of the bodhisattva path and the transformative vision of Tantra. The final chapters present the transcendent view of Mahamudra. This view dispenses with all dualistic fixations and directly realizes the natural freedom of the mind itself.
Along the way, the author provides vivid definitions of fundamental concepts such as compassion, emptiness, and Buddha-nature, and answers common questions: Why does Buddhism teach that there is "no self"? Are Buddhist teachings pessimistic? Does Buddhism encourage social passivity? What is the role of sex in Buddhist Tantra? Why is it said that "samsara is nirvana"? Does it take countless lifetimes to attain enlightenment, or can it be achieved in a moment?
Liked The Essence of Buddhism: An Introduction to Its Philosophy and Practice? Here’s where I’d start.
These suit anyone who liked The Essence of Buddhism: An Introduction to Its Philosophy and Practice. Sign in and mark a few books for picks shaped around your own taste.
-
A Flash of Lightning in the Dark of Night: A Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life Shares Buddhism, dharma, spirituality -
The Jewel Ornament of Liberation: The Wish-Fulfilling Gem of the Noble Teachings Shares Buddhism, spirituality, religion -
The Great Path of Awakening: The Classic Guide to Lojong, a Tibetan Buddhist Practice for Cultivating the Heart of Compassion Shares Buddhism, dharma, religion -
The Bodhisattva Vow: A Practical Guide to Helping Others Shares Buddhism, dharma, religion
