Synopses & Reviews
A dynamic and comprehensive presentation of Buddha’s teachings, including practical explanations on how to attain lasting happiness and freedom from problems for ourselves and others. With clear and accessible language, Geshe Kelsang Gyatso guides the reader from the fundamentals of Buddhist meditation and philosophy, through a powerful explanation of the true nature of reality, to reveal the preciousness of Tantra—offering the paths to liberation and enlightenment to modern, busy people. A brief history of Kadampa Buddhism shows how Buddha’s timeless teachings have traveled from teacher to student over thousands of years, and how Buddhists in the West are now applying what was once available only to mystics and monks—practical advice to solve our daily problems and accomplish the real meaning of our human life. This inspiring handbook for daily practice is designed for those seeking solutions within Buddhism to the problems of everyday life, as well as to encourage people of all faiths to deepen their understanding and enjoyment of the spiritual paths.
Review
“Geshe Kelsang Gyatso illuminates the very heart of Buddhist thought and practice.” -Booklist
Review
Geshe Kelsang Gyatso is a highly respected meditation master and scholar of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition.” -Spirituality and Health
Review
“Geshe Kelsang Gyatso has proven to be a popular and accessible authority” -Library Journal
Synopsis
A compelling introduction to the essential principles of the Buddhist way of life and what it means to be a Buddhist, this guidebook explains why meditation is such a powerful tool for developing qualities such as inner peace, love, and patience.
Synopsis
Beginning with Buddha's life story, this concise guide explains the essential elements of the Buddhist way of life, such as understanding the mind, rebirth, karma and ultimate truth, and what it means to be a Buddhist. Meditation is explained clearly and simply as a tool for developing qualities such as inner peace, love and patience. The emphasis throughout is on the practical application of Buddhist ideas and practice to find solutions to everyday problems. Those interested in Buddhism and meditation will find this book a rich source of guidance and inspiration.
Synopsis
A compelling introduction to the essential principles of the Buddhist way of life and what it means to be a Buddhist, this guidebook explaines why meditation is such a powerful tool for developing qualities such as inner peace, love, and patience.
Synopsis
Beginning with Buddha's life story, this compelling guide reveals how Buddha's
extraordinary wisdom is the method to achieve lasting happiness and freedom from life's problems. Meditation is explained clearly and simply as a tool for developing transformative qualities such as inner peace, love, and joy. The essential principles of Buddhism and the Buddhist way of life are accessible to beginners, and this clear presentation will also inspire those who have been practicing for years.
About the Author
Geshe Kelsang Gyatso is a fully accomplished meditation master and internationally renowned teacher of Buddhism who has pioneered the introduction of modern Buddhism into contemporary society. He is the author of 21 highly acclaimed books that perfectly transmit the ancient wisdom of Buddhism to our modern world. He has also founded over 1200 Kadampa Buddhist Centers and groups throughout the world.
In his teachings Geshe Kelsang emphasizes the importance of meditation and how to apply it in daily life. He reveals practical methods for developing wisdom, cultivating a good heart and maintaining a peaceful mind, through which we can all find true and lasting happiness. Demonstrating these qualities perfectly in his own life, Geshe Kelsang has dedicated his whole life to helping others find inner peace and happiness.
Table of Contents
Illustrations
Preface
PART ONE: SUTRA
Preliminary Explanation
What is Buddhism?
Buddhist Faith
Who are the Kadampas?
The Preciousness of Kadam Lamrim
The Path of a Person of Initial Scope
The Preciousness of our Human Life
What Does our Death Mean?
The Dangers of Lower Rebirth
Going for Refuge
What is Karma?
The Path of a Person of Intermediate Scope
What we should know
What we should abandon
What we should practice
What we should attain
The Path of a Person of Great Scope
The Supreme Good Heart—Bodhichitta
Training in Affectionate Love
Training in Cherishing Love
Training in Wishing Love
Training in Universal Compassion
Training in Actual Bodhichitta
Training in the Path of Bodhichitta
Training in the Six Perfections
Training in Taking in Conjunction with the Practice of the Six Perfections
Training in Giving in Conjunction with the Practice of the Six Perfections
Training in Ultimate Bodhichitta
What is Emptiness?
The Emptiness of our Body
The Emptiness of our Mind
The Emptiness of our I
The Emptiness of the Eight Extremes
Conventional and Ultimate Truths
The Union of the Two Truths
The Practice of Emptiness in our Daily Activities
A Simple Training in Ultimate Bodhichitta
Examination of our Lamrim practice
PART TWO: TANTRA
The Preciousness of Tantra
The Tantra of Generation Stage
The Tantra of Completion Stage
The Central Channel
The Indestructible Drop
The Indestructible Wind and Mind
How to Meditate on the Central Channel
How to Meditate on the Indestructible Drop
How to Meditate on the Indestructible Wind and Mind
The Completion Stage of Mahamudra
Great Bliss
The Practice of Heruka Body Mandala
The Lineage of these Instructions
What is the Heruka Body Mandala?
The Preliminary Practices
Training in the Generation Stage of Heruka Body Mandala
Training in Completion Stage
The Instructions of Vajrayogini
The Yogas of Sleeping, Rising, and Experiencing Nectar
The Remaining Eight Yogas
Dedication
Appendix I—Liberating Prayer
Appendix II—Prayers for Meditation
Appendix III—An Explanation of Channels
Appendix IV—An Explanation of Inner Winds
Appendix V—The Yoga of Buddha Heruka
Appendix VI—Blissful Journey
Appendix VII—Quick Path to Great Bliss
Appendix VIII—The nada
Glossary
Bibliography
Index