Synopses & Reviews
As Tibetan Buddhism extends its reach in the West, many practitioners are making strong commitments to this path. The Vajrayana tradition still being new to our culture, however, there remain significant gaps in Western students' education and understanding. These can lead to practical difficulties for new or intermediate students--and even to their eventual abandonment of the Tibetan Buddhist path altogether. This book begins with the very awakening of students' interest in spirituality and their initial encounter with Tibetan Buddhism; then leads them through all the steps necessary for successful practice in the West. Included is succinct counsel on finding an appropriate teacher, receiving empowerments, becoming active in a center, and launching and sustaining a Vajrayana practice. Special emphasis is placed on the potential pitfalls--and the marvelous benefits--of the guru-disciple relationship. "A Beginner's Guide to Tibetan Buddhism speaks powerfully and directly to the Western student who is working to integrate this incredibly vast tradition into the realities of daily life. Drawing on his many years of practice and teaching, the author skillfully addresses obstacles, doubts and confusions that every reader will recognize.
Synopsis
This is a ground-level, practice-oriented presentation of Tibetan Buddhism—personal and very accessible. The book begins with the awakening of students' interest in spirituality and the initial encounter with Tibetan Buddhism, then leads us through all the steps necessary for successful practice in the West. Included is succinct counsel on finding an appropriate teacher, receiving empowerments, becoming active in a center, and launching and sustaining a Vajrayana practice. Special emphasis is placed on the potential pitfalls, and the marvelous benefits, of the guru-disciple relationship.
About the Author
Bruce Newman has studied and practiced Tibetan Buddhism mostly in the Kagyu and Nyingma traditions for almost thirty years. He spent eleven years in India and Nepal studying under his primary teacher, Venerable Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche. Mr. Newman also completed a four-year retreat at Kagyu Samye Ling in Scotland. For the past ten years he has been practicing and teaching under the guidance of Venerable Gyatrul Rinpoche in Ashland, Oregon.