Essential Tibetan Buddhism

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

uuid: C7F21810-2069-436F-8A20-33FB92C00AA0
upc: 9780785808725
title: Essential Tibetan Buddhism
purchase date: 13-12-2005
publisher: Book Sales
published: 08-12-1997
price: $8.99
pages: 317
net Rating: 4
location: T
last lookup time: 156212128
genre: Reference Religion & Spirituality Tibetan
fullTitle: Essential Tibetan Buddhism
currentValue: $1.09
created: 156212128
country: us
author: Robert A. F. Thurman
aspect: Hardcover
asin: 0785808728