Essence of Buddhism (Shambhala Dragon Editions) [Paperback]

Traleg Kyabgon (Author)

Book Description

Series: Shambhala Dragon Editions | Publication Date: May 1, 2001

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.

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?

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Traleg Kyabgon is director of Kagyu E-Vam Buddhist Institute, which is headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, with a major practice center in upstate New York and a practice community in New York City. He has been teaching and leading retreats for Buddhist groups, as well as lecturing for university courses in the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia since 1980. He is also the author of The Practice of Lojong and Mind at Ease.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Shambhala (May 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570624682
• ISBN-13: 978-1570624681
• Product Dimensions: 5.9 x 0.6 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #669,561 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you can buy only one book on Buddhism..., June 15, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Essence of Buddhism (Shambhala Dragon Editions) (Paperback)

This is one of the finest and more interesting books I have read on Buddhism in two decades. The author has brought the very authentic tenets of Buddhism together in a wonderful marriage with views of contemporary society. His perceptions and insights into western life are excellent and oftentimes very funny. Traleg Kyabgon explains profound terms such as "emptiness" along with others, in such a way, that even older students of Buddhism will have a much clearer understanding. He explained the notion of Karma and the consciousness that incarnates in such an amazing way, that I had to read it several times with tremendous excitement, the excitement a Christian mystic may have finding and reading the Gnostic Gospels for the first time. If you would like to understand exactly what Buddhism teaches at its core, and how this is applicable to our lives and how it can be of benefit in any situation we find ourselves, then this is the book. It is written in an elegant style that is a pleasure to read. It is evident that much time and effort went into this book and it is sure to become a classic in our Buddhist literary collection.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars the essence of buddhism, July 17, 2003

By 

"j--ll-l--lll--" (nashville, tn United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Essence of Buddhism (Shambhala Dragon Editions) (Paperback)

this is a very good book. i've read many introductions to buddhism in relation to my practice and my teaching of buddhist psychology. at one level, this book is excellent as a beginner's introduction to an overview of the buddhist path and meditation practice. at another level, it is an advanced comprehensive but terse guide to a multitude of perspectives on the path and practice.

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A comprehensive overview of Buddhist thought and philosophy, August 15, 2001

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Essence of Buddhism (Shambhala Dragon Editions) (Paperback)

In The Essence Of Buddhism, the Venerable Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche provides the reader with a comprehensive overview of Buddhist thought and philosophy through the perspectives offered by Tibetan Buddhism: The Hinayana, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. In addition to the Four Noble Truths, we are provided with definitions of fundamental concepts within a Buddhist philosophical framework including compassion, emptiness, and Buddha-nature. The Essence Of Buddhism is strongly recommended reading for those new to Buddhism and its rich, complex, and enduring spiritual heritage.