In the Presence of Masters: Wisdom from 30 Contemporary Tibetan Buddhist Teachers [Paperback]

Reginald A. Ray (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 29, 2004

Thirty of the most creative, eloquent, and energetic Tibetan Buddhist teachers of Westerners in recent decades are featured in this collection of teachings that are certain to be highly treasured by all students of Buddhism. The contributors are masters who helped establish Buddhism in the West, founding centers in North America, Great Britain, Australia, and Europe; publishing books in English; and gaining recognition among Western Buddhists. Their teachings, drawn exclusively from the spoken word as given in talks and seminars, convey the directness and power for which the oral tradition is so valued in Buddhism.

The book highlights the teachings of the practice lineages, the branch of Tibetan Buddhism that emphasizes meditation practice, personal experience, and spiritual realization. Selections are thematically organized, including topics such as the major approaches to the spiritual path, meditation and other practices, Buddhist ethics, tantric practice, and the role of the teacher.



Includes the following teachers:

Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche • Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche • Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche • Deshung Rinpoche • Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche • Drubwang Tsoknyi Rinpoche • Dudjom Rinpoche • Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche • The Dzogchen Pönlop Rinpoche • Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche • Gen Lamrimpa • The Third Jamgön Kongtrul Rinpoche • Kalu Rinpoche • Venerable Khandro Rinpoche • Khenpo Könchog Gyaltsen • Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche • Lama Lodö • Lama Thubten Yeshe Rinpoche • Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche • Nyoshul Khenpo Rinpoche • Ringu Tulku Rinpoche • Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche • Sogyal Rinpoche • Tarthang Tulku Rinpoche • Thinley Norbu Rinpoche • Thrangu Rinpoche • Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche • Tulku Thondup Rinpoche • Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche • Lama Zopa Rinpoche

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This dialogic anthology can function for novices as a primer on Buddhism or be used as a springboard to meditation for more advanced practitioners. Ray, a professor of Buddhist Studies at Naropa University, gathers thoughts from modern Tibetan Buddhist teachers like Chögyam Trungpa, Sogyal Rinpoche and the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa—all of whom are familiar with Western sensibilities and are experienced at adapting Buddhist dharma for Euro-American students. The format is simple: Ray introduces a topic and then allows these venerable teachers to hold forth, building their thoughts upon one another as if they were in an actual conversation. The book is divided into three basic sections, dealing with Hinayana, Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism; before each section, Ray offers an accessible introduction in which he outlines the main issues facing each major Buddhist division. The section on Vajrayana, the most esoteric and tantric tradition, gives the lamas the opportunity to talk about the importance of lineage and tradition, while the section on Mahayana opens the floor for discussion of compassion. Occasionally, a contributor's thought seems out of place or out of context, but for the most part the artificial-dialogue format works remarkably well. A concluding section offers the lamas' thoughts on the feasibility of the transmission of the dharma to the West.
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Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Shambhala (June 29, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570628491
• ISBN-13: 978-1570628498
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.7 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #96,330 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)