Tibetan Buddhism from the Ground Up: A Practical Approach for Modern Life [Paperback]

B. Alan Wallace (Author), Steven Wilhelm (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 9, 1993

Here at last is an organized overview of Tibetan Buddhism's teachings, beginning with the basic themes of the sutras — the general discourses of the Buddha — and continuing through the esoteric concepts and advanced practices of Tantra. Unlike other introductions to Tibetan Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism from the Ground Up doesn't stop with theory and history, but relates timeless spiritual principles to the pressing issues of modern life, both in terms of daily experience and a uniquely Western world view. This fascinating, highly readable book asks neither unquestioning faith nor blind obedience to abstract concepts or religious beliefs. Rather, it challenges the reader to question and investigate life's issues on a personal level, in the light of an ancient and effective approach to the sufferings and joys of the human condition.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

As long as our minds are dominated by the conditions of the external world, we are bound to remain in a state of dissatisfaction, always vulnerable to grief and fear. How then can we develop an inner sense of well-being and redefine our relationship to a world that seems unavoidable painful and unkind? Many have found a practical answer to that question in the 2,500- year-old teachings of Tibetan Buddhism. Here at last is an organized overview of these teachings, beginning with the basic themes of the sutras-the general discourses of the Buddha-and continuing through the esoteric concepts and advanced practices of Tantra. Unlike other introductions to Tibetan Buddhism, this accessible, enjoyable work doesn't stop with theory and history, but relates timeless spiritual principles to the pressing issues of modern life, both in terms of our daily experience and our uniquely Western world view. This fascinating, highly readable book asks neither unquestioning faith nor blind obedience to abstract concepts or religious beliefs. Rather, it challenges us to question and investigate life's issues for ourselves in the light of an ancient and effective approach to the sufferings and joys of the human condition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Wisdom Publications (October 9, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0861710754
• ISBN-13: 978-0861710751
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #135,502 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Trained for ten years in Buddhist monasteries in India and Switzerland, Alan Wallace has taught Buddhist theory and practice in Europe and America since 1976; and he has served as interpreter for numerous Tibetan scholars and contemplatives, including H. H. the Dalai Lama. After graduating summa cum laude from Amherst College, where he studied physics and the philosophy of science, he earned a doctorate in religious studies at Stanford University.

He has edited, translated, authored, or contributed to more than thirty books on Tibetan Buddhism, medicine, language, and culture, as well as the interface between religion and science. He teaches in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he is launching one program in Tibetan Buddhist studies and another in science and religion. His published works include The Bridge of Quiescence: Experiencing Buddhist Meditation), Choosing Reality: A Buddhist View of Physics and the Mind, and Tibetan Buddhism From the Ground Up.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

44 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dharma in Practical Terms, February 12, 2000

By A Customer

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This review is from: Tibetan Buddhism from the Ground Up: A Practical Approach for Modern Life (Paperback)

To put it plainly, this is the best book I've ever read for an introduction to Tibetan Buddhism. B. Alan Wallace explains the major parts of Tibetan Dharma practice in very Western, everyday language. Never does he simplify or generalize, he's a talented author with a deep understanding of his subject and an ability to put it into to terms that a beginner from the West can understand. Whenever I've been asked to recommend literature on Buddhism, this is the first book on the list. Its absolutely the best. I cannot recommend it more highly!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally, a direct and cogent introduction of the essence of Tibetan Buddhism, October 31, 2006

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E. J. Walsh (meadville, pa) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Tibetan Buddhism from the Ground Up: A Practical Approach for Modern Life (Paperback)

One has to appreciate the fact that many books taking on this task that was given in this short, under 200 pages are as introductions anywhere from 450 to 650 pages. If one wants more detail check out John Powers', Introduction to Tibetan Buddhism which runs, as an introduction, some 470 pages. For one who is looking for the essence of this practice without too much dedication of time, this is the book. You will come away with a very good idea of what this type of buddhism is and why it is important.

17 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great intro to Buddhism!, July 10, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Tibetan Buddhism from the Ground Up: A Practical Approach for Modern Life (Paperback)

This was a great introductory book on Buddhism. It was well written, easy to read, and covered all the general yet important aspects of Buddhism. The author obviously has an in depth understanding of his subject. A must read for anyone seriously interested in this topic.