Customer Reviews

Way of Tibetan Buddhism

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This book is so clear and precise... It is most certainly the best introduction to Buddhism I have ever read. It is very rare to find an exposition on the subject written by such a highly qualified author, which lacks any controversy. I would recommend it to anyone interested in the Buddhist tradition in general and in Tibetan Buddhism in particular. Much, much better than all the other items in this category!

Lama Jampa Thaye's book is scholarly, comprehensive and above all crystal clear. The author begins with a valuable history of Buddhism and it's journey from India to Tibet and then proceeds to examine the fundamental stages of the path to enlightenment in detail, starting with Refuge and dealing progressively with the Three Vehicles. The section on vajrayana dispels the fog of misinformation and inaccuracy that can confuse and bewilder the newcomer to this vast and profound subject and is particularly useful. A central theme of the book is the significance of the teacher in Tibetan Buddhism and the importance of receiving the teachings from an authentic lineage. The book finishes with a description of the four main schools of Tibetan Buddhism and a very helpful Question and Answer section. This is, in my opinion, the best introduction to Tibetan Buddhism available and is essential reading for anyone seriously interested in practicing the dharma.

This short book offers a concise introduction to the tenets of Buddhism in general and to Tibetan Buddhism in particular. Beginning with a brief outline of the life of the historical Buddha, English scholar and Tibetan mediatation practitioner Dr David Stott (writing here under his Buddhist name, Lama Jampa Thaye) leads the reader through the historical and philosophical development of Tibetan Buddhism.

Written in unpretentious, everyday English, Stott stays on topic and, except for a lengthy middle section readers already familiar with Buddhism might like to skip, presents in less than 150 pages a succinct outline of what makes Tibetan Buddhism unique as well as to what separates Tibetans in matters of Buddhist philosophy.

Tibetan terms are not overused and are explained as they are introduced. A glossary is provided but unfortunately a guide to pronunciation is not. Also available for your edification are the author's opinions on theism (you cannot practice Buddhism and be a Christian, Jew, Muslim or any other kind of theist), reincarnation (which he claims is the cornerstone of Buddhist philosophy and without which the entire system would collapse), and orthodoxy (anyone wishing to be a Buddhist must accept it whole, the complete 2500 year accretion of study, practice and tradition).

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This is the only introduction to Tibetan Buddhism I've read which avoids the speculation or downright mystification which most writers on Tibetan Buddhism seem to be unable to do without. The Buddhist path as practiced in Tibet by the four main schools is set out very clearly, and comes across as a logical extension of the teachings of Shakyamuni. The fundamentals are set out in a traditional fashion by Lama Jampa Thaye, with the minimum of interpretation. There is a refreshingly honest review of the main exponents of Tibetan Buddhism in the West, and a question and answer chapter in which the teachings discussed in the earlier part of the book are addressed to Western concerns. A great way in.

Way of Tibetan Buddhism is an excellent overview of the Buddhist path. Lama Jampe Thaye clearly shows how the different level of teachings within Buddhism relate to each other. It also contains a comprehensive history of all the schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Lama Jampa Thaye writes with a great understanding of the difficulties facing western people approaching the practice of Buddhism and explodes many of the misunderstandings and misconceptions prevalent in the West today. I found his style both direct and approachable and thoroughly inspiring. I recommend Way of Tibetan Buddhism as an invaluable resource for anyone interested in Tibetan Buddhism.

I found this book extremely clarifying and inspiring. When I read a book on buddhism normally I feel confused by the end of it and wonder if the author is actually helping. I felt the exact opposite after each chapter of this book. Not only could I not put it down but I felt very inspired to be recieving the pure and unadulterated teachings of the Buddha through its pages. Instead, sometimes, when I read a less qualified author's book, I feel I'm getting a bit of a mish-mash of their own ideas and opinions on Buddhism instead of what the Buddha actually taught.

Absolutely brilliant. I can't recommend it highly enough.

This book is a much-needed overview of Tibetan Buddhism - both its history and current spread in the West. It not only provides a newcomer with all the information they need to acquaint themselves with this form of Buddhism, but also addresses the situation of someone who has ventured further and would like to know more.
Written by a recognised meditation master and scholar, it sets out to move beyond the normal scope of such introductory books - for example by detailing aspects of practices and schools, or dealing with questions Westerners frequently ask.
One of its most helpful qualities therefore is that it manages to allow the reader to see the wood for the trees in what is often seen as a complex type of Buddhism that has often been accidentally or wilfully misinterpreted.
It also seems to be one those books that can be re-read and still provide something new to ponder over.