Tibetan Buddhism : from the ground up ; a practical approach for modern life

186 Pages·1996·1.58 MB·English

by  Wallace

TIBETAN BUDDHISM
From the Ground Up

Asking neither unquestioning faith nor blind obedience to abstract concepts or religious beliefs, this highly
readable book 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.
“One of the most readable, accessible, and comprehensive introductions to Tibetan Buddhism.”
— Mandala
“A happy find for anyone seeking to incorporate Buddhist principles into spiritual practice.”
— Napra ReVIEW
“Insightful. This practical book provides examples of how these ancient teachings can be applied in
contemporary Western life.”
— The Beacon
“Presents Buddhism not as a competing faith but as a practical way of ethics by which to shape one's life.”
— The Reader's Review
B. A W is president of the Santa Barbara Institute for Consciousness Studies. He trained for many
LAN ALLACE
years as a monk in Buddhist monasteries in India and Switzerland. He has taught Buddhist theory and
practice in Europe and America since 1976 and has served as interpreter for numerous Tibetan scholars and
contemplatives, including H. H. the Dalai Lama. He has edited, translated, authored, and contributed to
more than thirty books on Tibetan Buddhism, medicine, language, and culture, and the interface between
science and religion including Stilling the Mind, The Attention Revolution, and Düdjom Lingpa's Visions of
the Great Perfection.
Dedicated to
My Parents and Teachers
Contents
Preface
1. Dharma and the Rituals of Happiness
2. Life's Oldest Illusion
3. Death: No Exit
4. A Spirit of Emergence
5. The Roots of Discontent
6. The Fruits of Our Labors
7. Gateway to Freedom
8. The Foundation of Spiritual Practice
9. Stabilizing the Mind
10. Loving Kindness
11. Four Applications of Mindfulness
12. Individual and Universal Vehicles of Buddhism
13. Cultivating a Spirit of Awakening
14. Transforming Misfortune into the Spiritual Path
15. Emptiness and Fulfillment
16. The Diamond Vehicle of Tantra
Notes
Index
Preface
T
he following is an edited version of a series of lectures I gave in Seattle,
Washington, in 1988 beginning with the most basic teachings of Tibetan
Buddhism and progressing gradually to more subtle theories and advanced
practices. These lectures were intended as a practical introduction to
Buddhism, based on my own studies, experience, and teachings I had
received over the preceding eighteen years from teachers from all four
orders of Tibetan Buddhism. Two of these lectures, appearing here as
chapters 10 and 11, are based on Buddhist writings preserved in the Pali
language. Although these writings are not part of the Tibetan tradition, they
are compatible with it, and I have drawn on them because of their
exceptional usefulness and clarity.
This book is not designed as an academic introduction to Tibetan
Buddhism, but rather as a straightforward guide to practice. I am hoping it
will be accessible and helpful to a broad reading public, especially to those
with no background in Buddhism at all.
I would like to thank my many friends in Seattle who transcribed these
lectures, especially Pauly Fitze. I would also like to express my gratitude to
Michael Bristol, Stuart and Sandy Baird, and Grace Watson, who have
contributed to my work so generously over the years.
I would also like to thank Steven Wilhelm, a professional journalist and
long-time friend, without whom this work might never have been brought
to completion. During 1989, I did the initial editing of the transcripts of the
first nine lectures, and Steven further polished this work. Transcripts of the
final seven lectures were initially edited by Steven Wilhelm, then I edited
further the entire manuscript. Finally, I am most grateful to Connie Miller
and Vincent and Maria Montenegro at Wisdom Publications for their
excellent work on the manuscript.
I hope the personal style of this book will provide enjoyable and
meaningful reading for those interested in understanding Tibetan Buddhism
in the context of the modern world.