A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO TIBETAN BUDDHISM by Bruce Newman
As Tibetan Buddhism extends its reach in the West, many practitioners are making strong commitments to this path. The Vajrayana tradition still being new to our culture, however, there remain significant gaps in Western students' education and understanding. These can lead to practical difficulties for new or intermediate students.
This book begins with the very awakening of students' interest in spirituality and their initial encounter with Tibetan Buddhism, and leads them through the steps necessary for succussful practice in the West.
BUDDHISM, A VERY SHORT INTRODUCTION by Damien Keown
This accessible volume covers both the teachings of the Buddha and the integration of Buddhism into daily life. What are the distinctive features of Buddhism? What or who is the Buddha, and what are his teachings? How has Buddhist thought developed over the centuries, and how can contemporary dilemmas be faced from a Buddhist perspective? Words such as "karma" and "nirvana" have entered our vocabulary, but what do they really mean? Keown has taught Buddhism at an introductory level for many years, and in this book he provides a lively, challenging response to these frequently asked questions.
This is an introductory history of Buddhism, designed for the general reader with little or no prior knowledge of Buddhism or Asian history. It covers the history of Buddhism throughout the world from the time of the Buddha to the present day.
Included are chapters or sections on the development of Buddhism in India, Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, China, Korea, Vietnam, Japan, Tibet, Mongolia, the several Buddhist regions of the Himalayas, and in Europe and North America.
DIFFERENT PATHS OF BUDDHISM: A Narrative Historical Introduction by Carl Olson
For centuries, Buddhist teachers and laypeople have used stories, symbols, cultural metaphors, and anecdotes to teach and express their religious views. In this introductory textbook, Carl Olson draws on these narrative traditions to detail the development of Buddhism from the life of the historical Buddha to the present.
The book offers a comprehensive introduction to the main branches of the Buddhist tradition in both the Mahayana and Theravada schools, including the Madhyamika school, the Yogacara school, Pure Land devotionalism, Tibetan Tantric Buddhism, Zen Buddhism, and village folk Buddhist traditions. Chapters explore the life and teachings of the Buddha in historical context, the early development and institutionalization of Buddhism, its geographic spread across Asia and eventually to the United States, philosophy and ethics, the relationship between monks and laity, political and ethical implications, the role of women in the Buddhist tradition, and contemporary reinterpretations of Buddhism.
DEVELOPMENT OF BUDDHISM IN INDIA by Thrangu Rinpoche
This book begins with the life of the Buddha and describes his fundamental teachings. The Buddhist teachings were not written down at the time and could have been easily lost except for the fact that Buddhist held three great councils. The History then goes on to describe these councils and to tell how they are important. Rinpoche then goes on to describe how the great Mahayana and Vajrayana movements came about and how these were related to the great monastic universities of India. Finally, Thrangu Rinpoche presents a discussion of the ten sciences - Buddhist teachings which are not part of the Dharma, but which support the dharma. It is hoped that when the reader finishes this book he or she will have a much better idea where the various schools and important personalities of Buddhism fit in with the Buddhist teachings.
BUDDHISM: The Religion of No Religion by Allan Watts
Alan Watts takes us from the origins of Buddhism to its practice, pointing the way beyond the duality of our separate egos to the meaning and method of enlighten ment. He traces the Indian beginnings of Buddhism, explains the basic terms and teachings, and looks at the radical techniques of Mahayana Buddhists, including Zen and the Tibetan traditions. Alan Watts was born in England in 1915.
BUDDHIST HANDBOOK: The Complete Guide to Buddhist Schools, Teachings, Practice, and History. by John Snelling
This is the first definitive guide to the complete panorama of Buddhist teaching, practice, schools, and history. One of the fastest growing religions in the world, Buddhism includes within its scope numerous traditions. The Buddhist Handbook provides a comprehensive and nonsectarian survey of these traditions and their contemporary exponents throughout the world, providing necessary information for those who wish to explore the various options thoroughly and find one that is suited to their needs. For those already practicing in a particular school of Buddhism, it offers illuminating insight into the teachings of other schools for more holistic view.
ESSENCE OF BUDDHISM: An Introduction to Its Philosophy and Practice by Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche
This is an overview of the Buddhist path from the perspective of the three vehicles of Tibetan Buddhism--Hinayana, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. These three correspond with the basic attitudes of practitioners as embodied in the teachings of the Four Noble Truths, the Bodhisattva path and Tantra teachings. Basic to them all is the need to understand our immediate condition. The primary tool for achieving this is meditation, and Traleg Kyabgon created this handbook for the various meditative approaches as well as presenting an excellent basis in Buddhist philosophy.
A vibrant, accessible introduction to the heart of Tibetan Buddhism through its own rich literature from "the most visible and charismatic exponent of Tibetan Buddhism" (Rodger Kamenetz, New York Times Magazine).
Expertly and lucidly surveying the basic varieties and teachings of Tibetan Buddhism, renowned scholar Robert Thurman makes this authentic spiritual tradition available to contemporary Western audiences as never before. The very first collection of key Tibetan teachings on Buddhism and attaining enlightenment, Essential Tibetan Buddhism includes all the vital texts, freshly translated.
WISDOM ENERGY: Basic Buddhist Teachings by Lama Yeshe & Lama Zopa Rinpoche, ed. by Jonathan Landaw with Alexander Berzin
Wisdom Energy" is a simple and compelling introduction to Buddhism by two Tibetan lamas renowned for their insight and skill in teaching Westerners. Containing an entire meditation course, it goes to the heart of basic Buddhist practice and discusses the meaning and purpose of meditation, the causes of dissatisfaction and unhappiness, and the methods for subduing them and gaining control over our minds and lives.
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