Description
Book SynopsisA clear and comprehensive explanation of the entire path to enlightenment. We all have the potential for self-transformation, and a limitless capacity for the growth of good qualities, but to fulfil this potential we need to know what to do along every stage of our spiritual journey. With this book, Geshe Kelsang offers us step-by-step guidance on the meditation practices that will lead us to lasting inner peace and happiness. With extraordinary clarity, he presents all Buddha's teachings in the order in which they are to be practised, enriching his explanation with stories and illuminating analogies. This is a perfect guidebook to the Buddhist path.
Trade Review'Geshe Kelsang Gyatso both delights in and has a profound insight into the entire range of the teachings of Buddha. Difficult technical points are rendered into pleasantly readable prose, and the text as a whole is both absorbing and illuminating.' - Tibetan Review; 'This book is invaluable.' - World Religions
Table of ContentsIllustrations; Acknowledgements; Preface; PART ONE - FOUNDATIONS AND THE INITIAL SCOPE: The Stages of the Path; The Qualities of the Author; The Qualities of the Teaching; Listening to and Teaching Dharma; Preparing for Meditation; What is Meditation?; Relying upon a Spiritual Guide; Our Precious Human Life; Meditation on Death; The Sufferings of the Lower Realms; Going for Refuge; Karma; PART TWO - THE INTERMEDIATE SCOPE: Developing the Wish to Attain Liberation; The Four Noble Truths; Meditation on True Sufferings; Delusions and Actions, Death and Rebirth; The Twelve Dependent-related Links; The Wheel of Life; The Path to Liberation; PART THREE - THE GREAT SCOPE: Entering the Mahayana; Developing Bodhichitta; Engaging in a Bodhisattva's Actions; Training the Mind in Tranquil Abiding; Training the Mind in Superior Seeing; Progressing through the Spiritual Grounds and Paths; The Vajrayana Paths; Full Enlightenment; Dedication; Appendix I - The Condensed Meaning of the Text; Appendix II - Sadhanas: 'Liberating Prayer', 'Essence of Good Fortune', 'Prayers for Meditation; Glossary; Bibliography; Study Programmes of Kadampa Tradition; Tharpa Offices Worldwide; Index
