Essence of Buddhism (Shambhala Dragon Editions)

Rating:
Summary: A comprehensive overview of Buddhist thought and philosophy
Review: In The Essence Of Buddhism, the Venerable Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche provides the reader with a comprehensive overview of Buddhist thought and philosophy through the perspectives offered by Tibetan Buddhism: The Hinayana, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. In addition to the Four Noble Truths, we are provided with definitions of fundamental concepts within a Buddhist philosophical framework including compassion, emptiness, and Buddha-nature. The Essence Of Buddhism is strongly recommended reading for those new to Buddhism and its rich, complex, and enduring spiritual heritage.

Rating:
Summary: Much-needed
Review: This is a lively read that thoroughly covers all the basics of Buddhism. Far from being a dry recitation that these introductory books sometimes are, it weaves Buddhist teachings into contemporary settings and illustrates how those teachings can easily be applied in our lives and today's world--and never at the expense of watering down the teachings into a new-age "Buddha-lite." Along those lines, perhaps the book's most valuable asset is that it takes the time to thoughtfully re-examine and re-explain teachings such as karma, rebirth, emptiness, and not-self, which are frequently being misinterpreted in the West as Buddhism becomes more and more visible. Recommended for beginners as well as practitioners who may like to read a new perspective that's both traditional and fresh.

Rating:
Summary: the essence of buddhism
Review: this is a very good book. i've read many introductions to buddhism in relation to my practice and my teaching of buddhist psychology. at one level, this book is excellent as a beginner's introduction to an overview of the buddhist path and meditation practice. at another level, it is an advanced comprehensive but terse guide to a multitude of perspectives on the path and practice.

Rating:
Summary: the essence of buddhism
Review: this is a very good book. i've read many introductions to buddhism in relation to my practice and my teaching of buddhist psychology. at one level, this book is excellent as a beginner's introduction to an overview of the buddhist path and meditation practice. at another level, it is an advanced comprehensive but terse guide to a multitude of perspectives on the path and practice.