Approaching the Buddhist Path by Lama, Dalai -- Read -- Imperial Library of Trantor

Index

Cover Page Title Page Contents Prologue by His Holiness the Dalai Lama Preface by Bhikṣuṇī Thubten Chodron Abbreviations 1. Exploring Buddhism

The Purpose of Existence and the Meaning of Life A Middle Way between Theistic Religions and Scientific Reductionism Buddhadharma and Other Religions Religion in the Modern World A Broad Perspective

2. The Buddhist view of Life

What Is Mind? Body, Mind, Rebirth, and Self The Four Truths of the Āryas Dependent Arising and Emptiness Dependent Arising and the Three Jewels The Possibility of Ending Duḥkha

3. Mind and Emotions

Buddhism, Science, and Emotions Happiness and Unhappiness, Virtue and Nonvirtue Emotions and Kleśas Constructive and Destructive Emotions Emotions and Survival Working with Afflictions Cultivating Love and Compassion A Good State of Mind Working with Fear, Developing Courage Hope, Desire, and Acceptance Comparing Ourselves with Others and Self-Worth Counteracting Depression Disagreement and Conflict Survival of the Most Cooperative

4. The Spread of the Buddhadharma and Buddhist Canons

Vehicles and Paths The Buddha’s Life Early Buddhist Schools Early Buddhism in Sri Lanka Growth of the Mahāyāna The Development of Tantra Buddhist Canons Philosophical Systems

5. The Buddha’s Teachings form a Cohesive Whole

Three Turnings of the Dharma Wheel Authenticity of the Mahāyāna Scriptures Nāgārjuna on the Authenticity of the Mahāyāna Sūtras Is the Buddha’s Word Always Spoken by the Buddha? Four Authenticities Four Buddha Bodies Buddhism in Tibet

6. Investigating the Teachings

The Kālāmas’ Experience Reliable Teachings Treasure Teachings and Pure Vision Teachings Exaggerated Statements? Correctly Understanding the Point Can the Dharma Change? Being Practical

7. The Importance of Kindness and Compassion

A Peaceful Mind The Importance of Motivation Cultivating a Compassionate Intention Mind Training Eight Verses

8. A Systematic Approach

Paths for Spiritual Development The Four Truths and Three Levels of Practitioners More Than One Approach Teachings for a Contemporary Audience Value of the Stages of the Path Two Aims and Four Reliances

9. Tools for the Path

General Advice Wisdom and Faith Proper Practice Purification and Collection of Merit Prayers and Rituals Study, Reflection, and Meditation Memorization and Debate Role Models

10. Making Progress

Realistic Expectations Advanced Practices at the Right Time Checking Our Meditation Experiences Signs of Progress

11. Personal Reflectionson the Path

My Day Gradual Progress Cultivating Bodhicitta Willingness to Undergo Hardship Keeping a Happy Mind Realized Beings What I Have Learned in Life

12. Working in the World

Good Health and Dealing with Illness and Injury Maintaining a Positive Attitude Using Diverse Methods to Benefit Others Engaged Buddhism and Political Involvement Consumerism and the Environment The World of Business and Finance Media and the Arts Science Gender Equality Interfaith Incorporating Practices from Other Religions A Nonsectarian Approach

Notes Glossary Further Reading Index About the Authors Copyright