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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
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