Introduction to Buddhism: An Explanation of the Buddhist Way of Life

by Kelsang Gyatso

Book Overview

Beginning with Buddha's life story, this concise guide explains the essential elements of the Buddhist way of life, such as understanding the mind, rebirth, karma and ultimate truth, and what it means to be a Buddhist. Meditation is explained clearly and simply as a tool for developing qualities such as inner peace, love and patience. The emphasis throughout is on the practical application of Buddhist ideas and practice to find solutions to everyday...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0978906772
• ISBN13: 9780978906771
• Release Date: January 2008
• Publisher: Tharpa Publications
• Length: 213 Pages
• Weight: 0.61 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.1" x 7.8"

Customer Reviews

This book is truly a work of art.

This book is one of the books I will read everyday until I understand it front to back, it is inspiring and helps keep you motivated to become the definition of positivity .

THIS IS THE VERY BEST INTRODUCTION TO BUDDHISM!!!

Here you can begin. Everything that you need to begin is here.The author's ability to help one understand the dharma is a little astonishing. And really very wonderful. He showsBuddhism in a very objective light while making it personal at the same time. Other authors can't seem to do this. They can either do one or the other. The chapter on karma alone willobliterate you. I had never seen this before! And I want you to see it to. Everything that you are experiencing at this moment is the effect of some action or thought which was the cause. What you see in your room. What you feel in your body.What you look like. Your entire range of just being alive is a manifestation of your past actions. It's like science fiction.He explains this so simply and directly. Everything you see, touch, smell, hear, feel is an outcome of what you have done in the past. The chapters in this book are like little gemstonesthat sparkle. Do I like this book? Yes. Do I think that you should buy this book? Definitely.

Buddhism in 100 pages!

I think this book is great at giving the essence of all the main Buddhist topics - from meditation to karma to enlightenment- without getting bogged down in detail (though I would personally have liked more detail on Buddha's life story). I can't think of another book that explains Buddhism so well in just over 100 pages!

Accessible and reasonable

Geshe Kelsang Gyatso's "Introduction to Buddhism" is a clearly written, accessible and reasonable presentation of the fundamentals of Buddism. The author writes plainly; seeming neither condescending nor simplistic. I am a fan of Thich Naht Han's philosophy as a gentle introduction to Buddhism but for a continuing path of study, I prefer Geshe Kelsang for depth and practical application without the flowery imagery of Naht Han. If you are looking for a good introduction to meditation and a clear presentation of the fundamental tennets of Buddhism, this is a great place to start.

Intro to buddhism

This is every Buddhist and aspiring Buddhist's neccesity. It provides individual chapters dedicated to explaining all parts of the Buddhist religion in terms that anyone can understand. Such as: Karma, Dharma, Compassion, the Dalai Lama,the 4 Noble truths...et cetera. I look at this book as my guide to Buddhism, my spirituality. I find myself reading parts of it over again as I discover new things about the religion, it acts somewhat as a "Buddhist Bible". I definately recommend it to anyone interested or practicing Buddhism...a must.