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Essence of Buddhism
- An Introduction to Its Philosophy and Practice
- Narrated by: Paul Ansdell
- Length: 7 hrs and 28 mins
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Essence of Buddhism
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Summary
This lucid overview of the Buddhist path takes the perspective of the three "vehicles" of Tibetan Buddhism: the Hinayana, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. While these vehicles are usually presented as a historical development, they are here equated with the attitudes that individuals bring to their Buddhist practice. Basic to them all, however, is the need to understand our own immediate condition. The primary tool for achieving this is meditation, and The Essence of Buddhism serves as a handbook for the various meditative approaches of Buddhist practice.
Beginning with the Four Noble Truths, Traleg Rinpoche incorporates the expansive vision of the bodhisattva path and the transformative vision of Tantra. The final chapters present the transcendent view of Mahamudra. This view dispenses with all dualistic fixations and directly realizes the natural freedom of the mind itself. Along the way, the author provides vivid definitions of fundamental concepts such as compassion, emptiness, and Buddha-nature, and answers common questions: Why does Buddhism teach that there is "no self"? Are Buddhist teachings pessimistic? Does Buddhism encourage social passivity? What is the role of sex in Buddhist Tantra? Why is it said that "samsara is nirvana"? Does it take countless lifetimes to attain enlightenment, or can it be achieved in a moment?
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Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Richard Mitten
- 31-01-23
Clear and simple overview of different schools
Loved it. Gave a good overview of schools and techniques. Read well and easy to listen to.
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- 29-11-22
One of the best !!!
One of the best introductions to Buddhism I've read (so far). You will learn a lot friom this.
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- Nick Staikos
- 18-01-22
An excellent summary of Buddhism
Clear, concise and to the point. Nowhere else have I encountered such a complete coverage of the essence of Buddhism. I'll be hearing this one over and over.
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- girlie4zuz
- 26-03-17
Great author!
This is the second book that I've gotten by this author. Compared to other books, by other people, he has been the most comprehensive. Subjects that I have learned about from other authors have been explained again, leaving me with a deeper understanding of the topic that I did before. I hope to find more by him.
2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- John S
- 01-02-15
This is the best book on Buddhism I have read
What made the experience of listening to Essence of Buddhism the most enjoyable?
The reader is totally consumed by the precise details of the authors description for those discovering Buddhism it is very informative
What did you like best about this story?
Everything
Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
It was so informative and enjoyable to listen to
2 people found this helpful
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- Ricardo
- 16-07-16
Excellent.
Excellent introduction to Buddhism by a Tibetan guru. It covers and ties in the key aspects and teachings from the three main vehicles, Hinayana, Mahayana, and Vahjrayana traditions, and brings in elements from some unique and enlightening schools (i.e., Mahamudra).
Portions of the instruction may be difficult to understand for some beginners, but don't worry. Buddhism is so rich that this happens to all of us no matter at what level we consider ourselves to be at. Making notes of those sections that may be unknown helps to later do more research on.
The audio book is also great because it places the different teachings within their own context, and it stays on each subject just about the right amount of time so that it moves forward building on what was previously discussed.
1 person found this helpful
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- david
- 22-03-15
Good introduction to buddism
Interesting listening, good explanation of the subject, detailed but not too complicated, worth hearing again. Well written and narration was excellent.
1 person found this helpful
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- JK
- 20-02-23
MUST READ
This is a very interesting book. A lot of information to think about and absorb.
I bought the physical book to follow the narration.
For me some aspects were difficult to grasp and the book is a great help to easily go back over the information.
This definitely is a book to listen to and read again on my path to studying Buddhism.
The author and narrator are both excellent.
My thanks to all involved, JK.
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- Kazie
- 17-07-22
Very worthwhile
This amazing teacher is definitely worth listening to or reading. His book “mind at ease“ is one of the best books and Buddhism I have ever read. This book can sometimes be a little tedious or hidden, if you’ve been practicing for a while, you will find it worthwhile if you stick with it until the end! Blessings and good luck!
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- justsomeguy 0_o
- 09-03-20
Best intro to Buddhism
This author is truly amazing in his clarity and gives a very lucid perspective on a huge topic like Buddhism. Narrator is excellent
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- Justin Scott
- 03-04-15
A return to the classroom.
This book reminded me of boring college lecturers. It covered a ton of material, but it was difficult for me to get through. It did cover some areas I was interested in.