The Tibetan Buddhism Reader

Having purchased this book by accident.... while looking for some more "serious" Buddhist stuff my friend showed me this little book, it cost 10 $ Canadian dollars, so i decided why not... it's been over 2 years and i have read this book 4 times already.... and to be honest every time i read it it gives me new insights , inspiration and JOY ! really it is impossible to explain the feelings of a spiritual seeker when he encounters great teachings.... Great Buy ! one of the best books i ever read so far.

"The Pocket Tibetan Buddhist Reader," edited by Reginald A. Ray, is an anthology of short passages from "Tibetan lamas, both present and past." The passages are drawn from both other published books and unpublished transcripts. As the title indicates, this is a small, pocket-size volume; the text fills 226 plus xiv pages. The back cover information notes that the editor is Professor of Buddhist Studies at Naropa University and at the University of Colorado. The passages in the book are organized into seven chapters: "Foundations," which covers such topics as suffering, karma, and samsara; "The Path"; "Meditation," which covers both the process and obstacles to effective practice; "Compassion"; "Emptiness"; "Mind of the Buddha"; and "Realization." In addition to the primary text, the book has some great supplemental features. Especially admirable is the detailed listing of sources of the passages. The extensive bibliographic information offers interested readers lots of leads to other books both from Shambhala and other publishers. There are also biographical notes on the more than 20 contributors. Also worthy of note is the glossary, which covers such terms as "bardo," "bodhisattva," and "wish-fulfilling jewel." The anthology is full of fascinating entries. I encountered many wonderful insights and thought-provoking declarations. I found some of the more striking passages to include the following: the Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche's use of computer metaphor to explain Buddhism, the 14th Dalai Lama's graphic warning against the practice of slander, Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche's thoughts on reaching "the citadel of the absolute," and Sogyal Rinpoche's inspiring explanation of the buddha-nature. Also worthy of note is Tarthang Tulku Rinpoche's beautiful use of weather imagery to explain the best path of meditative practice. My only disappointment with this anthology was that, while it contains a wealth of information on meditation and interesting Buddhist concepts, I felt that it doesn't offer enough insight into how Tibetan Buddhism functions in the world in a broader practical sense. How, I wonder, does all this relate to war, homelessness, sexual morality, family life, addiction, human rights, and other issues? I think I got a better sense of what it means to be a Tibetan Buddhist in the greater world from "The Pocket Dalai Lama," compiled and edited by Mary Craig and also published by Shambhala; I recommend that book as an excellent companion text. This reservation aside, "The Pocket Tibetan Buddhism Reader" is a small but wonderful collection of spiritual treasures.

Topics from Foundations,The Path,Meditation,Compassion, Emptyness,Mind of the Buddhas,and Realization. Great reminders throughout the day. Also has a glossary,226 pages. Excellent for reminders, in case you find yourself needing a pick me up, i start reading them and I find myself reading more than one. Excellent quotes,inspirations from Dalai Lama, Sogyal Rimpoche, Patrul Rimpoche,and others.