Stages Of Meditation Dalai Lama Geshe Lobsang Jordhen Losang Choephel Ganchenpa Jeremy Russell by Dalai Lama & Geshe Lobsang Jordhen & Losang Choephel Ganchenpa & Jeremy Russell 9781559391979, B0028085R0 instant download after payment.

The Dalai Lama explains the principles of meditation in a practice-oriented format especially suited to Westerners. Based upon the middle section of the Bhavanakrama by Kamalashila, a translation of which is included, this is the most extensive commentary given by the Dalai Lama on this concise but important meditation handbook. It is a favorite text of the Dalai Lama, and he often takes the opportunity to give teachings on it to audiences throughout the world. In his words, "This text can be like a key that opens the door to all other major Buddhist scriptures." Topics include the nature of mind, how to develop compassion and loving-kindness, calm abiding wisdom, and how to establish a union of calm abiding and special insight.

Stages of Meditation is a commentary by the Dalai Lama on a rare text by ninth-century Indian Buddhist scholar Kamalashila, written in Tibet to correct some Chinese misinterpretations of Buddhism that were influential at the time. Kamalashila's short work is not widely known today, but according to the Dalai Lama, it is a most important text, and worthy of study by those new to Buddhism, because "on the basis of this knowledge you will be able to understand other treatises without great difficulty. This text can be like a key that opens the door to all other major Buddhist scriptures."

Throughout the book, the Dalai Lama emphasizes the importance of logical analysis of scriptures, even if they are in the Buddha's own words; some teachings, he stresses, "should not be taken literally, but need interpretation." And this is what he does in this clear and readable commentary, originally given in 1989 and now translated and published for the first time. Its 10 short chapters are on such familiar Buddhist themes as Training the Mind, Compassion, Identifying the Nature of Suffering, and The Practice of Calm Abiding.

"Through meditation," says the Dalai Lama, "we can train our minds in such a way that negative qualities are abandoned and positive qualities are generated and enhanced." Those who practice meditation, whether Buddhist or not, will find this a thoughtful and practical guide, written with the Dalai Lama's characteristic warmth and gentleness. --David V Barrett, Amazon.co.uk

"A feast of a book and as comprehensive and readable an introduction to the nature and scope of Buddhism's living wisdom as can be found."—Bloomsbury Review

"With characteristic warmth and lucidity, the Dalai Lama's reflections bring alive this classic synopsis of Mahayana Buddhism in a way that will inspire and inform anyone who seeks to practice the Dharma today."—Stephen Batchelor, author of Verses from the Center

"Stages of Meditation is a wise, wonderful, and profound book."—Ken Wilber, author of Integral Psychology: Consciousness Spirit Psychology Therapy

"For the budding practitioner there are few teachings more essential or indispensable than Kamalashila's Stages of Meditation."—ForeWord * *

"A rigorous treatment of a single pithy source text, this faithful rendering from Tibetan was more than ten years in the making."—Shambhala Sun

"A must read for followers of the Dalai Lama and an unquestionably worthy addition to Buddhist studies reading lists and reference collections."—Midwest Book Review

"As always the Dalai Lama's warmth and his ability to adjust the level of his commentary to his audience are in evidence."—Journal of Asian Studies

"As usual he challenges the listener or reader with his deceptive simplicity and unassuming brilliance."—Frederick M. Smith, University of Iowa for Religious Studies Review