A Beginner's Guide to Tibetan Buddhism: Practice, Community, and Progress on the Path

by Bruce Newman

Overview

Uncover the nature of the mind with this ground-level, practice-oriented presentation of Tibetan Buddhism. A personal and accessible guide to establishing progress on the path.

The book begins with the awakening of students' interest in spirituality and the initial encounter with Tibetan Buddhism, then leads us through all the steps necessary for successful practice in the West. Included is succinct counsel on finding an appropriate teacher, receiving empowerments, becoming active in a center, and launching and sustaining a Vajrayana practice. Special emphasis is placed on the potential pitfalls, and the marvelous benefits, of the guru-disciple relationship. 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780834844131
Publisher:	Shambhala
Publication date:	04/19/2022
Sold by:	Penguin Random House Publisher Services
Format:	eBook
Pages:	304
File size:	977 KB

About the Author

BRUCE NEWMAN has studied and practiced Tibetan Buddhism, mostly in the Kagyu and Nyingma traditions, for almost forty-five years. He spent eleven years in India and Nepal studying under his primary teacher, Venerable Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche. Mr. Newman also completed a four-year retreat at Kagyu Samye Ling in Scotland. For the past ten years, he has been practicing and teaching under the guidance of Venerable Gyatrul Rinpoche in Ashland, Oregon. 

Table of Contents

Foreword to the First Edition Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche ix

Preface to the 2022 Edition xi

Acknowledgments xiii

Introduction 1

1 Buddha-Nature: The Ground 13

2 The Teacher 25

3 Finding a Teacher 35

4 Events and Empowerment 49

5 Centers 63

6 Getting Ready 75

7 Path Buddha-Nature: Instruction and Practice 93

8 Getting Started 109

9 Getting It Wrong 121

10 The Four Noble Truths 143

11 The Four Thoughts 153

12 Ngondro: Refuge and Bodhichitta 169

13 Ngondro: Vajrasattva Practice and Mandala Offerings 183

14 Ngondro: Guru Yoga and Devotion 191

15 Kyerim 203

16 Rituals 217

17 Dzogrim and the Body 233

18 The Path of Liberation 249

19 Fruition 257

Conclusion 269

Appendix: Systems and Stages of Practices 275

Notes 283

About the Author 287