Table of Contents
Prologue by His Holiness the Dalai Lama xi
Preface Bhiksuni Thubten Chodron xv
Abbreviations xxvii
1 Exploring Buddhism 3
The Purpose of Existence and the Weaning of Life 4
A Middle Way between Theistic Religions and Scientific Reductionism 6
Buddhadharma and Other Religions 8
Religion in the Modern World 11
A Broad Perspective 13
2 The Buddhist View of Life 17
What Is Mind ? 17
Body, Mind, Rebirth, and Self 22
The Four Truths or the Aryas 27
Dependent Arising and Emptiness 31
Dependent Arising and the Three Jewels 33
The Possibility of Ending Duhkha 36
3 Mind and Emotions 39
Buddhism, Science, and Emotions 39
Happiness and Unhappiness, Virtue and Nonvirtue 42
Emotions and Klesas 44
Constructive and Destructive Emotions 45
Emotions and Survival 52
Working with Afflictions 55
Cultivating Love and Compassion 61
A Good State of Mind 63
Working with Fear, Developing Courage 63
Hope, Desire, and Acceptance 65
Comparing Ourselves with Others and Self-Worth 66
Counteracting Depression 67
Disagreement and Conflict 68
Survival of the Most Cooperative 72
4 The Spread of the Buddhadharma and Buddhist Canons 75
Vehicles and Paths 76
The Buddha's Life 78
Early Buddhist Schools 79
Early Buddhism in Sri Lanka 82
Growth of the Mahayana 86
The Development of Tantra 89
Buddhist Canons 90
Philosophical Systems 97
5 The Buddha's Teachings form a Cohesive Whole 99
Three Turnings of the Dharma Wheel 99
Authenticity of the Mahayana Scriptures 104
Nagarjuna on the Authenticity of the Mahayana Sutras 109
Is the Buddha's Word Always Spoken by the Buddha? 112
Four Authenticities 114
Four Buddha Bodies 116
Buddhism in Tibet 119
6 Investigating the Teachings 125
The Kalamas' Experience 126
Reliable Teachings 127
Treasure Teachings and Pure Vision Teachings 131
Exaggerated Statements? 134
Correctly Understanding the Point 137
Can the Dharma Change? 141
Being Practical 143
7 The Importance of Kindness and Compassion 147
A Peaceful Mind 147
The Importance of Motivation 149
Cultivating a Compassionate Intention 152
Mind Training 155
Eight Verses 159
8 A Systematic Approach 171
Paths for Spiritual Development 172
The Four Truths and Three Levels of Practitioners 178
More Than One Approach 178
Teachings for a Contemporary Audience 181
Value of the Stages of the Path 183
Two Aims and Four Reliances 185
9 Tools for the Path 191
General Advice 191
Wisdom and Faith 194
Proper Practice 198
Purification and Collection of Merit 199
Prayers and Rituals 201
Study, Reflection, and Meditation 204
Memorization and Debate 208
Role Models 213
10 Making Progress 217
Realistic Expectations 217
Advanced Practices at the Right Time 222
Checking Our Meditation Experiences 224
Signs of Progress 227
11 Personal Reflections on the Path 231
My Day 231
Gradual Progress 233
Cultivating Bodhicitta 236
Willingness to Undergo Hardship 240
Keeping a Happy Mind 241
Realized Beings 242
What I Have Learned in Life 244
12 Working in the World 247
Good Health and Dealing with Illness and Injury 248
Maintaining a Positive Attitude 250
Using Diverse Methods to Benefit Others 252
Engaged Buddhism and Political Involvement 254
Consumerism and the Environment 258
The World of Business and Finance 260
Media and the Arts 263
Science 265
Gender Equality 267
Interfaith 271
Incorporating Practices from Other Religions 274
A Nonsectarian Approach 275
Notes 279
Glossary 285
Further Reading 295
Index 297
About the Authors 325