Buddhism for Beginners: A Guide to Enlightened Living

by C. Alexander Simpkins, Annellen Simpkins

Overview

For those searching for mindful moments or for a more engaged way of navigating life in the twenty-first century, Buddhism for Beginners opens the door to understanding Buddhism's key concepts and practices. The authors tap into their years of training and study in meditation, martial arts and Eastern philosophy to bring readers a comprehensive introduction to the spiritual tenets and attainments that mark the pathway to enlightenment.

In this new hardcover edition, the authors explain in clear and simple terms:

• The history of Buddhism
• The key themes and belief systems (the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, Mahayana, nirvana and more)
• Ways of integrating Buddhist principles and philosophy into the everyday
• The organizing notions and overarching thesis of Buddhism: to live fully aware in the moment, to see things as they truly are, and to recognize yourself as part of the whole
• Buddhism's relevance today

Buddhism for Beginners then completes this introduction to meditation and mindful moments by offering simple exercises, practices and prompts reflective and supportive of the Buddhist teachings and tenets laid out in the volume, including filling- and clearing-the-mind meditations, performing acts of compassion and inner-peace and conflict-resolution exercises.

An essential purchase for people looking to integrate Buddhist principles into their lives or for those seeking a more meaningful, mindful or meditative path.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781462921751
Publisher:	Tuttle Publishing
Publication date:	01/19/2021
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	128
File size:	7 MB

About the Author

Drs. C. Alexander and Annellen Simpkins have been involved with Eastern philosophy for over thirty years. They were first introduced to these ideas through the practice of martial arts which they began in the 1960s, and their interest continued to deepen over time. As psychologists they have specialized in studies of the mind as well as hypnosis. They are authors of numerous books on Eastern philosophy including a series on meditation: Principles of Meditation, Living Meditation and Meditation from Thought to Action, a historical and practical book on Zen entitled Zen Around the World, and the Simple series on different Eastern philosophies: Simple Zen, Simple Taoism, Simple Confucianism, Simple Buddhism, and Simple Tibetan Buddhism. Dr. Simpkins lives in San Diego, California.

Table of Contents

Introduction 6

Part I Buddhism In Time

1 The Founder Plants the Seeds 10

2 Buddhism Takes Root 17

3 The Blossom of Mahayana 25

4 Branching Out 33

5 Flowers from Buddha's Garden 44

Part II Buddhist Themes

6 The Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path 56

7 Buddhist Psychology: Awakening from the Dream 62

8 Nirvana: A New Experience 66

9 The Bodhisattva Way: Life Is Good 70

Part III Living Buddhism

10 Meditation: Beginning with Your Own Mind 78

11 Paradise Now: Action Is Thought 87

12 Mindful Work 95

13 Enlightenment Through Art 101

14 Psychotherapy: The Path that Heals 110

Conclusion 119

Timeline 120

Buddhism, Mindfulness and Meditation Resources 123