Learn More about the Book
Explore the common ground underlying the diverse expressions of the Buddha's teachings with two of Tibetan Buddhism's bestselling authors.
Buddhism is practiced by hundreds of millions of people worldwide, from Tibetan caves to Tokyo temples to redwood retreats. To an outside viewer, it might be hard to see what they all have in common. In "Buddhism," His Holiness the Dalai Lama and American Buddhist nun Thubten Chodron map out with clarity the convergences and the divergences between the two major strains of Buddhism--the Sanskrit traditions of Tibet and East Asia and the Pali traditions of Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia. Especially deep consideration is given to the foundational Indian traditions and their respective treatment of such central tenets as
the four noble truths
the practice of meditation
the meaning of nirvana
enlightenment.
The authors seek harmony and greater understanding among Buddhist traditions worldwide, illuminating the rich benefits of respectful dialogue and the many ways that Buddhists of all stripes share a common heritage and common goals.
About the Author
Tenzin Gyatso, the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, is the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people. Born in northeastern Tibet in 1935, he was as a toddler recognized as the incarnation of the Thirteenth Dalai Lama and brought to Tibet's capital, Lhasa. In 1950, Mao Zedong's Communist forces made their first incursions into eastern Tibet, shortly after which the young Dalai Lama assumed the political leadership of his country. In 1959, Chinese forces occupied the city, forcing His Holiness to escape to India. There he set up the Tibetan government-in-exile in Dharamsala, working to secure the welfare of the more than 100,000 Tibetan exiles and prevent the destruction of Tibetan culture. In his capacity as a spiritual and political leader, he has traveled to more than sixty-two countries on six continents and met with presidents, popes, and leading scientists to foster dialogue and create a better world. In recognition of his tireless work for the nonviolent liberation of Tibet, the Dalai Lama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989. In 2012, he relinquished political authority in his exile government and turned it over to democratically elected representatives. He is the author of numerous books, including "The Good Heart", "The Meaning of Life", "The World of Tibetan Buddhism", and "The Compassionate Life".
Review Quotes
1. "Now that people around the world have unprecedented access to all traditions of Buddhism, a growing number of Buddhists find themselves drawn to theories and practices from different traditions. This makes this book especially valuable. I highly recommend this volume for everyone seeking a more global understanding of the many traditions of Buddhism, all inspired by the one Teacher, Buddha Shakyamuni."--B. Alan Wallace, President, Santa Barbara Institute for Consciousness Studies
2. "This is an invaluable survey of Buddhist civilizations--with their comprehensive histories, philosophical tenets, ethical disciplines, meditation trainings, and goals to be attained--all elucidated in one volume. This is a precious gift to all who love the Dharma."--Tulku Thondup, coauthor of The Healing Power of Mind
3. "This book will reward those who study it carefully with a deep and wide understanding of the way these traditions have mapped their respective visions of the path to enlightenment."
--Bhikkhu Bodhi, translator of In the Buddha s Words"
4. "I highly recommend this volume for everyone seeking a more global understanding of the many traditions of Buddhism, all inspired by the one Teacher, Buddha Shakyamuni."--B. Alan Wallace, author of The Attention Revolution
5. "His Holiness and Thubten Chodron, with exception care and attention, have created a book that is at once compelling and wise."--Jon Kabat-Zinn, author of Full Catastrophe Living
6. ""The spirit of respect and harmony expressed in this excellent book is inspiring."
--Sharon Salzberg, author of Real Happiness
7. "A precious gift to all who love the Dharma."--Tulku Thondup, coauthor of Boundless Healing
8. "Providing us an opportunity for deep contemplation, Buddhism" opens us to the wholeness envisioned by the Buddha for all."--Larry Rosenberg, author of Breath by Breath
Awards & Accolades
1. Silver Medal Winner, IndieFab awards : 2014
