Dharma
Without study, one is like someone paralysed wishing to climb a mountain;
without practice, one is like a rich man starving to death.
Sakya Pandita (1182–1251)
The following works introduce Buddhism (A), delve deeper into its nature and practice (B&C), and share the life stories of great masters (D). There is already a vast literature on Buddhism directed at the modern audience, as well as translations of important works, and this is just a small selection of texts I have found helpful in understanding the Buddhist view and path. These works, however, are not practice instructions, as I think the actual practice of the path and its methods needs to be received personally from authentic lineage masters.
A. Introduction to Buddhism
Below are references to three works by three contemporary Buddhist masters - Chögyam Trungpa, Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse, and Traleg Kyabgon - all providing a clear introduction to Buddhadharma.
The Myth of Freedom by Chögyam Trungpa
The Myth of Freedom offers a thorough and experiential overview of the Buddhist path. It provides an immediate insight into the relevance and practicality of the path, due to the author's exceptional grasp of the language and attitudes of the modern world. Trungpa explores the true meaning of freedom, showing us how our preconceptions, attitudes, and even our spiritual practices can become chains that bind us, alternatively showing how the Buddha's path can guide us to authentic freedom and awakening.
Available from Shambhala Publishing.
What Makes You (Not) a Buddhist by Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse
With the so-called Four Seals, the Buddha points to our self-imposed limitations and proposes a solution—the path of awakening. Written with familiar references, Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse points to facts that we can immediately recognize, both in terms of the naive assumptions that bring frustration, as well as our natural discernment and potential that bring awakening. Available from Shambhala Publishing.
The Essence of Buddhism by Traleg Kyabgon
The author introduces and clarifies the themes and structures of the gradual path as found in Tibetan Buddhism, providing insight into both the theory and its practical application. This classical presentation of the Buddhist path enables us to easily access the teachings of the lineage. Available from Shambhala Publishing.
B. Profound works that clarify the view and practice of the Buddhist path
These three titles offer a more in-depth of the nature and character of the Buddha's path.
Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism by Chögyam Trungpa
Already classic of Buddhism in the modern world, this work is hugely relevant for anyone in our time who wishes to understand and practice the Buddhist path. It identifies the delusions we all are prone to, but makes thoe very delusions the point of departure for brilliantly clarifying the nature of the project and path of awakening. Available from Shambhala Publishing.
Training in Tenderness by Dzigar Kongtrul
This book explores how our kindness and warm, open-hearted empathy are essential for enlightenment and deep happiness. Dzigar Kongtrul teaches how to cultivate this compassionate energy, transforming our relationships with ourselves and others, and paving the way for a warm and creative engagement with our world. Available from Shambhala Publishing.
Mindfulness in Action by Chögyam Trungpa
Mindfulness meditation provides structure allowing for an experience of openness and awareness beyond habitual thinking, laying the ground for a wider perspective. Rooted in the meditation practices of the Kagyü and Nyingma traditions of Tibetan Buddhism, Trungpa Rinpoche’s instructions offers profound yet practical guidance suitable for meditators at every stage. Available from Shambhala Publishing.
C. Works that further clarify the view and practice
Tree of Enlightenment by Peter Della Santina
Written by an accomplished Western academic and practitioner, this extraordinary work outlines the historical and doctrinal context of Buddhism, offering a gentle overview of its views and practices, providing the modern person with a bridge into the medicinal oasis of the Buddhadharma. Available as PDF download from Sakya University.
The Way of the Bodhisattva by Shantideva
One of the great classics of Mahayana Buddhism, offering profound and practical guidance in leading an awake life, driven by bodhicitta, the magnanimous, highly intelligent, and courageous heart of selfless warmth. Spoken by a great sage with a sound grasp of how our confused mind operates, while all the same eyeing our immediate and natural potential for awakening. "If I have any understanding of compassion and the practice of the bodhisattva path, it is entirely on the basis of this text that I possess it."— H. H. the Dalai Lama. Available from Shambhala Publishing.
The Nectar Speech of Manjushri by Khenpo Kunzang Pelden
This eloquent and inspiring commentary Way of the Bodhisattva was composed by Khenpo Kunzang Pelden, a close disciple of the the saintly Paltrul Rinpoche, and is said to replicate Paltrul Rinpoche's way of teaching. This precious work offers the pith instructions that reflect the lived insight of great practitioners, and while it compassionately addresses those with ordinary experience, it does so with trust in our capacity to connect with our innate selfless sanity and beauty. Available from Shambhala Publishing. Click here for a few delightful, and insightful, videos with one of the English translators.
A Feast of the Nectar of the Supreme Vehicle by Maitreya and Jamgon Mipham
The Ornament of the Mahāyāna Sūtras (Mahāyānasūtrālamkāra) with Jamgon Mipham Rinpoche commentary. This beautiful 4th-century Indian Buddhist classic attributed to Maitreya and Asanga, explores Mahāyāna philosophy, bodhicitta, and the bodhisattva path, opening up to the vast vision of the Mahayana path. Jamgön Mipham’s commentary and the Padmakara Translation Group’s English rendition make this essential text accessible for modern students, preserving its profound teachings for future generations.
Available from Shambhala Publishing.
D. The Lives of Great Buddhist Masters
Brilliant Moon - an autobiography including stories by his students translated by Ani Jinba Palmo
One of the greatest sages of Buddhism in recent time, the amazing life of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche (1910-1991) offers us insight into the life led of a genuine bodhisattva. A rich and deeply inspiring encounter with an individual of exceptional humanity and brilliance, also reflecting the marvelous culture of Tibetan Buddhism as it was practised. This is particularly poignant in the Khyentse Rinpoche was the teacher of many great masters that are still with us today.
Masters of Meditation and Miracles by Tulku Thondup
A profoundly rich and inspiring read chronicling the masters of the Nyingtik "Heart Drop" teachings of the Great Perfection, from the primordial source beyond time and space to the present-day teachers. These narratives detail the events of some extraordinary lives, uniquely dedicated to the welfare of the world, and displaying the spirit of determination, discipline, noble motivation, and the ensuing capacity to light up the world with a clear vision and path of perfect awakening.
Available from Shambhala Publishing.
The Hundred Thousand Songs of Milarepa by Tsangnyon Heruka
The life of Milarepa (1028-1111) was a dramatic journey, entailing loss, terrible crimes, and finally the most luminous attainment of freedom and flourishing. Resulting from years of determined and focused practice, Milarepa's awakening enabled him to offer brilliant instructions delivered in song. This heritage of profound meaning and inspiration has deeply touched the hearts of generations of Buddhists, well beyond the frontiers of Tibet, and has now been re-translated by Christopher Stagg under the direction of Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche. Available from Shambhala Publishing.
