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'A brilliantly clear and concise introduction to this vast subject, helpful to readers of all levels including those who have no previous knowledge. Very highly recommended.' - Yoga & Health Magazine 'This book succeeds admirably in presenting its subject with clarity and insight.....a highly commendable and deeply felt work that I can recommend without hesitation.' - Chalice 'A perfect little journal of Buddhist education with material to challenge any student of Buddhist thought.' - Shambala Sun
Chalice
"This book succeeds admirably... a highly commendable and deeply felt work that I can recommend without hesitation."
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
142 of 158 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Anyone wishes to know what the practice in Buddhism is really about, should read this book. Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, is a fully ordained Buddhist monk and teacher from Tibet. I believe he has written about 19 books from the introduction, to actual practices from the Sutra to the Tantra. This is not some MGM or Tourist version, but the real thing. The text is clear with great examples and the constant message is to practice gaining a happy and content mind for oneself as others. It also provides the same teaching as the Buddhist monks in Tibet receive over many years and Geshe Kelsang has managed to present an introduction to these teachings in a language that we can understand, without having a degree in philosophy.
If you really want a realistic introduction to Buddhism than this book is a must read.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
When I bought this book, I knew very little about Buddhism. So, I thought 'where do I begin?' because the subject is so vast. Luckily this little book crossed my path. While I did not understand some of it the first go-through, it pointed me in the right direction - towards a mind wishing to develop loving kindness, compassion, and wisdom. Introduction to Buddhism covers so much and is so profound, it is well worth reading. Every time I read this book, I find something new. Now I have such a deep appreciation for the author Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. His authentic presentation is clear and precise with each word conveying deep meaning. Most certainly this can only come from his own personal knowledge and deep understanding of Buddha's instructions.
44 of 54 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
OK: first things first. This book will challange some of your beliefs, so if you don't want that, then don't buy it. Otherwise, buy it, suspend judgement for a few hours, and enjoy! Remember that when the author uses words like 'should' he is only expressing his personal opinion, it's up to us to decide whether we agree with it or not.
Since this sort of book is explaining the views of another religion, one that is very different to what we might be used to, it's always going to be tempting to label it 'cultish' or 'extreme', unless it's read with a very open mind. Having read the book, I can't find anything cultish about it - no one, having read and understood this book, is going to try and abandon their family or have their brain washed or anything like that. Quite the opposite, in fact: by explaining things clearly, the author makes it quite easy for the reader to make up his or her own mind about what's put forward. Sure, it might take a few readings to fully make sense of, and some of the ideas might seem a little strange at first, but I think that's to be expected from a religion that's comparatively new to the West.
I know from having read some of the author's other books that he makes a point of explaining that this strand of Buddhism should be practised in conjunction with your everyday life, not apart from it. This to me seems particularly heart-warming, since you're not being asked to give up your family or friends to get the benefits out of the practice of meditation. I've found some of the things in this book difficult to understand at first, but at least I can come away knowing that I don't have to climb a mountain or become a monk to put the ideas that I did like, into practice.
The clarity of presentation is impressive: maybe some difficult ideas or unfamiliar terminology, but on balance this is a particularly accessible introduction to Buddhism. I think there's even a glossary that explains some of the unfamiliar words. The book repays repeated reading with an open mind: be prepared to have some of your beliefs and assumptions challanged but don't feel as though you *have* to believe anything. Make your own mind up. I think this book was written as a simple explanation rather than a rulebook of what Buddhists should and shouldn't believe.
All in all, this seems like a practical and illuminating book that makes for a rewarding read. Recommended.
Since this sort of book is explaining the views of another religion, one that is very different to what we might be used to, it's always going to be tempting to label it 'cultish' or 'extreme', unless it's read with a very open mind. Having read the book, I can't find anything cultish about it - no one, having read and understood this book, is going to try and abandon their family or have their brain washed or anything like that. Quite the opposite, in fact: by explaining things clearly, the author makes it quite easy for the reader to make up his or her own mind about what's put forward. Sure, it might take a few readings to fully make sense of, and some of the ideas might seem a little strange at first, but I think that's to be expected from a religion that's comparatively new to the West.
I know from having read some of the author's other books that he makes a point of explaining that this strand of Buddhism should be practised in conjunction with your everyday life, not apart from it. This to me seems particularly heart-warming, since you're not being asked to give up your family or friends to get the benefits out of the practice of meditation. I've found some of the things in this book difficult to understand at first, but at least I can come away knowing that I don't have to climb a mountain or become a monk to put the ideas that I did like, into practice.
The clarity of presentation is impressive: maybe some difficult ideas or unfamiliar terminology, but on balance this is a particularly accessible introduction to Buddhism. I think there's even a glossary that explains some of the unfamiliar words. The book repays repeated reading with an open mind: be prepared to have some of your beliefs and assumptions challanged but don't feel as though you *have* to believe anything. Make your own mind up. I think this book was written as a simple explanation rather than a rulebook of what Buddhists should and shouldn't believe.
All in all, this seems like a practical and illuminating book that makes for a rewarding read. Recommended.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Great Introduction
Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso is a fully qualified Buddhist Master, and this becomes immediately obvious when reading his books. Read more
Published 9 months ago by James W
Excellent
This book is, as it says, an introduction. It's very short but yet it gives a pretty comprehensive over view of the Mahayana Buddhist Path. Read more
Published 10 months ago by Graeme
Insightful
I found this book to be an excelent explaination as to what Buddhism is all about.
I think it is written very clearly, explained well with many useful examples, and it's... Read more
I think it is written very clearly, explained well with many useful examples, and it's... Read more
Published 16 months ago by J. Pitt
Ok but...
Firstly the good points of the book:
- It gives a relatively good view over Mahayana Buddhism.
- The book is well structured and the layout makes sense leaving more... Read more
- It gives a relatively good view over Mahayana Buddhism.
- The book is well structured and the layout makes sense leaving more... Read more
Published 17 months ago by readnreview
This can be a perspective-changing book
I read this book quickly despite the difficulty to understand certain points and despite of being new to Buddhism. I really loved it and thought it was a great for an introduction. Read more
Published 17 months ago by Aspirant
Meditate on this
Good intro to Bhuddism -interesting for a Christian like me !!.Got me thinking
Published 19 months ago by B. M. Walker
Hard work!
This is the first book I bought to find out more about Buddhism. However, I have found it to be quite a tough read. Read more
Published on 20 April 2010 by V. Cameron
Rambling and misleading
I tried to read this a few years ago, and found it extremely disappointing. It was very esoteric and prescriptive, and I didn't think it was very well-written. Read more
Published on 15 Mar 2010 by shpadoinkle
A bit too subjective for my liking
I found this book to be a bit too subjective for my liking, I wanted to read something about Buddhism as a whole, not about a particular sector. Read more
Published on 25 Feb 2010 by T. Maher
Loved it!
Excellent book.
Perfect if you are serious about wanting to know more about Buddhist philosophy and beliefs so clear and simple it's refreshing.
Perfect if you are serious about wanting to know more about Buddhist philosophy and beliefs so clear and simple it's refreshing.
Published on 19 Oct 2009 by Cath L
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