Table of Contents
Preface 1
Part 1 Acknowledgement 7
Chapter 1
What is the point? 8
What is happiness? 10
Believing nothing 11
Chapter 2
The problem of evolution 14
Consciousness 16
What does science mean? 19
Chapter 3
What is religion? 23
The unbreakable custom 26
Do miracles exist? 28
Chapter 4
Why does evil exist? 31
Why does evil prosper? 33
Overcoming evil 34
Chapter 5
The realm of truth 36
The perception of truth and uncertainty 37
What is the point of philosophy? 40
Chapter 6
Free will: the insoluble paradox? 43
God 46
Death 49
Part 2 Resolution 53
Chapter 7
Resolving to pursue enlightenment 54
The delusion of desire? 55
Dedication 57
Part 3 Pursuance 59
Chapter 8
The law of morality 60
What is right and wrong? 62
The conditions for happiness 65
Chapter 9
The wisdom of Spinoza 67
The problem of ego 68
The key to freedom? 70
Chapter 10
The myth of impulsiveness? 73
The burden of responsibility 74
Discarding anxiety 75
Chapter 11
Passionate illusions 77
Resolving contradictions 78
Understanding and communication 80
Chapter 12
Healthy body, healthy mind? 82
It isn't about whether you win 83
The illusion of intoxication 84
Chapter 13
The use and limitations of intelligence 86
The difference between eloquence and excellence 87
One reality? 88
Chapter 14
The difference between equanimity and indifference 91
The practical use of equanimity 93
An ascetic mind 94
Chapter 15
What is worship? 96
Training the mind 97
Transcending duality and realizing emptiness 99
Chapter 16
Freedom of thought 103
Who's enlightened? 104
Achieving wisdom 106
Chapter 17
Overcoming obstacles 108
Cultivating virtue 109
Criticism and pride 111
Chapter 18
Dedication and expectation 113
Living in the world 114
Realization 116
Notes 121
Glossary 130
