A Guide to the Buddhist Path

by Sangharakshita, Sara Hagel (Editor)

Overview

In this approachable handbook, Sangharakshita guides the reader through the complex tradition of Buddhism. In part one he tackles the theory of the religion in sections devoted to the Buddha, his teachings, and the spiritual community, while in part two he discusses the practicalities of trying to lead a Buddhist life. For those wishing to deepen their knowledge and experience of Buddhism, this is a complete map of the Buddhist path.

Sangharakshita is the founder of the Triratna Buddhist Community. He has a lifetime of teaching experience and is the author of over forty books.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781907314056
Publisher:	Windhorse Publications
Publication date:	09/06/2011
Edition description:	Third Edition
Pages:	264
Product dimensions:	6.25(w) x 9.25(h) x (d)

About the Author

A respected translator and author of over fifty books, Sangharakshita began studying BUddhism at the age of 16. After 20 years studying in India he returned to England and set up the Friends of the Western Buddhist Order which has over 65 centres worldwide, including the USA.

Table of Contents

Preface

PART ONE
Introduction
THE BUDDHA
•Who is the Buddha?
•Archetypal Symbolism in the Biography of the Buddha
•The Symbolism of the Five Buddhas, 'Male' and 'Female'
•The Five Wisdoms THE DHARMA
•The Word of the Buddha
•Wrong View, Right View, Perfect View
•The Wheel of Life and the Spiral Path
•The Six Realms
•The Twelve Links
•Stopping the Wheel
•The Spiral Path
THE SANGHA
•The Traditional Significance of the Sangha
•The Primacy of Going for Refuge
•What Members of the Spiritual Community Do
•Communication
•Friendship
•Unfailing Mutual Kindness

PART TWO
Introduction
MORALITY
•The Criterion of Ethics
•The Five Precepts
•The Principle of Non-Violence
•The Principle of Non-Exploitation
•Contentment
•Levels of Communication
•Awareness
MEDITATION
•A System of Meditation
•The Five Basic Methods of Meditation
•Alienated Awareness and Integrated Awareness
•The Four Brahma-Viharas
•The Dhyanas
•The Symbolism of the Five Elements in the Stupa
•The Stupa Visualisation Practice
WISDOM
•The Three Characteristics of Existence
•The Bodhicitta
•How the Bodhicitta Arises
•Enlightenment, Eternity, and Time
•The 'Goal' of Nirvana
•Enlightenment

Further Reading
Notes
Index