Buddhism for Beginners covers the most fundamental questions and issues that arise in the minds of modern Western individuals who are new to this tradition of practical spirituality. Written in clear and engaged language, this book presents the Buddhist approach to the fundamental issues and concerns of daily life. Thubten Chodron guides us through the basic tenets of Buddhism, encouraging and instructing us how to live a more peaceful, mindful , and satisfying life. She untangles our confusions and leads us through the most basic aspects of this rich, living spiritual tradition.

Buddhism for Beginners, Thubten Chodron, Snow Lion Publications, Paperback, 2001, 160 pages, $14.95

Thubten Chodron, born Cheryl Greene, is an American Tibetan Buddhist nun, author, teacher, and the founder and abbess of Sravasti Abbey, the only Tibetan Buddhist training monastery for Western nuns and monks in the United States.[2] Chodron is a central figure in the reinstatement of the Bhikshuni (Tib. Gelongma) ordination of women. She is a student of the 14th Dalai Lama, Tsenzhab Serkong Rinpoche, Lama Thubten Yeshe, Thubten Zopa Rinpoche, and other Tibetan masters. She has published many books on Buddhist philosophy and meditation, and is co-authoring with the Dalai Lama a multi-volume series of teachings on the Buddhist path,

CONTENTS: Buddhism for Beginners
Foreword by His Holiness the Dalai Lama		7
Introduction		9
1.	The Essence of Buddhism	13
2.	The Buddha	19
3.	Love and Compassion	27
4.	Meditation	33
5.	Impermanence and Suffering	39
6.	Selflessness	45
7.	Science, Creation, and Rebirth	51
8.	Karma: The Functioning of Cause and Effect	59
9.	Dying, Death, and the Intermediate State	67
10.	The Buddhist Traditions	75
11.	Vajrayana	79
12.	Steps Along the Path	85
13.	Working with Emotions	87
14.	Dharma in Daily Life	95
15.	Social Activism and Ethical Issues	101
16.	Women and the Dharma	113
17.	Monks, Nuns, and Lay Practitioners	117
18.	Spiritual Teachers	125
19.	Family and Children	129
20.	Shrines and Offerings	137
21.	Prayer, Ritual, and Dedicating Positive Potential	143
Glossary		151
Further Reading		155
Resources		159