A unique collection of his life's teachings selected by the Dalai Lama himself.
An inspiration to millions of people worldwide, the Dalai Lama has long wanted one book that he could recommend as a basic sourcebook for his essential ideas. Now, for the first time, The Essential Dalai Lama brings together the best of the Dalai Lama's writings on all aspects of life from work to meditation. Divided into four sections The Vision, Buddhist Perspectives, Practice, A World in Harmony. The Essential Dalai Lama contains eloquent applications of the principles of ancient Buddhist thought to contemporary issues, all expressed in the Dalai Lama's uniquely compelling voice. Covering topics such as the quest for human happiness, foundations of Buddhism, Karma, focusing the mind, ethics and society, the Buddhist perspective on the teachings of Jesus, and much more, The Essential Dalai Lama will be the perfect gift for anyone who wishes to have one source for the Dalai Lama's teachings or who seeks an introduction to the philosophy and practice of Buddhism.
Essential Dalai Lama, Dalai Lama, Rajiv Mehrotra, Viking, Hardcover, 2005, 288 pages, $17.00
Rajiv Mehrotra is the author of The Mind of the Guru: Conversations with Spiritual Masters and is currently working on a biography of the Dalai Lama.
Introduction 11
Foreword 21
PART ONE: THREE VISIONS
The Poet's Vision 29
The Guru's Vision 34
The Monastery of Yi-Gah Cho-Ling 40
Kachenla, the Fatherly Friend and Mentor 46
Religious Practice and Ritual Symbolism 51
The Guru Appears 58
Tibetan Sacred Music 62
Meeting with the Guru 66
Initiation 71
On the Way of the White Clouds 77
The Rock Monastery 82
The Chela's Vision 86
An Awakening and a Glimpse into the Future 93
PART TWO: PILGRIM LIFE
The Nature of the Highlands 99
The Living Language of Colours 104
Dreams and Reminiscences in the Land of the 109
Blue Lake
Moving Slopes and the Riddle of the Horses' 119
Hoofs
Trance Walking and Lung-gom Training 127
Nyang-to Kyi-phug: the Monastery of Immured 132
Recluses
Physical Exercises 138
Healing Powers 143
The Hermit Abbot of Lachen 150
Miraculous Escape and Floating Lights 157
PART THREE: DEATH AND REBIRTH
The Guru's Passing Away 165
Tulku 170
Rebirth 176
U Khanti, the Seer of Mandalay Hill 183
Maung Tun Kyaing 190
The Mind that Conquers Death 198
The Case of Shanti Devi 203
A Message from the Past 210
PART FOUR: SOUTHERN AND CENTRAL TIBET
New Beginnings: Ajo Rimpoche 219
Interlude at Dungkar Gompa 225
The Two Siddhas of Tse Choling 229
Lengthening Shadows 235
Mystery-plays 242
The State Oracle of Nachung 249
The Oracle of Dungkar Gompa 255
The Life Story of an Oracle-Priest 260
Magic as Method and Practical Knowledge 265
PART FIVE: RETURN TO WESTERN TIBET
The Sacred Mountain 271
The Land of the Gods 280
The Last Trial 289
A Bon Monastery 299
The Valley of the Moon Castle 309
Arrival at Tsaparang 319
Critical Days 327
The Lama of Phiyang 336
A Race against Time and Obstacles 339
The Discovery of the Secret Path and the 343
Temple of the Great Mandala
Trek over the Frozen River 352
The Happy Valley 358
Final Initiations 366
The Magic Smith 372
Farewell to Tibet 377
EPILOGUE
Guru and Chela and the Journey into the 380
Light
APPENDICES
1 The Kings of Lhasa 387
2 The Rise and Fall of the Kings of Guge 390
Index 395
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