In this highly readable collection, Robert Thurman brings together the jewels of Tibetan literature that have made their own distinctive contribution to "the great river of Buddhism." He introduces the selection with an overview of essential Buddhist thought, orienting the reader with a history of Buddhism's development, from its origins in India, expansion across Asia, and flowering on Tibetan soil. Explaining the distinctive attainment of Tibetan Buddhist civilization as "the vivid sense of Buddhas in ordinary, daily reality," Thurman guides readers through selections that speak to the possibility of liberation for all beings. Stressing also the importance of the teacher or mentor figure in Tibetan Buddhist practice, he presents key texts from teachers whose words serve as inspiration to those seeking the path toward enlightenment. Excerpts culled from the vastness of the Tibetan canon include the hymns to the liberator goddess Tara, pieces from The Tibetan Book of the Dead, writings on mentor worship from the first Panchen Lama, and selections from esoteric tantric practice texts. The volume ends with the 1989 Nobel Peace Prize lecture by Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso, illustrating the enduring relevance of this ancient wisdom for modern life. --Uma Kukathas


From Library Journal
Thurman, who holds the first endowed chair in Indo-Tibetan Buddhist studies in America (at Columbia Univ.) and cofounded Tibet House in New York City, presents an introductory text of sorts, with a useful selection from representative texts. (LJ 3/1/96) Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Booklist
Ever since the Dalai Lama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989, Westerners have been fascinated by Tibetan Buddhism, and many have found their way to the Dalai Lama's lucid books. The next step in understanding this immensely complex tradition is to become familiar with its key texts. The literature of Tibetan Buddhism is vast and confounding, but Thurman, a highly respected Tibetan Buddhist scholar and an American Tibetan Buddhist monk, paves the way with this accessible, "essential" collection. He explains that the "essence" that sets Tibetan Buddhism apart from other Buddhist traditions is the belief in the existence of living Buddhas, and the possibility of becoming one oneself. The path to enlightenment is found with the help of a teacher, and mentor worship is as intrinsic to Tibetan Buddhism as monasticism, asceticism, tantric disciplines, the dharma, and reincarnation. Thurman, a mentor in print as well as in spirit, has wisely organized the carefully selected texts (many in verse form) according to the "essence" they elucidate. Donna Seaman


Book Description
Despite its burgeoning influence, few people truly understand the core beliefs, traditions, and movements of this popular Eastern religion. Robert Thurman, professor of Indo-Tibetan studies at Columbia University, has assembled the first guide to Tibetan Buddhism that introduces the distinctive Tibetan practice through its own rich literature. He includes excerpts from The Book of the Dead as well as lesser known but comparable scriptures.Essential Tibetan Buddhism is a part of The Essential Series, beautifully packaged works that feature the core texts of major religious traditions in definitive translations, edited by leading authorities.


From the Publisher
From the foremost Western Tibetan Buddhist scholar--and the first American Tibetan Buddhist monk--comes a comprehensive essential guide to the incomparable riches of Tibetan Buddhism.


About the Author
Robert A.F. Thurman, the Jey Tsong Khapa Professor of Indo-Tibetan Studies at Columbia University, "is a prolific translator and writer, a powerful advocate for the liberation of Tibet and the Dalai Lama's cultural liaison to America" (New York Times Magazine). His books include a new translation of The Tibetan Book of the Dead and Inside Tibetan Buddhism.

FROM OUR EDITORS

This wide-ranging introduction to Tibetan Buddhism's vibrant literature includes the hymns to Tara and the songs of Milarepa; instructions for the Bodhisattva Way of Life; selections from The Tibetan Book of the Dead; more.

FROM THE PUBLISHER