A Tibetan Buddhist anthology of accessible and authentic contemplative exercises to help
cultivate innate yet undeveloped powers of mind emotion and body. A Penguin Classic Drawn
from Tibet's rich contemplative literature Buddhist Meditation offers classic exercises
focused on the opportunities and challenges of life cultivating inner calm fostering a wider
perspective on oneself in relationship to others working with negative emotions and the
highest values of the Buddhist tradition love and compassion. Several dozen meditation
instructions are collected in twelve chapters. All major traditions of Tibetan Buddhism are
represented. The book is structured on foundation practices practice manuals that immerse the
reader in the search for meaningful and compassionate responses to the ubiquity of human
suffering and in the contemplative techniques that translate that search into consequential
action. Spiritual exercises introduce: 1) the opportunity for self-betterment and to be of
benefit to other living beings: 2) the inescapable persistence of suffering in life and the
reality of death: 3) the workings of ethical cause and effect otherwise known as karma and: 4)
the ever-repeating succession of frustration known as cyclic existence or samsara. The second
set of foundation practices provide tools to build upon including: 5) taking refuge in
Buddhism-a deep formal commitment to integrate Buddhist contemplative and ethical teachings
into one's life: 6) cultivating love and compassion for all living beings: 7) clearing away
cognitive emotional and behavioral impediments to actualizing love and compassion: 8)
developing with wisdom and the experience and excellent qualities necessary to put love and
compassion into practice and 9) dedicating oneself to a spiritual mentor to serve as a guide
through this intensive program of training. Part existential philosophy part ethics part
self-help program part cosmology-the foundation exercises present a complete Buddhist picture
of life the ethical universe and the first steps in making a positive impact in life for
ourselves and others steps anyone can begin to take by dedicating themselves to train in
contemplative exercises. Provided by publisher.
