Approaching the Buddhist Path (1) (The Library of Wisdom and Compassion) Hardcover – Illustrated, August 15, 2017

Finally, a detailed and integrated book about Buddhism was written to Westerners. In 1993, Thubten Chodron started a contact with HH the Dalai Lama in order to convince him to write a book directed to Westerners. Based on Thubten Chodron’s suggestion, the Dalai Lama accepted to write clear Buddhist instructions to the world. This series is the final result.To prepare this publication, intense effort had been performed for many years. Field research in the Buddhist world had been done to gather obscured topics. These questions were presented to the Dalai Lama in order to help and guide him establishing the right direction of presentation of the important Buddhist principles. This is an original and unprecedented contribution of the series.‘Approaching the Buddhist Path’ is the first volume of a collection of 8 books intended to present Buddhism to the world and, in particular, to the West. This first volume is very well written, it tries to pursue a didactic method. When concepts are introduced, they are immediately well defined. Thisapproach makes the reading easier. The subjects are displayed in a consistent and logical order. Concepts are extensively repeated; this procedure helps the reader to fix them. Summaries are also given to aid reflection. The style of presentation follows the pattern used in the West. Sanskrit and Tibetan terms were seldom used.But, the book is a technical document. It is not a publication for a unique reading. The reader needs to study it in order to comprehend the essence of the exposed matters.If the remainder volumes follow the same scheme used in this first volume, the information about Buddhism presented in this series will be extremely relevant to Westerners.

Despite the title, this is not a good first book on Buddhism. It doesn't shy away from intricate philosophical topics and quoting scriptures. It's not apologetics and doesn't attempt to convince you to adopt Buddhism. The reader is assumed to have some confidence in Buddhism already.Who this book is good for is a Buddhist who's maybe practiced in a casual manner for a while, read some basic material, and is ready to move on to more advanced topics. For that type of reader, this book is a comprehensive and enlightening work filled with the Dalai Lama's unique viewpoint. The purpose of this series is to prepare readers to study the Lamrim (stages of the path), and so far it has been very successful.

It is hard to understand how much my practice and Dharma study is benefitting from this series. I read "Approaching the Buddhist Path" in order to follow the Friday night online teachings at Sravasti Abbey. I'm now reading "The Foundation of Buddhist Practice." Previously, my study was unfocused and scattered. I had no basis upon which to hang the teachings I've heard or my own ideas about them. I have "Samsara, Nirvana, and Buddha Nature" on my shelf waiting for me. I understand that Volume 4 is imminent. I think I know now what is likely to be my go-to reference for my Dharma study for the rest of my life. There is so much there.The explanations of what I believe to be very complex concepts are very brief. I don't pretend to understand what is written in even a short paragraph. But I can hear the authors' friendly voices encouraging me read on and be patient. This series I believe can establish a foundation upon which I can understand things I have come into contact with in the past and will hear in the future.

Fantastic book. Well written, detailed book on the history and practice of Tibetan Buddhism. A real delight, and a good step on the path. It is such an honor to have teachers like the two authors of this book.

Book is a very good introduction for westerners new to Buddhism and Buddhist teachings. Will give you a solid base to build upon.

A deight journey , another excellent read, thank you

I skipped over the parts in history, but there is a lot of valuable knowledge in this book. Definitely recommend to anyone interested in Buddhism.

Can't wait to read this!