Indestructible Truth: The Living Spirituality of Tibetan Buddhism (World of Tibetan Buddhism, Vol. 1)

This is the first volume in Reginald Ray's two-volume introduction to Tibetan Buddhism. It focuses on the more conventional aspects of the tradition while the second volume (Secret of the Vajra World) deals with the more esoteric tantric components. Ray begins with a description of Buddhist Cosmology and he explains how Tibetans view that cosmology and integrate it into their daily lives. This helps to eliminate some of the dry scholasticism so often found in various introductions to religions. The fact that Ray has been a Buddhist practitioner for many years as well as a Western academic allows him approach the subject sometimes as an insider, a Buddhist who has participated in rituals and meditated on teachings, and sometimes as an outsider, a professor who can describe Tibetan history and Buddhist teachings in the more conventional academic way. I found this approach to be very effective, and Ray is able to maintain a balance somewhere between writing a love letter to his personal religious tradition and writing about Tibetan Buddhism as though it were a mysterious phenomenon from an alien world.I thought this book was organized very well. After the introduction on cosmology, it begins with a section on the history of the spread of Buddhism to Tibet, including a short discussion of the forms of Buddhism in India during the times leading up to both the early and later transmissions of Buddhism to Tibet. There are sections on the various "schools" of Tibetan Buddhism, the Nyingma, Kadam, Sakya, Kagyu, Gelug, as well as a section on the Ri-me (nonsectarian) movement of the 19th century. Ray stresses two trajectories within Tibetan Buddhist practice, scholarly monastic traditions and non-monastic tantric lineages, and compares the emphasis on each within each of the schools of Tibetan Buddhism. In fact, this dichotomy undergirds his entire discussion of Buddhist history.The next section contains a detailed discussion of the view and practice of Hinayana and Mahayana Buddhism, respectively. Ray describes the view that is cultivated in each of the vehicles and then describes how that view influences one's meditation and ethical activities. It is important to note that Ray emphasizes that this division is merely a didactic convention and that, within Tibetan Buddhism, "Hinayana" does not necessarily refer to "Theravada" Buddhism. The final section introduces the gradual development of Buddhist philosophy by using the traditional framework of the "Three Turnings of the Wheel of Dharma." These three turnings are the Abhidharma system, Madhyamaka philosophy, and teachings on the Buddha-nature. This is likely the most difficult section of the book for those relatively unfamiliar with Buddhism, but Ray does an admirable job succinctly presenting the tenets of each system. He also briefly summarizes the debate among some Tibetan schools as to whether the second or third turning constitutes the final, ultimate teaching of the Buddha.Again, this book is a comprehensive introduction to Tibetan religious thought, both its history and practice. It does not focus so much on Tibetan culture, but that is not its aim. Whether you want to learn about Tibetan Buddhism from scratch or wish to augment what you already know, I highly recommend this book. Perhaps the best praise I can give is that I plan to read the companion volume, Secret of the Vajra World, another 400+ page book, very soon.

I'll try not to be over-enthusiastic, but it won't be easy. If you're interested in authentic Tibetan Buddhism, you should very seriously consider getting this book, "Indestructible Truth" and its companion volume, "Secret of the Vajra World." I've been practicing Tibetan Buddhism on my own for over six years now and joined a Karma Kagyu community about three years ago, with intermittent group study. Although I'm a voracious reader and have a great collection of high quality books to study from (plus online), these two books should have been my first stop. Eminently readable and packed with information that you'll only find sporadically elsewhere, the comprehensive information here can serve as the basis for a solid, well-rounded education in both its exoteric (Hinayana and Mahayana) and its esoteric (Vajrayana) vehicles, the philosophy, meditation practices and cultural background of Tibetan Buddhism. Reward yourself with what many believe to be the best foundational volumes on the ancient and precious way of the Buddhadharma.

Contains pretty much everything one would first want to know about exoteric Tibetan Buddhism than can be said clearly in under 600 pages: descriptions of the major schools, biographies of their most influential figures, explanations of the relevant teachings from each of the three turnings of the wheel of dharma, Tibetan cosmology, the importance of the Bodhisattva vow, etc. I personally came away feeling like all the right decisions were made on what to include and what to keep out, and all done in a very readable manner without ever seeming to become bogged down in detail. The author also uses some descriptions of personal experiences to great effect, and I got the impression that he's a highly committed practitioner who's really seeking to benefit others with this book.

Outstanding book on Tibetan Buddhism. A bit long, especially with the history of it, but one can always skim through it. The part about the actual philosophy/religion was truly enlightening for me. I came away with knowing about the subject then I ever imagined. The author clearly has a passion for Tibetan Buddhism and some of the personal anecdotes really moved me. High quality book, written with an effective prose, tremendous content.

its tibetan 101. a good start.

This is the best book I have ever read as far as each and every Tibetan tradition of Buddhism goes.This book offers insight into the major traditions and various branches of Buddhism and also a small look into the lives of various Buddhist saints and how they were able to become who they became.A great read and very very informative.

This is one of the most outstanding and comprehensive books on Tibetan Buddhism I have read. The beauty of this book is the way it combines historical information with a very deep understanding of the practice. The writing is lovely. You will soak it up like a sponge.

This book was very informative. I wish I'd read it a couple of years ago as it would have saved me a lot of time and $ for other books on Buddhism I've bought and read that didn't lay it out in such an understandable way as Reggie Ray did. I'm awaiting the mail today for his next book.

So far as I have read, and from a quick forwards skim, it is outstandingly good.

This book is an excellent introduction to and an indispensable aid to understanding Tibetan Buddhism.

Der Körper lügt nie - ein wunderbares Buch, das aufmerksam und langsam gelesen werden will, beim Lesen stellt sich Zufriedenheit und Glück ein.

I start to read it.