The lamrim (stages of the path) presentation of Buddhist teachings has become a core topic of study at many Buddhist centers in the West. For busy practitioners, the lamrim gives a concise and easily graspable picture of the Buddhist path. Best-selling author Thubten Chodron has a unique ability to present these teachings. In this volume, she provides clear explanations of the stages of the path, while the mp3 files on the accompanying CD contain guided meditations on each of the topics covered in the text. The meditation teachings of lamrim, says Buddhist teacher Thubten Chodron, are like ready-made clothes that are easy to wear--they're systematized so that we can "wear" them right away, so we can learn and practice them in an organized fashion. Lamrim can be translated in various ways: "stages of the path," "steps on the path," or "gradual path." "Gradual path" reminds us that the process of transforming the mind, unlike so many other things in our hurry-up society, is a slow and thoughtful one.
These systematic teachings are the subject of this book and the accompanying CD. The lamrim presents a step-by-step method to tame the mind, and each person will find meaning and insight according to his or her level of understanding. As readers practice these meditations repeatedly, their comprehension and experience will transform and deepen even though the words used to spark the meditation sessions remain the same.
The first section of Guided Meditations discusses how to establish a daily practice, how to set up an altar, and how to approach the two kinds of meditation--stabilizing and analytical. The second presents the meditations. The third supplies an overview, instructions for working with distractions, antidotes to mental afflictions, advice for newcomers, and suggestions on how to deepen Dharma practice.
The accompanying mp3 CD contains over fourteen hours of guided meditations. Individuals who live far from Buddhist teachers or Dharma centers will appreciate the personal guidance offered with these meditations, enabling them to begin and continue a daily meditation practice.
American Buddhist nun Thubten Chodron guides you through the lamrim meditations, which help the practitioner understand how mind, thoughts, and emotions create our experience.
"I am very happy to learn that Bhikshuni Thubten Chodron has undertaken to record the analytical meditations on lamrim. As I often tell people, the analytical meditations on the points of the lamrim will transform our minds and enable us to become more compassionate and wise. I encourage people to do these meditations as part of their daily practice."--H.H. the Dalai Lama
"Ven. Thubten Chodron is someone whose life embodies the virtues of kindness, simplicity and a clarity of vision which lie at the heart of the Buddha's teachings. It is these perennial qualities that shine through her writings and touch the hearts of readers all over the world."--Thupten Jinpa, translator for H.H. the Dalai Lama
"Prayer and aspiration are not enough for deep transformation; reasoning is necessary. Transformation comes from studying the lamrim, thinking about the topics, and doing analytical meditation on them. With a firm grounding in lamrim, we'll be able to work with our mind no matter what is going on in it or around us. When we do this, our Dharma practice becomes so tasty! We don't get bored practicing. It becomes very exciting and fascinating."--Ven. Chodron on the importance of lamrim
Bhikshuni Thubten Chodron, an American-born Tibetan Buddhist nun, has studied and practiced Buddhism in India and Nepal since 1975. Ven. Chodron travels worldwide teaching and leading meditation retreats, and is known for her clear and practical explanations of the Buddha's teachings. She is the author of numerous books including Buddhism for Beginners and Open Heart, Clear Mind.
