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The Foundation of Buddhist Practice

Published by Wisdom Publications
Distributed by Simon & Schuster

About The Book

The second volume in the Dalai Lama’s definitive and comprehensive series on the stages of the Buddhist path, The Library of Wisdom and Compassion.

Volume 1, Approaching the Buddhist Path, contained introductory material that set the context for Buddhist practice. This second volume, The Foundation of Buddhist Practice, describes the important teachings that will help us establish a flourishing Dharma practice.

Traditional presentations of the path in Tibetan Buddhism assume the audience already has faith in the Buddha and believes in rebirth and karma, but the Dalai Lama realized early on that a different approach was needed for his Western and contemporary Asian students. Starting with the four seals and the two truths, His Holiness illuminates key Buddhist ideas, such as dependent arising, emptiness, and karma, to support the reader in engaging with this rich tradition. This second volume in the Library of Wisdom and Compassion series provides a wealth of reflections on the relationship between a spiritual mentor and student, how to begin a meditation practice, and the relationship between the body and mind.

About The Authors

Thubten Chodron has been a Buddhist nun since 1977. A graduate of UCLA, she is the founder and abbess of Sravasti Abbey in Washington State. She is a popular speaker and author of numerous books, including Buddhism for Beginners.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people, a Nobel Peace Prize recipient, and a beacon of inspiration for Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike. He has persistently reached out across religious and political lines and has engaged in dialogue with scientists in his mission to advance peace and understanding in the world. In doing so, he embodies his motto: “My religion is kindness.”

Product Details

  • Publisher: Wisdom Publications (May 15, 2018)
  • Length: 400 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781614295457

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Raves and Reviews

“The Dalai Lama has a new series that introduces traditional Buddhist practices in a manner specifically designed for new, serious Westerners. These books are very clearly written (with the excellent teacher/writer Ven. Thubten Chodron) and beautifully edited; they explain each topic with meticulous care.”

– Guy Newland, author of A Buddhist Grief Observed

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More books in this series: The Library of Wisdom and Compassion