Free eBook Modern Buddhism
About Free eBook Modern Buddhism
Modern Buddhism is perfectly suited for inspiring those seeking solutions within Buddhism to problems of everyday life, as well as for encouraging practitioners of all faiths to deepen their understanding and practice of the spiritual path. This book reveals how to build a foundation for the spiritual path, how to progress on that path and how to complete it. With compassion and wisdom we can solve all our daily problems and accomplish the real meaning of our human life, and like two wings of a bird they will enable us to reach enlightenment quickly.
Beginning with a general explanation of Buddhism, the author presents meditations such as the preciousness of our human life, our death, and karma (our actions and their effects) that make us look beyond our immediate needs and wishes. The ‘four noble truths’ of Buddhism are explained in a way that encourages us to look at the causes of suffering within ourselves and by removing them experience lasting freedom from suffering, known in Buddhism as ‘nirvana’.
Through presenting meditations on developing love and compassion the author shows us how to develop a heartfelt concern for the happiness of others, and how we apply this practically in our daily lives. By doing this we experience immediate benefit in our own lives: ‘If we cherish others, we shall always have good relationships and live in harmony with others, and our daily life will be peaceful and happy. We can begin this practice with our family, friends and those around us, and then gradually we shall develop and maintain cherishing love for all living beings without exception.'
'...The immediate effect of cherishing others will be that many of our daily problems, such as those that arise from anger, jealousy and selfish behaviour, will disappear, and our mind will become calm and peaceful.’ However, to uproot the underlying causes of our problems, and to increase our capacity to benefit others, we also need wisdom that sees the way things actually exist. Developing this wisdom means looking behind the way things ordinarily appear: ‘Like a mirage that appears to be water but is not in fact water, things appear in a deceptive way. Not understanding their real nature we are fooled by appearances, and grasp at books and tables, bodies and worlds as truly existent. The result of grasping at phenomena in this way is that we develop self-cherishing, attachment, hatred, jealousy and other delusions, our mind becomes agitated and unbalanced, and our peace of mind is destroyed. We are like travellers in a desert who exhaust themselves running after mirages.’ Even an initial understanding of the way things exist will bring immediate benefit to our lives, and by improving this wisdom we shall destroy the ignorance that lies at the root of all our suffering and confusion.
A clear explanation of Buddhist Tantra is also given, showing its importance and connection with basic Buddhist ideas, and how even profound Tantric practices can be applied in everyday life. In this way Modern Buddhism reveals how all aspects of Buddhism – from the most basic to the most profound – can be applied practically to solve our daily problems and experience deeper inner peace and happiness
This eBook Modern Buddhism – The Path of Compassion and Wisdom, in three volumes, is being distributed free of charge. The author, Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, says: “Through reading and practising the instructions given in this book, people can solve their daily problems and maintain a happy mind all the time.” So that these benefits may pervade the whole world the author wishes to offer this eBook freely to everyone.
About the author
Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso is a fully accomplished meditation master and internationally renowned teacher of Buddhism. Geshe-la, as he is affectionately called by his students, is primarily responsible for the worldwide revival of Kadampa Buddhism in our time. From the age of eight Geshe-la studied extensively in the great monastic universities of Tibet and earned the title ‘Geshe’, which literally means ‘spiritual friend’. Under the guidance of his Spiritual Guide, Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, he then spent the next eighteen years in meditation retreats in the Himalayas. In 1977 he accepted an invitation to teach at Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre in England, where he has lived and taught ever since, giving teachings and guidance to an ever-growing number of disciples. Each year, Geshe-la gives teachings and empowerments at the International Kadampa Festivals, which are attended by thousands of people from all over the world.
He has published a series of highly acclaimed books on Buddhism and meditation, from basic introductory books to advanced philosophical texts and meditation manuals. Modern Buddhism is his 21st book and transmits the essence of Buddhism in a way that makes is easy to understand and use practically to solve our problems and improve our lives.
Geshe-la has established three unique study programmes and 1200 centres and groups around the world, trained hundreds of qualified Teachers and a flourishing ordained community, and created a project to build Buddhist Temples in every major city in the world. In his teachings Geshe Kelsang emphasizes the importance of meditation and how to apply it in daily life, the need to be truly happy, and how to cultivate a good heart to help others — and he demonstrates these qualities perfectly in his own life.
Reviews
“Geshe Kelsang Gyatso illuminates the very heart of Buddhist thought and practice.” Booklist Magazine
“Geshe Kelsang Gyatso is a highly respected meditation master and scholar of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition.” Spirituality & Health
“Geshe Kelsang Gyatso has proven to be a popular and accessible authority.” Library Journal
Please enjoy this special gift from Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, who dedicates: “May everyone who reads this book experience deep peace of mind, and accomplish the real meaning of human life.”
