March 1, 1995
This book is deceptive. It first appears to be just another how-to title based on Buddhist philosophy, but it is actually a comprehensive exposition on one of the more important sects of Tibetan Buddhism. As such, it comprises 15 talks and articles by Thondup, an esteemed leader and teacher of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism. His purpose here is to show how daily life can become the basis of Buddhist spiritual training, and each talk is an introduction to various aspects of Buddhism, covering such topics as meditation as a means to arouse compassion and the importance of suffering to reach enlightenment. Deserving special recognition are the talks on the significance of Tibetan Buddhist art and holy places and the teachings concerning the experience of dying and the after-death state. Recommended for public and academic libraries.--Glenn Masuchika, Chaminade Univ. Lib., Honolulu