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Mastering The Core Teachings Of The Buddha, An Unusually Hardcore Dharma Book (2008)

by Daniel M. Ingram(Favorite Author)

4.45 of 5 Votes: 3

languge

English

genre

Nonfiction

publisher

Aeon Pulications

review 1: By far the best book on Buddhist meditation I've read. The book provides wonderful descriptions on the types of meditation (Vipassana and Jhana), the stages of meditation, practical guidance in how to perform the various types, potential pitfalls of the types and how to work through them, the benefits of the types, experiences characteristic of the types--a literal map through the various types of meditation. Equally helpful is the no nonsense approach Ingram takes to the subject matters he discusses, including an honest assessment (sometimes harsh) of how meditation is taught in the western world. I especially appreciate how he critiqued the tendency to mix psychotherapy with meditation in the teaching of the latter. If you want an exhaustive and honest book on Buddhist m... moreeditation, then Ingram's book is an essential read.
review 2: If you are not on a spiritual path toward enlightenment (awakening), this book is not for you. If you are on such path and hold to a specific tradition, then Daniel Ingram’s arrogant and irreverent tone, as well as some of the spiritual taboos he addresses, is likely to offend you, perhaps profoundly. Lightening-flash symbols for chapters and sections that might be considered controversial, to some, are clearly marked and are also addressed as a warning in the forward.For the relatively small number of people who are on a spiritual path toward enlightenment and are perhaps adverse to various traditions and dogma, then this may be the most valuable resource that you are ever likely to find anywhere. Understanding what you read here and then putting it into practice just might save you precious time and countless thousands of dollars finding the right teachers, pathways and books and trying to figure out what the hell is going on. The paradox, of course, is that you still have to investigate all this is on your own. As Ingram stresses over and over again, there is no substitute for investigating the true nature of reality through direct sensate experience and it takes practice, practice, and practice no matter what stage of the Path you are on. The author does a masterful job of explaining the distinctions between concentration practices and insight or wisdom practices, which are rarely found elsewhere. Characterizing the various states of concentration and the progressive stages to enlightenment, Ingram maps an accessible pathway. Interestingly, at the highest levels, concentration practices are associated with various kinds of psychic powers and sorcery, and, according to Ingram, cannot and will not lead to enlightenment and that such practices are not needed to awaken. Perhaps the most honest, insightful and least heard notions that Ingram puts forth is that enlightenment and its various stages are attainable by anyone who is serious and works hard at it. In fact, he proclaims that enlightenment is easier to attain than purging of all our personal “stuff” (issues, flaws, quirks, pain, negative emotions, traumas, cultural baggage, childhood scars, fears, relationship difficulties, insecurities, etc.) that many people attribute to enlightened beings. This purge doesn’t necessarily take place. Being an arahat or buddha will not solve or eliminate our personal stuff—while finding this out is a drag, at least Ingram has the courage to tell it like it is. Ingram openly identifies as an Arahat and debunks much of the magic, mystery and mastery that surrounds a spiritual practice by bringing it down to earth and putting it into practical terms. For this and so many other reasons, this is a handy book of have for those who are on such a spiritual path. less

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